Table Talk · June 15, 2022
Woofstock 2022 is a wrap, and a groovy time was had by all! The cluster committee worked so hard to make these shows a memorable event for all who participate. Once again, they did not disappoint! A huge thank you to all who worked tirelessly to make Woofstock one of the most fun filled clusters an enthusiast can attend. I was very happy to see many fanciers take the time to give a nod of thanks to all involved in making this special cluster what it is today. THANK YOU to all – there is no better way to celebrate peace, love and dogs!
Many in our sport are ramping up for what should be yet another memorable experience at the Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown, New York– home of the 2022 Westminster Kennel Club. Spectators will be allowed to attend this year which may make it feel a bit different than it did last year. But I for one am looking forward to the opportunity to do Westminster outdoors on this magnificent property! For those unable to attend, Table Talk Live! will be there to share the fun with you! Be sure to stay tuned to our website and Facebook page during the show to join in the fun. Once again, The Canine Chronicle (www.caninechronicle.com) will be posting breed judging results on our website, so be sure to stay tuned for the latest news!
Anyone who has had the pleasure to judge a sweepstakes at a national, or a special event at an all-breed club, quickly realizes how physically and mentally demanding judging can be. Over the years, I have had several friends who are judges decide to take a step back from their busy judging schedules. This decision was primarily due to the physical demands placed on them when judging a full load (175 dogs a day). In several cases, I have asked, “But why? You are still at 100%?” The answer I have received in all cases is that the physical demands are too much, the travel is too difficult, and they want to retire with the fancy remembering them at the top of their game. Houston and Toddie Clark have decided to take that step back. They have gone emeritus and will now enjoy the sport from outside the ring. I know that they will be missed dearly. Houston and Toddie began their licensed all-breed handling career in 1964, and retired from handling in 1986 to become all-breed judges. They relocated to a rural golf and lake community in Decatur, TN. Houston and Toddie will retire from judging as well-respected icons in the sport. Best wishes to Houston and Toddie as they enjoy the next chapter in their beautiful lives.
I met a new friend this past week at Woofstock. Early Thursday, a somewhat stressed-out Rhodesian Ridgeback exhibitor stopped by the booth and asked where to register. I gave him the run-down of how to get his number, etc., and wished him the best of luck. Mike Hoff and his dog ‘Rasp’ came back to see me after they showed. He got 4th in his class. He said he was not sure about all of this. I suggested he hang around and just watch. Even though he had been to handling classes, perhaps watching how others present their dogs would help him gain confidence. It would also give him exposure to ideas above and beyond what he got at handling class. Mike stopped by to see me again Friday after he showed. He was smiling. He had gotten 3rd place in his class and more importantly he and Rasp had a good time. Maybe this wasn’t so bad after all! He chatted with a few exhibitors, and he watched how they presented their dogs. I asked him to keep me posted on his progress. Mike stopped by again Saturday with Rasp. They looked proud and happy. Mike and Rasp were having a good time! Saturday, they moved up to second place! By now, Mike had made some friends and was already starting to feel like part of the community. Mike is blessed with an outgoing personality which will help him make friends and learn quickly. He has a sweet dog who wants to do nothing but please him and his experience was positive. I think he will be back in the ring! The small amount of time that I spent with Mike, and the others who made him feel welcome, are the primary reason for his positive experience. This my friends, was my favorite part of this past weekend. Thank you, Mike for allowing me to play a small part in your first dog show experience; and welcome to the sport!
Happy Anniversary to Gail Miller Bisher and Mat Bisher as well as Correy and Sarah Krickeberg. Gail, I am glad that you and Mat were able to have a beautiful anniversary celebration before the Westminster craziness.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Adam Levy, Tim Ball, Camille Baker, Susan Bradshaw MacLyman, Erin Kerfoot, Patty Haines and Ray Stevens. Enjoy your special day, my friends.
It is hard to believe that I am leaving for Tarrytown in a few days! I look forward to seeing many of you at Westminster. Please remember to pace yourselves my friends! We will have a Canine Chronicle booth at the show: please stop by and say hi!
Be safe out there! Until next time…
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