Table Talk · April 19, 2023
The largest Whippet National of all time is in the books and I am overwhelmed to hear all the positive comments about the judging. I would like to congratulate Lesley Ann Potts on a job well done. Exhibitors and spectators were so impressed with the efficiency in which Lesley evaluated her larger-than-ever entry. The Whippet club should be proud of themselves for putting on a spectacular event! For those Parent clubs looking to add interesting events to their National, the Whippet National held a fine art show where fanciers were encouraged to enter their art pieces. It was interesting to learn about the hidden talents of some whippet fanciers! I think this was a spectacular idea! The National also included an altered class and a breeder’s sweepstakes class, in addition to the conventional classes held at every National.
I was so impressed to see no negative posts on the Whippet National social media page! It was a huge National Specialty with fanciers happy to be there and support each other. I hope we can all learn from this!
I heard Terri Erickson was hospitalized for a short time during the National due to a bout of diverticulitis. Tuni Conti and others stepped in to make sure her dogs were shown and cared for in her absence. I’m glad you are feeling better, Terri; and I’m glad that you were able to enjoy most of the show!
Ula the Whippet slipped her lead and escaped. She was on the loose for several days during the show. Fanciers banded together, and Stephanie Avila, and volunteer Amy Kenny Corn from Lawrence Trappers were the heroes who brought Ula back to her owner!!!! I encourage anyone who is able to donate to Stephanie’s organization that helps find lost dogs and re-unite them with their owners! You can find Stephanie’s organization on Facebook: New Leash on Life Dog Training and Pet Tracking. If you would like to donate to the cause, you can donate via PayPal or Venmo. Paypal.com/paypalme/StephandVernie or https://venmo.com/u/Stephanie-Avila-50.
It’s official, Kim Rudzik will be moving across the country to Salt Lake City, Utah to become an AKC Executive Field Representative. She will be filloing the position recently vacated by Diana Wilson. Congratulations to Kim on moving to a beautiful part of the country and beginning a new chapter in your life!
Erin Myers made her debut as an AKCTV commentator this past weekend, taking the mic for the day the Perry, Georgia show was televised. You did a great job, Erin! Congratulations!
Sadly, a tragic accident claimed the life of two dogs during the Perry shows when an exhibitor took a wrong turn and ended up in a pond on the showgrounds. The two dogs that passed away were riding in the covered cab of a pick-up truck and were unable to be rescued before it was too late. The driver, passenger and one dog were rescued and made it to safety.
Jason Hoke, who judged at the Perry shows had a PSA for fanciers after his judging assignment:
Be a good sport. Two times this past week I had an issue. The second interrupted a lovely specialty show today in a breed I know well and truly adore. Please accept your placements with grace. I get it. Exhibitors don’t always agree with judges, and judges make mistakes. I had great discussions afterward regarding a different breed I judged–where I struggled in some classes–with people who have longstanding backgrounds in that breed. I admit I went awry in a class or two. It happens. Judges do their best, but to come into the ring during judging on the last to accost a judge in the middle of judging just detracts from the beautiful dogs being shown by dedicated breeders and people who spend their money to show their dogs. Just so exhibitors know: We judges do talk about our judging–the good and the bad. We rely on our peers to go back to when we have questions; even in breeds that are our own. We talk amongst ourselves to better ourselves, to learn, and to improve. We as judges know we are not above learning… EVER. Please be good sports–even if you think we made a mistake. We are human. We do try. Please don’t post negative comments about the demise of our sport. It is alive and well. I just want us all to do better–judging and exhibiting.
Thank you so much, Jason! Very well said!
In celebration of Lauren Arch’s life that was cut way too short, fanciers are putting together a fundraiser to plant a tree and a bench on the Arch’s property. I will be sure to keep you posted as information develops.
Healing thoughts to Lisa Welch who recently underwent knee surgery. Get better quickly, Lisa! Fanciers look forward to shopping for your beautiful bright and shiny objects!!
The much-awaited e-learning Stewarding course is now available from the AKC. Those interested can go to https://link.akc.org/view/5b8e75db3f92a47e735d468ijg2k.b/7e26f6d7 To become an AKC certified steward, you will need to complete the Stewarding 101 course, and complete 3 stewarding assignments. Two of those assignments must be as a “solo” steward at least 3 hours in length covering approximately 75 entries. Please note these assignments must be completed after you have completed the course. Once certified you will be listed on the AKC website as an AKC certified ring steward.
Retired AKC Judge Chuck Trotter celebrated his 90th birthday this week! Happy Birthday Mr. Trotter! May you have many more! Other fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Doug Johnson (Colorado), Brian Livingston, Rosie Steinke, Brianne Rock, Bryan Martin, Alyssa Booth, Linda Teitelbaum, Chrystal Murray, John Magenau, Courtney Norris, Payden Steele, Tiffany Skinner and Tootie Longo. Enjoy your next trip around the sun, my friends!
Be safe out there, my friends! I look forward to seeing you in New York at Westminster!
Until next time…
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