Table Talk · April 28, 2021
My heart is full after spending four days at dog shows in Southern California! It was great to spend time with folks I have not seen since the end of last February at the Beverly Hills show. This was the first year that the Lake Mathews and Conejo Kennel Clubs hosted a four-day cluster at the Lake Perris Recreation Park. This venue is gorgeous! In fact, I would have to put this location on my list as one of my favorite places to hold a dog show! Congratulations to the show committee for putting on a terrific event. Group judging this past weekend started at 2:30, and the show concluded at a very respectable hour every day! Kudos to the cluster’s Superintendent, Jack Bradshaw, and all involved.
If it feels like things are getting back to normal, it’s because they are! This past weekend there were 11 shows across the country on Saturday and Sunday, plus two each day in Puerto Rico! Shows with entry limits continue to reach or almost reach their limit, and those without limits are also getting great participation. This is a very exciting time for the sport!
In my opinion, Junior Showmanship is one of the most important classes at conformation events. For many youngsters, Juniors is their introduction to the sport. In my opinion, it’s important to be thoughtful when selecting judges for Junior Showmanship. A bad experience in the ring could cause kids (and/or their parents) to decide to quit showing. There are a lot of individuals licensed to judge juniors who are interested in developing and working with the kids, and I think the sport will benefit if an effort is made to hire those interested in judging this important class as opposed to those who may find it a chore, or even worse, a nuisance. The Juniors classes should not appear to be an afterthought to those participating.
The American Kennel Club has announced that Greg McCarthy has been hired as the Executive Field Representative for the Pacific Northwest. Greg has been in dogs as a breeder/owner/handler of English Setters and Gordon Setters since 1979. He will start his training in May.
It was great to see that Tuni Conti was back in the ring so soon after her stroke. Her charge even won the Working group Sunday. Take it easy, my friend. It’s great having you back!
If there were ever a doubt that Devon Kipp is a true dog person at heart, her schedule this past weekend would confirm that fact! Devon hosted their rehearsal dinner, went to a Dog Show, won Best In Show, AND got married…all in one weekend! Best wishes to Devon and Adam Levy, who tied the knot this past Sunday.
Best wishes to Pam Campbell and Ted Brna who also got married this past weekend. May you have a lifetime of love and happiness.
Thank you to those who sent me questions and concerns about this year’s Westminster Kennel Club show. If you have not had the chance to see my interview with Gail Miller Bisher about the June show, please take a moment to watch it on Canine Chronicle TV at http://www.caninechronicle.tv/table-talk-live-with-westminster-kennel-clubs-gail-miller-bisher/. If you have additional questions, please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. Gail and I will have another discussion coming up. This is a great way to get your questions answered and share answers to frequently asked questions with the rest of the fancy!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Rowan Baggenstos, Vince Indeglia, Correy Krickeberg, Ivonne Rangel, CJ Favre, Nancy Foley, Hana Marangon, Debbie Butt, Frank Murphy, Grace Fritz, Kris Benoit, George Milutinovich, Alissa Welling, Lexie Ditlow, Kim Meredith and Krista Musil. May each of you have a paw-tastic birthday!!
Please remember this: Today you have a choice. You can choose between anger and love, division and unity, frustration and hope, selfishness and giving, turning away, or showing up. Choose kindness and the choice is simple! It is hard to regret being kind!
Wishing you all that coveted major, big ribbons and lovely puppies. Be safe out there, my friends! Until next time…
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