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Table Talk · June 8, 2022

I am glad I’m not the only one who noticed recently that there are handlers (professionals and owner/handlers) who barely acknowledge the dog on the end of the lead–whether in the ring or outside it. While I realize there are dogs that get overly exuberant when given too much attention, it breaks my heart to see a robotic relationship between the handler and dog. We all need to remember that the dog we are showing ourselves or with a handler does not have a choice about whether to go to the show or not. In most circumstances, that dog just wants to please us. Those handlers that are most successful–whether a professionals or owner/handlers, are those that have a visible bond with the dogs they are showing! If you see the dog’s tail wag when the handler is coming, or when you put that show lead over the dog’s head, you know that aforementioned special bond is there. I’ve been around dogs for a long time, and I can look at a handler and their dog and see if the dog wants to be there or not. In my view, the relationship between the handler and the dog is paramount not only to success, but to the dog’s happiness. A message to new exhibitors: Talking to and petting your dog outside the ring and in the ring while not actively showing can be therapeutic for both of you. Feelings go down the lead, but they also go up the lead! You will relax and gain confidence from a positive relationship with your dog. Remember, this is supposed to be fun! I implore professional handlers to remember that it does not take any extra time to talk to your dog, give them a reassuring ear scratch, or acknowledge a good performance. They have been patiently waiting in their crate for their few minutes in the ring with you.

 

Those that have had the pleasure of attending or working with the cluster volunteers of the Mission Circuit know that Lowell and Arlene Davis were the driving force behind that cluster for decades. We lost Lowell recently. Prior to his death, he and Arlene had stepped away from the Mission Circuit. The folks who have taken the reigns are doing a terrific job keeping one of the favorite clusters in Southern California alive and successful. It was wonderful to see Arlene at this year’s event. She looked terrific and gave a big thumbs up to what her successors have done with the cluster at its new location. It is so uplifting to see how excited fellow club members were to see Arlene, and how much her approval meant to them. Lowell and Arlene were not only a symbol of the Mission Circuit, but they were iconic within the Great Dane community, as well.

I heard legendary breeder, Frank Baylis was in an automobile accident this week. Thankfully, he came out much better than his SUV! Frank escaped with minor cuts and bruises, and I am told he is home and recovering.

Nancy Battaglia had a brush with the hereafter last week. She suffered a massive heart attack and was hospitalized in serious condition. The good news is she will be back home soon. We wish her a fast and complete recovery.

The Mayor of Lodi, California has asked professional handler Bill McFadden to speak to the local Rotary group about the sport of purebred dogs. What a great way to educate those in our community about our wonderful sport! We are always looking for outreach opportunities to get new people involved–this is a perfect example of a stone that may not have been turned. Those who have friends or family that are involved with a local Rotary, Mason, Lions Club, etc. may want to put a bug in their ear about visiting a meeting and chatting about our sport.

For those West Coasters who were waiting for information about the Lompoc shows, sadly this year’s shows are cancelled. Here is hoping the club can resolve the issues they are facing and host their shows again in 2023.

For those attending Woofstock this week in Vallejo, California, the fairgrounds is offering ‘pay-in-advance’ parking passes. For more information go to https://scfair.yodelpass.com/#/.

There are several fanciers celebrating wedding anniversaries this week.  They are Lesli and Danny Smith, Erin and Keith Olsen, Annie Balotti-Paleen and Chris Paleen and Michael and Maida Pesare. Happy Anniversary to all of you!

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are:  John Miller, Lois Ann Snyder, Jan Kolnik, Vienna Yeadon, Tracie Zeitz, Terry Chacon, Daniel Chavez, Cathy Schaefer, Jeanie Ayala and Patti Neale.  I hope each of you can do something memorable with loved ones on your special day!

My thought for this week is:  Be that person who roots for others–who tells a stranger they look amazing and encourages others to believe in themselves and their dreams.

For those who are attending Woofstsock–please stop by the Purina booth and say hi. It is hard to believe that we will be headed to Lyndhurst the following week for Westminster!

Be safe in your travels. Give those dogs a big hug and a special cookie. Until next time…

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