Table Talk · May 20, 2020
Table Talk · May 20, 2020
The light at the end of the tunnel keeps getting brighter, my friends! I’m sure a lot of you feel a bit frustrated by the postponement of the Peach Blossom Cluster in Perry the third week of June. More than anything, I feel badly for the club members and volunteers who were working so hard to make those dog shows happen. It is more important now than ever that each and every one of us remember to be kind and recognize that there is no possible way that individuals that are not involved in the decision making process of a club or show understand all of the variables that go into making such a difficult decision to either cancel or postpone it. Sometimes the decision is made by someone outside the cluster. This was the case with the Peach Blossom Cluster as the state government decided not to open the show grounds they agreed to rent to the cluster just over a month earlier.
Many club officials and volunteers are hearing from eager fanciers who want assurances that their shows will happen. Again, please understand that the clubs want to have their shows as badly as you want them to happen, but the decision does not rest solely with them. In most cases, shows are held at venues that are city- and state-owned and that in itself creates complexities. Those clubs that are fortunate enough to own their show grounds still have to comply with the governing bodies in their areas. Rather than judge, let’s reach out and see how we can help the clubs with their efforts to put on the show.
A Facebook page has been started with the primary purpose of bringing those that want to help show-giving clubs together with those clubs that need help to hold shows. The Show Must Go On – Handlers Helping Dog Clubs is up and running and I encourage show-giving clubs and those willing to help to please join!
As I mentioned earlier: things are looking up for dog shows! The first FCI show was held in South Korea this past weekend. The South Korean Kennel Club held two shows on Saturday and two shows on Sunday, with an entry of approximately 100 for each show. Jay Kim (many of you will remember Jay who assisted Frank Murphy for years over here in the states) attended the shows and said the experience was actually better than he expected. The Kennel Club took as many precautions as they could including:
- Single file line to enter the venue
- Everyone’s temperature was taken prior to admittance.
- Each individual entering was required to complete a form which provided their name, where they were from, if they had travelled prior to attending and where, any health issues, whether or not they wear masks when in public, and their contact information.
- Everyone on the show grounds was required to wear a mask, and social distancing was implemented as much as possible.
Jay, a younger, healthy, physically fit man only showed a couple of dogs, and he said that wearing the mask was uncomfortable. He indicated concern for those that may not be in as good of shape and was concerned about his ability to show more dogs, especially in very warm temperatures. His advice? Practice wearing the mask as it gets easier as you get more used to it! Practice is the best medicine.
One of the judges at the South Korean Kennel Club shows also weighed in and for the most part echoed Jay’s sentiments.
The American Kennel Club has issued Suggested Best Practices for the Well Being of Dog Sport Participants. As I continue to try very hard to maintain ‘my glass is half-full’ perspective, I see this as another indication that the light really is shining on the other side! For the full document, go to our website at http://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/akc-suggested-best-practices-for-the-well-being-of-dog-sport-participants-conformation/.
AKC Judging Operations has also sent revised guidelines to all judges. Some guidelines are permanent while others are effective through the end of the year. I think the most significant provision of these guidelines is the increase in permit breeds a judge can have at one time through December 31, 2020. Through the end of the year judges can have 18, 24 or 30 permit breeds which is an increase of 6 breeds in each category. For the complete communication from Tim Thomas, Vice President of Dog Show Judges, go to our website at http://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/akc-board-updates-for-conformation-judges-judges-approval-process/.
It is my sincere hope that these accommodations for aspiring judges does not further degrade the quality of judging going forward.
Continue to check our website and Facebook page for more Facebook live activities that provide excellent learning opportunities for all fanciers. In addition, AKC will be continuing their breed webinars which are also open to all fanciers indefinitely.
Pending the decision of the town mayor regarding social gatherings, it looks like the Western Ohio Summer Cluster in Lima, Ohio will be our first dog show here in the United States. They ask that you wait until June 1–after the Mayor’s guidelines on social gatherings are released–to make plans, but they are working very hard to make all necessary modifications to ensure the safety of all exhibitors, judges and volunteers.
The Cudahy and Racine Wisconsin Kennel Clubs have reached out to all to indicate their intent to hold their shows on August 7-8. These clubs are also incorporating as many safety precautions as possible.
It’s interesting how, now that we ALL seem to have more time on our hands, we learn more about one another beyond the sport of purebred dogs. Many on the West Coast know Angela and Mike Partridge as the owners of ‘Cisco’ aka GCHB. Shortales & Coronet With Or Without You, the German Shorthaired Pointer shown by Luke Seidlitz. The thing you DON’T know about the Partridge Family is they are producers of world-class olive oil. What started as a hobby 12 years ago when they planted their first trees in Paso Robles where they reside, has turned into a 175-tree olive farm on 2.5 acres. Considered micro-producers, the Partridge Family Olive Oil Company’s Point North Tusci Blend took home the gold medal at the 2020 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. Here is a link to the article about their big win:
https://bestoliveoils.com/news/the-partridge-family-olive-co-wins-1-awards-at-2020-nyiooc
Anyone who cooks knows that good quality olive oil can make or break a recipe. So, if you want to find a great made-in-the-USA gold medal winning olive oil, just go to https://www.pfoliveoil.com/ and place your order before it’s gone! They only produce 30-50 gallons per year, so it won’t last long!
Congratulations to Ashley Whitmore and Alfonso Escobedo on the birth of their baby boy, Andre Alexander, born May 13 at 7 lb. 4 oz. I’m glad to hear momma and baby are home safe!
Condolences to my dear friend, Larry Cornelius, on the death of his father. We are all thinking about you at this most difficult time.
Happy Anniversaries to Rhonda and John Holloway, Tuni and Ernie Conti, and Gina and Cliff Weiser. May you all stay safe and healthy and enjoy many more years of love and happiness. Happy Anniversary elbow bumps are in our future my friends!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Bill McFadden, Kim Rudzik, Dennis McCoy, Judy Descutner, Brenda Combs, Alex Mossotti, Kim Haupt, Dominic Findlay, Geno Sisneros, Kim Langlands, Tammie Wilcox, Kate DeSanto, Klayton Harris, Erin Roberts, Burk Hughes, and Jack McIlwaine.
Happy 59th birthday in Heaven to John Benoit. We all miss you, buddy. We know you are watching over us and I’m sure you are having a rum and coke to celebrate your special day.
As things start to open up, I think it would benefit us all to practice “you do you and I’ll do me”!! None of us have the same circumstances (medically, financially, socially, etc.). We should all stay in our own lane and refrain from judgement as we begin to re-enter society. Let’s all be kind and help each other out!
We will see you soon, my friends! Until next time…
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