Table Talk · February 3, 2021
As more shows are scheduled around the country, I have had many exhibitors express frustration that they are showing to the same judges week after week. While I understand the frustration, I don’t think there is much that can be done to address the problem until more judges are willing/able to travel. I think we will see an increase in availability over the next couple of months. In the meantime, when you get frustrated, remember just seven months ago that there were no shows to attend at all. We have to start somewhere!!
I think we will agree that social media has had a significant impact on our sport: It has opened up great avenues of communication, resources for learning, and the list goes on. It has also added a venue for fanciers to share/promote their dogs. This, in my opinion, is a good thing. Like anything else, however, there is a right and wrong way to go about this. I have had several conversations with judges in the recent past where they express frustration about exhibitors sending friend requests shortly before a judging assignment where there is a good likelihood that they will see them. Not only does this make judges uncomfortable, making such a friend request at an inopportune time may do the opposite and alienate the judge. I’m here to tell you: The judges that I have chatted with do not respond positively to such an approach. Who knows, that judge might “unfriend” you in the ring due to this behavior!
At its January 2021 meeting, the AKC Board approved a proposal submitted by the Delegate Junior Sub-Committee and AKC Staff to allow Canine Partners to be exhibited in Junior Showmanship. This will be an 18-month pilot program. The dog must have an AKC Canine Partner number and meet the ownership eligibility criteria. The Junior will include the breed the dog is being exhibited as on the entry form in the breed designation space. This is the same approach that has been successfully used by 4-H participants. Eligibility of Canine Partners to be entered in Conformation Junior Showmanship is limited to all breed shows or events holding all breed Junior Showmanship. The Judging Operations Department will be providing procedural information to Junior Showmanship Judges of all breed events. The effective date is July 1, 2021. The impact of the pilot program will be assessed in 2022.
There are differing opinions within the fancy about whether or not this change to the Junior Showmanship program makes sense. Keep your eye out for more regarding this topic via Table Talk Live discussions coming soon!
http://www.caninechronicle.tv/junior-showmanship-deb-cooper-chats-with-mari-beth-oneill/
I am pleased to report that photographer Rhonda Cassidy’s coffee table book is in the final stages of production! She is now taking orders, so if you are interested, please private message Rhonda as soon as possible!
The Sand to Sea Non-Sporting Club in Southern California continues to persevere! The shows have been rescheduled for the end of the month. Please note that the superintendent has been switched to Onofrio Dog Shows. Entries are expected to open on the Onofrio site on Thursday and the show closes Wednesday, February 10th at noon central.
I am deeply saddened to report the passing of respected judge and breeder Martin Doherty of Ontario, Canada. Mr. Doherty was closely involved in breeding purebred dogs since the early 1970s. He successfully bred Old English Sheepdogs and PBGVs under the Auriga prefix. He also bred and owned Irish Wolfhounds, Lakeland Terriers, and Shih Tzu. He embarked on his judging career in 1982 and was a judge of All Breeds. Martin was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure to have known him. Condolences to his wife, Wendy, and family. Martin will be sorely missed by the fancy.
I was sorry to hear that Col. Wally Pede passed away. As Michael Canalizo said, Wally was a larger-than-life force to be reckoned with for so many of the right reasons. This, in my opinion, is a very accurate way to portray our friend, Wally. Rest In Peace, Colonel. You will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. We lost Wally just shy of his 98th birthday.
Positive thoughts go out to Patty Copeland who has been experiencing some health concerns. Patty expects to be released from the hospital in the next few days. Healing thoughts to you, my friend!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Julia Kinsey, Liz Hansen, Katie Bernardin, Chris Ann Moore, Erin Hall, Jane Myers, Chris Margeson and Pam Bruce.
Please remember: Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind!!!!!
Be safe, be kind and be well! Until next time…
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