Table Talk · July 15, 2020
I mentioned last week that I had a difficult time writing Table Talk because I felt it necessary to communicate my disappointment in what I view as the absence of support and direction from the American Kennel Club during this current challenging time in history. I want to thank those of you who took the time to reach out to me about the column, and about my opinion. I will continue to keep Table Talk positive; however, until the AKC gets off their posterior, I fear there may be a troubled word here and there. Thank you again for your indulgence and understanding! Last week’s column had a record number of impressions and views. What does this tell you?
As I began working on this week’s column, I learned yet more troubling news on the AKC front: When they “furloughed” nearly 1/3 of the AKC staff with barely 24 hours of notice, in addition to the majority of the Executive Field Representatives, they also let go all but one field investigator. The field investigators are the individuals that visit kennels to ensure that records are in order, and animals are being cared for in an acceptable manner. I have to ask: What could be more important than the records and welfare of the dogs? Plus, according to many reports, the sales of puppies during this crisis is off the charts. Registrations are up, so aren’t the investigators’ services needed now more than ever?
I also had cause to reach out this past week to the individual that has been immensely helpful to me when I have registration challenges and related issues. My email bounced back. Yes, my friends, she is gone, too. As a result of what I have learned this past week about the choices that AKC has made, and what they view as critical resources, I am once again very disappointed. I am thankful that Guy Fisher and his colleagues in Club Development have so far escaped the chopping block, as they have been helpful to clubs struggling to hold events, but I cannot help but scratch my head about AKC’s choices.
In spite of AKC, our village is rising above the times! Shows are starting to happen again with the safety of exhibitors, judges, and volunteers in mind. Clubs are working hard to come up with procedures that promote safety and health while working with county and state officials to show that our sport is responsible enough to conduct our shows safely during these challenging times.
Thank you to all in the sport for persevering. Thank you for not throwing in the towel, but rather rising above and forging ahead.
The more we all focus on our own situation and not judge others for their decisions, the better off our sport will be as a whole.
Several fanciers who attended the Learning Cluster in Guthrie, Oklahoma–from judges to volunteers to handlers–have checked in to report they have received results of their COVID tests and ALL have reported they are negative!!!! This is living proof that we CAN do this!!!
The Kenai Kennel Club held their shows this past weekend in Alaska. I heard from several people that attended and they were thrilled with their decision to go to the shows. Exhibitors and judges felt safe and confident. Congratulations to all involved in putting on the shows there.
The Mountain Laurel Cluster in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania scheduled for July 23-26 is a go! With an entry of over 2,000 each day, the show will be closed to the public, and masks will be required inside buildings at all times. There will be no indoor grooming. Asst. Cluster Chair Philip Boyce reached out to AKC and, as a result, AKC TV will be live streaming the groups on Saturday (I guess they escaped the chopping block). For those of you going to Bloomsburg who may have a bathing tub you could bring for use during the cluster, it would be greatly appreciated. Please reach out to Phil Boyce via Facebook Messenger.
The Carolina Foothills Cluster in Greenville, SC will be held the same weekend, and they are looking for volunteers to assist during the cluster. If your plans include attending the shows in Greenville, and you are able to offer a hand, please reach out to Kris Harner via Facebook Messenger.
The Steel Valley Cluster in Canfield, OH is also going on as scheduled. The show will have the largest entry they have had in several years, and they have published their COVID-19 guidelines. I believe that this will be the largest cluster since shows resumed. The cluster is working very hard to ensure a positive, safe experience for all exhibitors, judges, and volunteers.
I am excited to report that I will be in Canfield bringing you Table Talk Live! Please reach out to me if you are interested in participating in our coverage. I’d love to chat with you. You can reach me via Facebook Messenger or email me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. Let’s bring the show to those at home who cannot attend!!
The Elgin Kennel Club is still planned to go on as scheduled on August 22-23 in Elgin, Illinois. Unfortunately, the AKC website is unclear and the cancellation of the 4-6 month puppy competition has made it appear that the all-breed shows are canceled as well. This is not the case! The Elgin shows will go on as scheduled so make your plans to attend now!
The Medina Kennel Club held a match show this past weekend. A portion of the proceeds benefited Take the Lead. Jim Augustus spent his birthday volunteering at the match, and I understand it was a big success!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Shari Lee, Jim Ham, Terri Erickson, Paula Nykiel, Mari-Beth O’Neill, Priscilla McCune, Tammy Bohlke, Barbara LaVere, Paul Clas, Angie Lloyd, Carissa Shimpeno, and Jim Augustus. Happy Birthday to All!
Andrea and Jack Mcilwaine are celebrating their wedding anniversary this week. May you celebrate many more happy, healthy years together.
Be safe out there, my friends. Do not forget to be kind to all and follow the rules. I look forward to seeing you soon. Until next time…
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