Table Talk · December 16, 2020
The 20th Annual AKC National Championship has come to a close and I am so happy that I was able to attend and share some of it with those who could not be with us this year through our Table Talk Live coverage. All of the staff and volunteers who made the week possible should be commended for their hard work and dedication. Exhibitors should also be commended for their adherence to the guidelines that kept everyone safe.
While the vibe this year was different, one thing always remains constant: Those in the fancy will do what is necessary to do what they love! Temperature checks were done daily throughout the week, and waivers were required from all who attended. The cluster enforced the “show, shop and go” policy throughout the week, which meant the building was much more quiet than folks are accustomed to in more normal times. Sadly, the vendors were affected by the lack of gate and the encouragement to leave as soon as possible. Vendors were given a 20% discount this year, but many said it was not enough to make their week profitable. Here’s to a GREAT 2021 show for one and all!!
Social distancing requirements dictated that individuals could not sit ringside and watch judging, but everyone agreed the concessions were worth being able to hold and participate in this important show!
History was made this year as Bourbon the Whippet was awarded Best In Show by the iconic dog man, Jim Moses. Bourbon is the littermate to Whiskey who won BIS here two years ago. We now have a second husband and wife team to win Best In Show at the AKC National Championship (the first being Mike and Linda Pitts), and now littermates have also won! Congratulations to Justin Smithey and Cheslie Pickett-Smithey who bred, own and exhibited both of these beautiful whippets.
I was smiling from ear to ear as I watched Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show and noted that many in the line-up were not only breeders, but also professional handlers. These individuals all started as owner-handlers, and then became successful breeders. It is a great thing for our sport to have the professional handlers continue their passion and efforts in the whelping box; and to have the opportunity to exhibit the results of their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to each and every one of you who exhibited in the BBE competition. Without you, our sport would not be what it is today.
A huge shout-out to David Harper who stopped to help Eileen Hackett and Kate Hanlon when they were broke down along the road after leaving the show. Eileen and Kate got a flat tire heading home from Orlando and, thank goodness, David came to their rescue!
Alex Gerber, most awesome Assistant to Laura King and Robin Novack for the last 13 years, is hanging up her lead and apron for the time being. I know Laura and Robin are going to greatly miss Alex, but the sport will miss her as well. We look forward to seeing you back at a show here and there, Alex, and we wish you the best future possible!
Chris Ann Moore retired from professional handling this past weekend at the AKCNC. Chris Ann plans to commence her judging career and will still be involved in in the sport with her breeding program. We will miss seeing you running left-handed circles, my friend, but we all look forward to seeing you center ring!
We got a great deal of very informative coverage over the past week and will be sharing it with you throughout the holiday break. Be sure to keep your eyes on the CanineChronicle.TV website for informative NextGen segments with Michael Hill, Table Talk Live Breed Priority segments, interviews with the winners, and much, much more! I encourage those of you who have not had the chance to check out our Facebook page and CanineChronicle.TV to see fun AKCNC coverage from this past week’s shows in Orlando.
Congratulations to Gail Wolaniuk and Joan McFadden for being named Breeders of the Year for 2020 by the American Kennel Club. Gail and Joan are long-time Standard Poodle breeders under the kennel name of Unique.
Celebrating birthdays this week are Luke Ehricht, Heidi Cole, Chris Millman, Bobby Paust, Ashley Ryan, Remy Smith-Lewis and Mike McGuire. I hope you all have a happy, safe, healthy birthday!
I hope everyone enjoys the holiday break and has the opportunity to recharge and spend time with those you love.
Hug your pooches tight, be safe, and be kind! Until next time…
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