Table Talk – September 5, 2018

I cannot believe that the “unofficial” end of summer (at least in the Midwest) is here already!  It seems that we were all just heading to the Memorial Day clusters and BOOM! It’s Labor Day!  This past weekend there were shows – mostly clusters – held in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, Oregon, Wyoming, Maine, California, North Carolina, New Jersey and Hawaii.  What has me scratching my head about this scenario is the number of shows held in the Midwest.  The shows in Lexington had an entry of 1800-plus on Saturday, while those in Ohio had an entry of 608, Iowa had 863, Michigan had 539, and Missouri had 537 entries.  I remember when entries at the Lexington shows were well above 3,000.  I believe some of the decrease in their entries has to be related to the number of shows held in the Midwest in close proximity to one another.  I am willing to be convinced otherwise, but my current opinion is there are too many dog shows being held too close to each other.  I have heard rumblings that AKC is contemplating increasing the mileage requirement between shows; I hope that is true.  Stay tuned for more on this topic.

Weather played a bit of havoc at the shows held in Jackson, Michigan. Torrential rains flooded the grounds and the grooming tents.  Fortunately, the drainage on the grounds was good and the show was not canceled.  A big shout-out to Janette Parker and Connie Kobert for trying to save exhibitor’s grooming belongings by picking as much equipment up off the ground as they could!

I heard Lucy the Whippet escaped the hotel room of her owner in Lexington and has not yet been found.  Many fellow exhibitors spent countless hours searching, passing out flyers, and posting signs to aid in Lucy’s return.  Sadly, Lucy has not yet been found, but there is still hope. Positive thoughts are with her owner, Pam Heintzelman. We hope Lucy is found safe and sound.

Kudos to the Hickories Circuit for refunding pre-paid reserved RV parking fees after weather caused them to cancel their shows.  We need more clubs to consider refunding what they can when they are forced to cancel their shows.

I was sorry to hear Edd Bivin had trouble with his back again.  He was unable to complete his judging assignment this past Saturday.  I hope you are feeling better soon my friend!

Joseph Vergnetti told me he visited Ron Rella who recently suffered a second stroke.  I know everyone joins me in wishing Ron a complete and speedy recovery.  He would love to hear from all his friends in the dog world.  If you would like to send a card to him, please send it to:  Ron Rella, 30 Spier Drive, Livingston, NJ 07039.

Happy 13^th Anniversary to Becky Laing and her hubby, Brandon!  I remember watching Becky when she started in Junior Showmanship.  Pam Lambie and her husband, Bob, are celebrating 40 years of wedded bliss. Where does the time go?  May all you lovebirds enjoy many more happy, healthy years together.

Janice Hayes and her other half, Eric Ciceron, are celebrating Janice’s birthday in Italy!  Enjoy your action-packed, fun-filled vacation, including that Italian cruise!

Bruce Schwartz has returned from his latest trip – this time to China.  Welcome home, my friend!

Kate and Mike Berry will begin their professional handling career in a couple of weeks.  Kate and Mike have relocated to South Carolina.  Best wishes in the next chapter of your lives, my friends.  I have not heard who will be filling Kate’s shoes with Jorge and Susie Olivera.

Bruce and Tara Schultz welcome Maddie McCue to Camp Schultz as their newest assistant.

Benjie Marcus left the West Coast and will be assisting Adam and Katie Bernardin as their newest assistant.  Best wishes on the East Coast, Benjie!

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Dan Sena, noted breeder of English Springer Spaniels and an up-and-coming AKC judge.  Dan was loved by all and will be sorely missed.  We extend our condolences to Dan’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Celebrating birthdays this week are:  Adam Bernardin, Brianne Major, Bonny Datema, Kim Calvacca, Lisa Thomas and Lorraine Rainwater.

Be safe my friends and enjoy the last few weeks of “official” summer!

Until next time…

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Posted by Tom on Sep 5 2018. Filed under Current Articles, Featured, The Buzz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.