Table Talk · July 24, 2024
As I write this week’s column, I am stuck in Houston due to the lingering effects of the Microsoft outage from last Friday. Anyone who thinks traveling, especially air travel, is glamorous is just wrong! Allegedly, a faulty Microsoft update brought many businesses to their knees, including the major airlines. Anyone who flies with any amount of frequency knows that a ground stop is the worst possible situation for air travel. Aircraft and crews end up in the wrong place. Sadly, a couple of the major airlines recovered better than others! UGH!
Several shows this past weekend were impacted by this travel disaster, as judges could not get to their destinations to fulfill their assignments. Many of those that did make it to their assignments are having difficulty getting home. Air travel these days is simply awful. Remember this when you arrive at your next show and your judge is less than bubbly. Who knows how long they have been awake or trying to get to their destination.
While the entry at Houston has decreased over the last few years, they still do a great job of educating the public about our sport, and the many things pet families can do with their dogs. In addition to Meet the Breeds, Barn Hunt, Disc Dogs, ‘My Dog Can Do That’ and Dock Diving, the Memorial Hermann Life Flight program was in attendance doing CPR, Narcotics Detection and Heat Stroke demonstrations. The crowd for each demonstration was four deep at the ring! I would also like to point out the outstanding job the club volunteers do to get people to participate in Meet the Breeds. In fact, I would like to give a shout-out to Friday’s Best In Show Winner, the Harrier with her owner/handler Megan Honari, who participated in Meet the Breeds! Thank you, Megan, for giving your time, and educating the public about this wonderful, very rare breed!
If you are at a show that is holding Meet the Breeds, please consider taking some time to educate the public about your breed(s).
There was a situation this past weekend in Houston that renews my concern about the process of finding a professional handler to show your dog. An individual who calls himself a professional handler was seen at the show duct taping a dog’s mouth shut to do its nails. This individual saw nothing wrong with this practice. He had several different breeds in his care. Based on his comments, it seems his “job” as a minister did not work out, so he decided to be a dog handler! Sadly, this is not the only individual out there with insufficient knowledge and experience to show dogs and properly care for them.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I would like to remind everyone to please educate those less experienced exhibitors about how to find a professional handler for your dog. While social media has been a great asset to our sport, there are certain things that could be problematic such as the “Professional Handler” Facebook groups. Anyone can post on these groups claiming to be a handler. There are no background/reference checks, or even a cursory review of why an individual would be qualified to offer their services as a professional handler. Every one of us owes it to our dogs to be vigilant when making a decision to send our dog with someone–whether it is to be shown or transported.
At a minimum, kennel and vehicle inspections should be done, and references should be checked. Get a list of clients and do a lot of research! Ask the individual what handler they worked for and call that handler. If they have not worked for a reputable handler for several years at a minimum, that may not be the best person to send your dog with. Check client references and dig as deep as you possibly can!
It is with great sadness that I report that AKC Judge and Poodle Fancier Doris Cozart passed away. In addition to being the matriarch of her family, Doris was also a matriarch of our sport. She was very kind to me from the day I met her. She was kind to all. She was a mentor, a dear friend, and a talented dog enthusiast. From judging to serving as the President of the Poodle Club of America, whatever Doris did, she did with kindness, and enthusiasm. I always looked forward to seeing and visiting with her. Doris, I am going to miss you so much. Godspeed my friend! Our sincere condolences to her family and other friends who are also feeling this great loss.
I would like to extend sincere condolences to David Kirkland who lost his mother last week. It is never easy to lose your mom. Hang in there, David. We are all here for you during this difficult time in your life.
Happy 36th wedding anniversary to Red and Denise Tatro! May you two lovebirds have many more years of love and happiness ahead.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Matias Mato, Carlene Pulliam, Pam Desrosiers, Kyle Robinson, Terri Giannetti and Stuart McGraw. Have a GREAT DAY, my friends!
Please remember this, my friends! Lift as you Climb!!! Be kind, be helpful, and please try to be understanding. If I ever get out of Houston, I’ll see you in Canfield – please stop by the Pro Plan booth and see me! Until next time…
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