Table Talk · April 21, 2021
For so many years, the Hotel Pennsylvania, in midtown-Manhattan, has been one of the “epicenters” of Westminster Week. Recently the ownership has announced it is coming down. This announcement has been made before, and yet year after year, it remained standing at 33rd and 7th. But for some reason, this time, it feels real. I have never stayed at the Penn. But as part of my regular routine, I would visit the Hotel for The Canine Chronicle party, Dog Judge’s parties of years past, Progressive Toy Show and, other specialties. The Penn will certainly be missed by our community, but all good things must come to an end. I do believe it is time for this good ole’ establishment to be torn down.
Congratulations to Erin Myers, who will be retiring from professional handling to take a Field Investigator position with the American Kennel Club. We are still waiting for an announcement regarding who will replace Sue Vroom as the Executive Field Representative in Texas. I’ll be sure to keep you posted with information as it comes available.
It was great to catch up with Annie Balotti, Event Center Area Manager for Purina. A heads-up to exhibitors who will be traveling with an RV to Purina Farms. Purina has made some changes to the RV Parking procedures. Clubs will no longer be responsible for the RV parking at the event center. Going forward, Purina will be responsible for the RV Parking. As a result, they are working on a fully automated RV parking reservation system, but it is not quite ready for release yet. In the meantime, reservation forms will be included in premium list and must be sent to Purina at the email address provided. One of the most significant changes to the RV Parking arrangement is the arrival and departure times. Currently, RVs can arrive at 3 PM on the day of arrival and must leave by 11 AM on the day of departure. If you wish to stay past 11 AM on Sunday, for example, you must reserve your spot through Monday. The procedures and policies for RV Parking at the Event Center are evolving. Exhibitor patience is both requested and appreciated as the hard-working folks at the Event Center work to find the best solution for all concerned. I have been told the online system should make things much easier once it is complete. I will be sure to keep everyone updated on the evolution of the policies and procedures for RV parking at Purina.
I was glad to catch up with professional handler Tuni Conti. She told me she is on the road to recovery after what turned out to be a stroke. I wrote last week that Tuni found herself in the ER while at the Pointer National in Brooksville, Florida, from what she thought was dehydration. After visiting her regular medical professionals upon her return home, she learned that she had a stroke. After a stay in the hospital to ensure everything is okay, Tuni is now home and cleared for local travel. She was told she could show a few dogs. Friends are asked to keep an eye on her while at shows to make sure she is okay. We are so glad that you are healthy, my friend!!!
Once again, the dog show community has banded together on a couple of different occasions to help each other. Last Week I reported the sad news that Club Volunteer and Vendor Ted Hoots tragically lost his life in an accident just a block from his home. A GoFundMe campaign was started to help his wife, Shari, with funeral and related expenses and, within 12 hours, the $10,000 campaign goal was reached!
Alicia Morrison Jones’ daughter, Alexis, was in the hospital having what they hope is her last procedure to close openings in her heart. After a successful surgery, while waiting to be released, Alexis was visited by a therapy dog to help in her recovery. Thanks to Nancy Martin for arranging that very important visit! It warms my heart to see the continued support that those in our sport show for one another! Keep up the good work, my friends!
Holley Eldred is recovering from a back procedure. In true hot mess express fashion, Holley traveled to Nebraska to show dogs just a few short days following her procedure. Take it easy, girlfriend! There are many more lefthanded circles for you to run, and we need you to be healthy!
It is with sadness that we report that Arley Hussin of Arvada, Colorado has passed away at 90 years old. Arley was a highly respected judge of all Sporting, Working, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding breeds for over 40 years. Before becoming a judge, he was a successful professional handler. He was beloved by all that knew him and popular among all exhibitors.
The Canine Chronicle extends sincere condolences to Arley’s family, friends and the dog show community following his passing. He will be missed.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Doug Johnson, Linda Teitelbaum, Courtney Norris, Chrystal Murray, John Magenau, Tiffany (Naynay) Skinner, Michael Pesare, Tootie Longo, Nina Fetter and David Kirkland. I hope you all have a great birthday celebrated with friends and loved ones.
I am excited to be in Southern California this week. If you will be at the Lake Mathews/Conejo shows at Riverside Park. Please look me up!
Be safe out there, my friends. Please don’t forget to give a kind word to the hard-working volunteers that try so hard to put on the shows. You can always lend a hand when you have an extra minute.
Remember this: Some people are never going to clap for you…Win Anyway!!!! Wishing you all beautiful rosettes and majors. Until next time…
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