Table Talk · March 1, 2023
I believe that there were six clusters around the country this past weekend. In keeping with the question of are there too many dog shows, I’d like to add this data for consideration: Of the six clusters held, only one show was under 1,000 on Saturday, and that was the show held in Humble, Texas. Even this show was really close to 1,000, boasting an entry of 954. The rest of the shows across the country on Saturday were over 1,000, with the Renaissance Cluster coming in with the largest entry at 2,100. Weekends with more than 6 or so clusters tend to have less entries because there are more shows. When clubs are evaluating the calendar to decide when to have their shows, or whether or not to move their dates, etc., it may be a good idea to look at the weekends across the country and determine the path of least resistance.
The volunteers of the Renaissance Cluster held last weekend in Madison, Wisconsin have worked very hard to build their entry, attract specialties, and increase their numbers. Congratulations to all involved! Exhibitors, judges and all those who participated were thrilled with their experience despite less than desirable weather!
The Silver Bay Kennel Club held a Meet The Breeds event in conjunction with their shows this past weekend in Del Mar, California. The event was well-attended by breed enthusiasts and the general public. What a great way to attract the people to the show and introduce them to our sport!
The AKC Club Development department has been hard at work creating informational webinars for clubs. To date, the following topics are available:
- Club organization
- Club governance and elections
- Club finances and insurance
- Club memberships
For more information, or to download the webinars, please contact AKC Club Development via their Facebook page, email or the AKC website.
If you live in Southern California, you may have felt the pain of the shrinking number of club volunteers and the lack of venue availability. Those who live in the area who are not involved in a club should seriously consider joining one and helping at the shows. Those of you who are actively breeding and placing puppies, please consider encouraging your puppy buyers to join a local kennel club and get involved.
Robin and Ken Greenslade were off to the land of palm trees and wonderful food in the Bahamas. I hear it was their first vacation together in six years! Enjoy your well-deserved vacation, my friends. I’m jealous!
It was great to hear from Jeff Margeson with news that Chris’s recent surgery was successful, and he has turned a corner! Keep up the great work, Chris! we are all pulling for you.
Geir Flyckt-Pedersen was scheduled to travel to Europe for a judging assignment in Florence, when he was told by his doctor that he should not go. He had to cancel his assignment and was admitted to the hospital on Monday to address the doctor’s concerns. I will keep everyone posted on his progress.
I hear Jen Reed is due to be released from the hospital in Fresno, California where she has been residing for the last week. Feel better soon, my friend. We are all thinking about you!
We received the sad news that Gene Mills’ wife, Mary Ellen Mills, passed away. Mary Ellen brightened every room she entered and was known as a kind, funny woman who was full of life. Our sincere condolences to Gene and the rest of the Mills family at this most difficult time. Mary Ellen will be missed by the fancy.
Many fanciers are curious about what the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will look like when dressed up for this year’s 147th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Well, my friends, Gail Miller Bisher and I will give you a “zoom” look at the venue on March 10th via a Table Talk Live Zoom segment! Stay tuned for more information so you can be sure to take the tour!
Happy 45th Wedding Anniversary to Rob and Diana Skibinski! I don’t know how you two could be married for 45 years! You must have married when you were babies!!! Also celebrating an anniversary this week are Tara Martin-Rowell and JD Rowell. May you enjoy many more loving years ahead.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are Luke Baggenstos, Nate Francesco, Wendy Kampinski, Lesley Potts, Sarah Drake, Tuni Conti, my ‘utha mutha’ Judy Cooper, and Andrew Evans. Enjoy your special day my friends and best wishes for another great trip around the sun!
A thought to remember: Don’t cry over the past, it is gone. Don’t stress over the future, it has not arrived. Live in the present and make it beautiful!
Don’t forget to get those reserved grooming reservations submitted for the Kentuckiana Cluster! Email your request to louisvillegrooming@yahoo.com. If you are not certain if your reservation has been received, please reach out via email and check the status! Better safe than sorry!!! Drop me a note and let me know you are coming so I can come find you for some Table Talk fun!
Be safe out there! Spring is right around the corner!!!! Until next time…
Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=257819
Posted by Comments are closed
