Table Talk · April 9, 2020
Table Talk · April 9, 2020
These are crazy times we are living in and this past week has been especially tumultuous for our sport. The American Kennel Club that, whether we like it or not, has a huge impact on our morale implemented a reduction in force (RIF) for one-third of their employees with no notice. I am a businesswoman. I understand the need to adjust for the times, address the issues at hand, and be fiscally responsible. I DO NOT understand the way this was handled. The implementation and communication of these layoffs has left me speechless (we all know that is not an easy task). Not only does AKC owe their loyal, hard-working employees more consideration than no notice, and no assistance with their health insurance; they owe the fancy more consideration. We are all fighting to maintain our sanity, trying to stay positive, and pushing through so we can come out on the other side of this strong, or stronger than when this mess began. The vague, poorly written communication that went to employees and the communication that was sent to the constituents does not foster any respect or support for the organization. The communications do not foster any positive sentiments from the fancy, which is harmful and counter-productive, especially during these trying times. The AKC states that one of their core values is to uphold high standards for the administration and operation of the AKC. I believe this is a serious miss, and one that has hurt many people, and the fancy as a whole. I encourage everyone to write letters to the Board of Directors of the American Club to voice your concern.
Let us hope that when we are able to return to our normal lives, the AKC does a much better job of bringing back all of those that they so abruptly discarded.
Those of you whose livelihood has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak may be eligible for unemployment assistance even though you are self-employed. Please make sure to familiarize yourselves with the provisions of the CARES act. If you need help navigating the unemployment bureaucracy, I am happy to help anyone who wants to reach out.
I did see an excellent suggestion on social media this week. Those of you who are using this time at home to train and condition dogs may want to consider training your dogs while wearing a mask. There is a high likelihood that even if we all are not required to wear masks when we return, there may be many judges who will be wearing masks.
I received the unfortunate news that Golden Retriever fancier Alan Gunther has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in a drug-induced coma. The last report I heard was that there was slight improvement in Alan’s condition. Our thoughts are with him and his family and friends as he fights the good fight.
There is a group that has been developed to coordinate those who want to consider lending RV’s to the medical community. The thought behind this effort is to help doctors, nurses and first responders in the medical community stay closer to the hospitals and reduce their travel back and forth from home. Check out ‘RV’s for MD’s to Fight the Coronavirus’ on Facebook.
The Apple Blossom Cluster in Kalamazoo, Michigan, which is normally held Memorial Day weekend, has rescheduled their shows for August 27-31. It is encouraging that some clubs have been able to reschedule their shows as opposed to canceling them. Everyone in the sport should make the maximum effort to support these clubs. For example, if your show has been cancelled for this year perhaps you would like to lend your expertise to a cluster who has been able to reschedule.
Wayne and Cheryl Cavanaugh are celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary! Happy Anniversary you two! Here is hoping that your future anniversaries occur in less challenging times!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Leslie Smith, Ken Murray, Ron Scott, Susie Olivera, Will Alexander, Jen Milani, Pat Luce, Carla Sanchez, BJ Whitlow, Kathy Guerra, Roxanne Chumbley, Gwen DeMilta, Johann Emedi, Robin Stansell, Melinda Lyon, Jodi Geerlings, Pam Peat, Doug Johnson, Ken Wall, Kayla Bruner, Aaron Wilkerson and Beth Sweigart. May you all have a happy, healthy and safe birthday!
I leave you this week with the following advice: You cannot accidentally touch your face if you keep a glass of wine in each hand! Be safe, and stay well, my friends. Until next time….
Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=181852
Posted by Comments are closed
