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Table Talk · February 15, 2023

 

Thousands peruse the Canine Chronicle Facebook page and website during the show weekends, as well as Mondays, to keep up with who is getting those big ribbons around the country. This past weekend the tone was a bit different, but for me it was invigorating! As stated previously, this past weekend there were no all-breed shows in the United States. Other than a couple of specialties, exhibitors and dogs had the weekend off. However, the Canine Chronicle website, Facebook page and Instagram page was the place where many of us looked at photos from past Westminster weeks and shared our own fond memories from Westminster shows, along with wonderful photographs of how they spent their weekend off.

In the year after the Covid shutdown and mandates, Westminster was forced to move their dates and location. As we all know, the 2021 and 2022 shows were held in June outdoors at the Lyndhurst property. Westminster did their best to create the magic that fanciers have grown to know and love when the groups were held on the floor of Madison Square Garden. This year, Westminster will be held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis facility in Queens, New York. Unfortunately, Westminster’s dates changed again in 2023–this time to May. Clubs who hold their shows the weekend prior to May 8-9 will probably have less entries than usual. Let’s pray their entries are sufficient to cover their expenses and leave a little profit for next year.

Westminster is a tradition. Part of the charm and excitement was going to Manhattan, showing on the floor of Madison Square Garden (MSG), and being able to gather with friends I do not see often, in the city for fantastic dinners, Broadway shows, parties, etc. Will we ever get that opportunity again? That remains to be seen, but one can only hope, right?  Some of the younger exhibitors have not had the opportunity to feel the electricity of Westminster at MSG.  While there are many that appreciate the increased space and ring size by having the breed judging outdoors at Lyndhurst and limited seating in the tent for Group and Best In Show judging, there are also many who miss showing at the Garden. What is certain is that our sport has demonstrated great flexibility over the past few years, and many will attend Westminster regardless of its location. Hopefully the Westminster folks will be able to zero in on consistent date and a location in the not-too-distant future.

Recently, a novice exhibitor had the opportunity to show in the group for the first time. She understood that the general practice is dogs go in based on movement speed (unless otherwise instructed by the judge). On this day, the exhibitor and dog went in where they felt appropriate, but another exhibitor moved ahead of them and stayed in that spot. The exhibitor was unsure about what to do. Should they excuse themselves and go to the spot where they entered, just let it go and stay where they are, or ask the steward what is appropriate? The goal when showing in the group is to optimize how your dog looks. If an exhibitor feels that the dog ahead of them does not move at a fast enough speed, kindly suggest to the exhibitor that by moving in front of them, both dogs will gait at a proper speed. This would be the ideal way to handle the situation. By just moving in front of an exhibitor without any explanation may not be the best way. We must remember that we all started somewhere. Politely asking if you can move ahead due to the dogs’ differences in speed would be the most courteous way to correct the situation.

Many novice exhibitors as well as those that are thinking about getting involved in our sport use social media to ask questions. Sadly, there are many unsuspecting individuals who are sold “show quality” dogs from less than ethical breeders–sometimes by using their influence on social media. While we educate people to do their research, sometimes that does not happen until it is too late. We should keep in mind that when those new to the sport ask questions about breed standards, etc. they are asking because they do not know! A kind, educational response is what is in order! Demeaning, snipy messages to these people who do not know any better is unproductive and could very well scare them away from the sport for good. Once again, kindness and patience should be the answer! Take that person who has been taken advantage of under your wing and educate them.

I heard Sulie Greendale-Paveza is at home healing with a broken leg. The score is Sulie’s Cat 1 – Sulie – 0!!  You see, she tripped and fell while chasing her cat around the house for the annual vet visit. UGH! Take it easy, Sulie. We’ll see you at the shows soon!

Charlotte Patterson is still home healing from her broken femur. I know the healing process is not going as quickly as you would like, my friend, but be patient! We will see you soon, too!

Healing thoughts go out to Dennis McCoy who has spent the last couple of weeks in the hospital. Feel better, my friend! Take it easy and give yourself time to heal!

I am so glad that many of our hard-working handler friends were able to take advantage of a well-deserved weekend off! Laura King, Robin Novack, Matt and Sarah Perchick, Jody Paquette, Stephanie Hentschel and Stacy Threlfall took the opportunity to go to Mexico. Jorge and Susie Olivera attended Super Bowl LVII in Phoenix; and Tiffany and Shea Skinner went to Phoenix to enjoy a bit of R&R, catch a show, and watch the Super Bowl, too. Meanwhile, Phil Booth and Heidi Hartman celebrated Heidi’s birthday under the sun in Florida.

Happy Anniversary to Ken and Virginia Murray. Here’s to many more great years ahead!

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are:   Dr. Dot Izmirlian, Susan Sprung, Kris Johnson, Cassidy Jackson, Dennis Brown, Coco Seror, Erin Olsen, Allison Sunderman and Blair Aguillard Commisso. Enjoy your special day, my friends!!

Don’t forget to get your reserved grooming reservations sent in to Nina Fetter at louisvillegrooming@yahoo.com. If you are not certain if she received your grooming reservation, please email and check!

I look forward to seeing you all there! Give me a shout if you are interested in participating in our Table Talk Live! broadcast!

Be safe out there, my friends!  Until next time…

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=257208

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