Table Talk · December 4, 2024
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! Whether we spend this time with family, friends, on a beach somewhere, or at a dog show, it is important to be thankful that we can continue our involvement with our beloved sport of purebred dogs.
As breeders, owners, and exhibitors, we all have different goals. Some have different goals for different dogs. What is important is that we do not question other’s goals. I think we will all be happier if we do not judge others for their goals. Questioning how long someone may choose to campaign a special, etc. has no merit. Enjoy your journey, and in that journey be supportive of others whose journey may look a bit different, but ultimately has purpose for that individual. Let us all leave judgment at the door and enjoy our sport. We are all human, but we can all support each other, and our sport will be better from this effort.
A “race” for top dog in one’s breed–be it breed, all breed or both–especially at this time of year, brings a different dimension to the “game”. While a few months into the following year, many may not remember WHO was number one in their breed, their group, or even #1 all breed, chances are if the method to achieve that status was questionable, that will be remembered. This is also true of achieving championship or grand championship titles on a dog.
We have all heard the terms “building points” or “building majors”. It happens all the time. In low entry breeds, it can be very difficult to get a championship on a dog and entering those that we have no realistic expectation will win, or finish, is one way to try to finish a dog. This has backfired for many when that “point fodder” dog goes up over the dog that someone was trying to finish. It is my humble opinion, however, that if someone shows a dog, or several dogs–some of whom may not be the best quality, in less than good condition–that is an insult to the exhibitors, the judge, and the sport as a whole. If a championship or number one status is achieved in this way, what has really been accomplished?
Entries for the Kennel Club of Palm Springs all breed shows, group shows, and specialty shows close one week from today! Bradshaw is the superintendent for the All-Breed shows and Terrier and Toy group shows. The independent specialties, Non-Sporting and Sporting group shows are handled by show secretaries. You can find all the information you need about where to send your entries on our Events Calendar at caninechronicle.com! https://caninechronicleshowcalendar.com/K9shows.php?rand=2313
Get those entries in, my friends! I look forward to seeing you at the most beautiful show in the land in January!
The Silver State Kennel Club was forced to make the difficult decision to cancel their 2025 shows scheduled for March 22-23, 2025, due to the loss of their venue. Club officials promise they will be back in 2026.
Positive thoughts to Kennel Club of Palm Springs Show Chair Angela Stevanus whose husband Gary Myers is in the hospital recovering from an infection. Angela has a lot on her plate with the upcoming show but that isn’t stopping her from being at Gary’s side. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, and smooth sailing going forward!
Beagler Mike Kurtzner once again is showing us how it is done as he participated in a Turkey Trot race one-week post-op from his heart ablation. Way to go Mike!
Fanciers celebrating Birthdays this week include: Mari-Beth O’Neill, Scott Yergin, Natalie Kowalczyk, Lane Tarantino, Richard Green, Alan Hargrave, Clint Livingston, Gail Miller-Bisher and Marti Johnson. Have a great day, and an incredible year ahead!
I am sharing a quote from the late Percy Roberts regarding the dog show game which, I think, gives a great perspective on the sport:
. The standard is the blueprint for how the dog should look & perform.
. The breeders are the builders.
. The handler is the salesperson.
. The judge is the shopper whom the breeders, owners and handlers want to turn into a buyer.
Don’t forget to reach out to me about participating in this year’s Table Talk Live coverage in Orlando. I would love to hear from Owner/Handlers attending for the first time, Professional Handlers who are willing to share stories about how they got their start in the sport, as well as other interesting stories that might interest our viewers. Stop by the Chronicle booth directly across from the VIP Judge’s Lounge and see me.
Be safe in your travels, my friends! I’ll see you soon! Until next time….
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