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Table Talk · January 22, 2025

  

I am sure those who live in the Southern California area would agree there are significantly fewer shows in that area now than there were a few years ago. Several clubs have folded and those still active have difficulties such as aging membership and securing affordable, decent venues to hold shows. While Southern California is currently not referred to as an “underserved area” as it relates to dog shows, if things continue in the direction they are heading, that designation is not far off. We still have several active clubs, but all need help! If you are in the area, please consider joining one of the clubs and helping change this trend.

Given these challenges, it is necessary to change the way we think in terms of show formats and venues. It is my humble opinion that clubs need to work together and pool their resources.  Being open-minded is a key to ensuring the continued success of our beloved sport. Working together for a cause that is most important to all is critical. At this point in time, I do not think there is any bad idea: Every idea needs to be explored. If you have any creative thoughts about how we can turn a corner to address the issue in Southern California, please send them to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. Let’s explore all possibilities!

Many say there are already too many dog shows. I agree. The problem we face is the shows are not evenly distributed across the country. I don’t understand why the entries are down at the shows that are still being held in the Southern California region. We have discussed the fact that there are not nearly as many active breeders, and this is a contributing factor. Once again, the primary reason might be our aging demographics. My thought here is that we must MENTOR, MENTOR, MENTOR! If we see an individual with potential, we must pull them into the tent, establish a relationship, and hopefully nurture the potential to someone that can take over a successful breeding program. It is scary, I know. I will be the first to admit that I failed in this area. I was so paranoid that people would not do right by the dogs that I lost opportunities to develop individuals with potential.

The Kennel Club of Palm Springs is changing their format for 2026. After years of a circuit that included two days of specialties and group shows, they are transitioning to specialties and group shows Thursday and three all-breed shows Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This change will increase the opportunity for those breeds who do not have specialties to show. While it will decrease the number of independent specialties, clubs will still be able to hold designated specialties within the all-breed shows. The folks at the Kennel Club of Palm Springs are always willing to work with specialty clubs, so please do not hesitate to reach out to them and explore your options.

The Brooksville circuit just concluded. It was good to see the impressive entries ranging from 1561 on the smallest day to 2618 on the largest day. It was cold, but exhibitors fought back with layers of clothes and heated vests–and at the end they had to break out their rain gear. Cheers to everyone and their canines who persevered through the weather and many, many tough days of dog shows!

Bruce Schwartz, Lee Whittier and Linda Clark took advantage of their judging assignment in Mexico by making time for some sightseeing, eating good food and having fun! It is always great to see our US judges representing our sport in other countries.

I hear that Gina Weiser is home from her surgery and on the mend! I am sure we will see her out and about very soon.

Congratulations to Lila Holmberg who did a fantastic job representing the fancy in not one but two live televised interviews in conjunction with the Rose City Classic this past weekend. Great job, Lila!

We have a few fanciers celebrating birthdays this week: Daryl Martin, Susan Giles, Steve Keating, Dick Schaefer, Kristen Dowd and David Cook. Happy birthday to all!

Please do not forget that entries close for the Motor City Winter Dog Classic a week from today on Wednesday January 29, 2025. There are many specialties, supported entries and four all breed shows at the Suburban Show Place in Novi, Michigan. Please help welcome back the Detroit Kennel Club and the Oakland Kennel Club by supporting their shows!

I leave you with this week’s thought:

Not everyone is cut out to show dogs. It means long days and short nights. It is hurry up and wait. It is hours and hours of the same thing over and over. It is hot and humid one day and freezing cold the next. It is tired feet and eating whatever you can hold onto easily while you are doing other things. It is dirty fingernails and stained hands. It is being covered in dust, sweat, dog hair and chalk. It is not always glamorous.

It is, however, learning to persevere when you don’t think you can. Learning responsibility. Learning to run wide open with no sleep. Learning to put the dogs’ needs first and your own second. It is learning patience and learning respect and being dedicated. But most of all, IT IS NEVER DULL! Here’s to everyone that shares this crazy passion!

Be safe, be kind, and stay warm! Until next time…

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