Table Talk · March 12, 2025
My crazy March has begun! I started with the Tarheel Circuit in Raleigh, North Carolina, this past week. The building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds is perfect for a dog show! The crowds over the weekend were plentiful, which added excitement to the shows. Take The Lead had an incredible raffle, and many fanciers supported TTL by buying lots of tickets. We all need to support this wonderful organization when we see them at the shows; and if you haven’t paid for your 2025 membership, visit the Take The Lead website (www.takethelead.org).
A handler was served a warrant during this cluster, and when that individual showed up at the dog show a day later, many fanciers were upset by his presence. Since the AKC regulations have changed, someone convicted of a sex-related crime will be asked to leave the showgrounds; however, this cannot happen until that person is convicted. Anyone who feels unsafe should seek assistance from the police and notify the AKC Executive Field Representative about their concern.
The weather in Raleigh was a bit challenging on Thursday. With heavy rains and high winds, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning, which made some judges and exhibitors a bit uneasy. As if it were a scene from The Wizard of Oz, Michael Faulkner found himself in a broom closet and settled in for a bit!
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the changes to the 2026 Kennel Club of Palm Springs schedule. There has been another slight change to that schedule. Specialties and group shows will be held on Friday, and three all-breed shows will be held on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. I look forward to seeing everyone in Palm Springs January 2-5! Don’t miss the most beautiful show in the country!
With the new show year upon us, many handlers are starting new dogs. Occasionally, handlers may take on a breed for which they have little or no experience. When this occurs, one way to learn the intricacies of a breed is to reach out to the community or a fellow fancier who has experience with that breed for advice and information. I was very impressed to witness an interaction like this in Raleigh. Some breeds have people who are more welcoming to newcomers than others. I experienced the opposite many years ago and, fortunately, I was determined to learn about the breed and do the best I could to represent it to the fancy. It was unpleasant and difficult and, frankly, it left a bad taste in my mouth. I must give a shout-out to the Belgian Sheepdog community for being supportive and welcoming. This is so good for the breed! The key to success is being willing to listen to experienced fanciers when seeking information about the best way to present dogs of their breed. We must remember there is always something to learn!
Last week, I wrote about an individual who experienced a medical event at Purina Farms and was saved by fanciers with an AED on-site, then transported to the hospital. I am pleased to report this person had a quadruple bypass in St. Louis and is now recovering! Sadly, I do not know everyone’s name who helped, but Elizabeth Salewsky was one of the people who came to the exhibitor’s aid. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
There have been a lot of questions about how the AKC Board of Directors and Chairman of the Board are elected. The AKC Delegate body elects the Board of Directors. The newly elected Board of Directors then elects the Chairman of the Board. The next meeting of the AKC Board of Directors will be held on April 7- 8, 2025. Stay tuned for updates about those elected to the board in 2025!
Congratulations to Lila Holberg for representing the USA beautifully at the Crufts Junior Showmanship competition. Lila placed third. This is the first US Junior placement at Crufts in many years. Way to go, Lila! Your future in the sport looks bright.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Kellie Fitzgerald, Lauren Portal, Kelsey Joseph, Jann Butler, Jean Gauchat, Lindsay Gorder, and Kate Hanlon. Cheers to a most excellent year ahead!
A message to those joining us for Louisville: Remember that the grooming list will be posted on the wall between the West Wing and Pavilion and the wall outside the Superintendent’s Office. If your plans have changed and you will be coming later than planned, or not at all, please text Nina Fetter at 567-289-3890.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Louisville! Please stop by and join in the Table Talk Live fun! Safe travels to one and all. I will see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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