Table Talk · January 31, 2024
In addition to the many dog shows around the country this past weekend, there was another event that is very important to our sport, and it was held at the Javits Center in New York City. Meet The Breeds was once again the hot ticket in NYC for spectators thanks to AKC and the breeders who donate their time to introduce the public to their beloved breeds. If you have never attended a Meet The Breeds event with your dog(s) I can tell you it is a lot of work for humans and canines! It takes a special dog to handle the pressure of being petted by hundreds, often thousands, of people. It also takes a special person with a lot of patience and knowledge to be the one introducing their breed to the public. Thank you to each and every fancier who played a part in making this event a huge success! If you have not volunteered for a Meet The Breeds event, I strongly encourage you to do so if you have time. It’s a great way to give back to the sport we all love so dearly.
With a general admission fee of $35, and a VIP admission fee of $100, spectators did not blink at the fee. It is estimated that well over 30,000 people visited Meet the Breeds Saturday and Sunday. I am told there were steady crowds from the time the doors opened until they closed at 5 PM. The event is well-advertised in New York, and it has been a crowd favorite for many years.
We have all heard some people say our sport is dying. I do not understand why anyone would make this statement now, but some still believe it’s true. Tara Martin-Rowell did a terrific job of making the case of why those who think the sport of purebred dogs is dying are wrong. She wrote:
Our sport is not dying!!
Our sport is very alive and well. We have dog shows to attend every single week of the year!
What is dying are the attitudes of people in our sport, and yes, that means everyone with a negative outlook. Why don’t we adopt a positive attitude and discuss the great things that are happening. I find those that do not do well in our sport are purveyors of negativity. Our sport is a hobby-based sport–a family sport. It is not meant to benefit anyone, rather to essentially have fun. Many of you have never read an AKC financial report or the board minutes. Things are progressing in a very positive way! They may not be progressing in a way that you personally want them to, but they are still progressing.
During the AKC show weekend in Orlando there were over 6,000 entries. This does not include the lead-up shows during the week, but does include the special attractions, etc. on the weekend. If you do not understand how that is a positive for our sport, then you need to do more research! Stop the “dying” comments and join in the positive!
Speaking of joining the positive, entries for the Lone Star State Classic closed last Wednesday. The entry tops out at 1,500 on Saturday and the entry is up 100 dogs a day from their previously held shows in December! Congratulations to the hard-working team who put this awesome cluster together!
This past weekend, The Cool Cluster held their five-day cluster in Grayslake, Illinois. Another energetic show committee put on a wonderful cluster. While we continue to encourage fanciers to thank the club volunteers, the folks who work on the Cool Cluster took it one step further and thanked the exhibitors! How refreshing it was to read the following statement:
On behalf of the Cool Cluster and our club members, we are grateful that so many have joined us for this amazing event. You have made it possible for us to create an awesome week and share over 400 spots to call home this weekend with those of you who share our passion for dogs. We wish you all the best and hope you have a wonderful time this weekend. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Job well done to all involved! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication!
The Sun Maid Kennel Club shows in Fresno, California closes today at noon! MB-F is the show superintendent. This year’s theme is Mardi Gras! Be sure to get your dogs entered if you plan on attending this very fun show!
It is with great sadness that I pass on the news that Katie Bernardin lost her mother this past week. Our thoughts are with Katie and Adam and their family at this most difficult time.
Mandy Carlson lost her mom this past week. Mandy, our thoughts are with you, Doug, and your family at this sad time in your lives.
Congratulations to Diana Wilson on being voted to judge the Dalmatian Club of America Futurity. What a great assignment! There is something special about getting a nod from your fellow breeders. I’m sure you will do an excellent job.
Erin Pearcy is healing from an altercation with a bungee cord which, unfortunately, she lost! After a few stitches and a little help from her friends, Erin is as good as new! Fortunately, the bungee cord did not contact Erin’s eye!!!!
Congratulations to Devon Kipp Levy and Adam Levy on the birth of their daughter, Jade Laine Levy, born at a healthy 6 lb. 11 oz. I’m sure Devon will be back at shows sooner than any of us would expect!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week includes Kellye Riani, Randy Benns, Julia Kinsey, Sharon Carvalho, Gina Weiser, Liz Hansen, Chris Ann Moore and Katie Bernardin. Best wishes for a most fantastic birthday celebration for all of you!
My advice to all this week is this: The right people for your soul hear you differently, show up differently, support you differently and nourish you differently. That’s how you’ll know.
Be safe out there my friends and enjoy the moment. If your travels bring you to the Indy Winter Classic in Indianapolis, please stop by the Purina booth and see me! Until next time…
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