Table Talk

February 14, 2019

My apologies for the tardy delivery of this week’s Table Talk my friends. Yesterday’s travel home from the Big Apple was not met without challenge, and as a result my feeble brain was challenged to multi-task.

The 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has come to a close and I would like to congratulate all of those that exhibited. A special nod goes out to those who were able to bring home a ribbon, and to others who were there to help and support their friends, family, and handlers. It is no small feat to get to New York City, much less navigate around the city and get the dogs where they need to be and when they need to be there! I hope everyone had the opportunity not only to enjoy the show, but also to take in a bit of this great city, and get together with friends and acquaintances that they only get to see at the larger events. To me, the opportunity to see friends from all over the world–who I am only able to see once or twice a year–is one of my favorite aspects of the Westminster week.

This year Westminster Kennel Club once again provided courtesy shuttle service to and from the hotels surrounding Madison Square Garden and the Piers. I heard many positive comments about the shuttle service, and also heard a few negative comments, primarily about the lines at the Pier. Orchestrating transportation services like this in New York City is no small undertaking, my friends, and Harry Miller and his crew–along with Westminster–have nothing but the exhibitors’ safety in mind. If the wait for a bus is inconvenient, there are always alternate methods of transportation, and I believe those alternative methods were listed in the premium list and judging program.

There has been a great amount of discussion on social media about the crowd’s behavior at Madison Square Garden during group judging. It is very unfortunate that anyone would “boo” at any time during judging, or any sporting event for that matter. At first I was very disappointed in the fancy until I reflected and read other’s comments from people that I greatly respect. The reality is the crowd at Madison Square Garden was comprised primarily of spectators who are not “dog people” and behaved at Westminster like they would behave at any sporting event, booing when they disagreed with a decision. To them, attending Westminster is like attending a Knicks game. In my efforts to keep things positive, I am going with that frame of mind and will not let the negative “noise” during judging cloud my respect for the fancy as a whole.

Unfortunately, there has been some negative commentary on social media about some of the dogs who won and I’d like to offer the following as food for thought: If the dog you wished to win did not win, please remember there are many people that love the dogs that DID win with all their hearts and souls. These wins bring memories that last for years. Seeing someone on social media bash your dog hurts. It hurts very badly. It also hurts the sport we have dedicated our lives to and love so much. PLEASE BE KIND! If being kind is not enough of an incentive, remember that everyone can see your words.

As most of you are aware, “Colton” the Schipperke, who won the Non-Sporting group at Westminster, was removed from competition for the Best In Show judging as a result of a relationship between the co-owners and the judge. There are many different thoughts about this, but it should be noted that the dog was not entered with the thought that he would win the group, and the situation was handled in the best possible manner. There are many dogs shown week-in and week-out that have possible conflicts should a party to the conflict be a judge, handler, or owner. These conflicts are magnified at a show like Westminster.

I hope everyone enjoyed our Table Talk Live! coverage from New York this year and I would like to thank everyone that took the time to participate! I would also like to thank so many of you for your kind words and your support of what we are trying to do with this new addition to The Canine Chronicle. The Table Talk Live! coverage certainly has improved since our first effort in Orlando in December of 2017 and with your help and participation we plan to continue to get better! I welcome suggestions for segments, so if you have thoughts, please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. If any of you are available to help out with our Breed Priority segments in Louisville in March, please give me a shout!

I am sad to pass on the news that Great Dane fancier and handler Ed Lyons has passed away. Ed was loved by all that knew him, and his passing leaves a big hole in many people’s hearts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ed’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Best wishes to Heidi Hartman’s daughter, Caroline Kellerman, on the delivery of her first baby. As of the writing of this column, Caroline is in labor: What a great birthday present to Grandma Heidi!

Celebrating birthdays this week are: Jackie Beaudoin, Michelle Michael, Heidi Hartman, Jeré Marder, Jamie Clute, Susan Sprung, Cassidy Jackson, Lenny Gremminger and Colette Seror.

Be safe in your travels, my friends, and please do not forget the hard working show committees and volunteers who put forth so much effort to put on the shows we attend week-in and week-out. Reach out to one of the “newbies” and make them your project! It can be very rewarding. Until next time…

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