Table Talk · May 26, 2021
I had the pleasure of serving as Show Secretary for the Kokomo Kennel Club shows in Greentown, Indiana, this past weekend. I really enjoy serving in this capacity for many reasons. While I have been involved in the sport for well over 30 years (yes, I started as a toddler LOL), this role always provides me with a learning experience by requiring me to keep up to date on the ever-changing rules and regulations governing our shows. I enjoy being able to serve as a resource in this regard. In addition, I am provided the opportunity to encounter people that I would not otherwise have had the chance to meet, and this gives me a good perspective about where our sport is headed in terms of new exhibitors and general interest in our sport.
I continuously hear that our sport is dying. I beg to differ! At that relatively small show in rural Indiana, I met many new exhibitors! I would like to ask all my fellow “seasoned” fanciers to please keep your eyes open for these new, interested exhibitors. Take the time to stop and chat with them. If they have questions, please take the time to answer them. Things that we take for granted and think are obvious to most are not obvious to all! I preface all my conversations with new exhibitors by stating, “there is no such thing as a stupid question”.
This weekend’s show also verified that clubs are in desperate need of volunteers, especially stewards! One way to encourage membership and volunteers would be to suggest to new exhibitors that they get involved with a local club and perhaps visit with the club members at the show which they are attending. This is another way we can all help grow the sport!
Before you know it, we will be leaving for Westminster! Handler and exhibitor packets/tickets are in the mail! Exhibitor tickets are good for the day the dog is being shown and handlers will get tickets based on the number of entries they have, similar to past years. While admittance to the group tent will be limited, Westminster will have monitors set up on the grounds outside the tent so people can watch. It’s going to be a “garden party”!!!
Chris Keith and Dylan Kipp-Keith just returned from what looked like a wonderful family vacation at Disney! A well-deserved break, indeed!
It is wonderful to welcome Gwen DeMilta back to the ring seeing her doing what she does so well! Gwen was on a health-related break, and her very talented daughter, Carissa, was pinch-hitting in her absence. We are very glad to have you back, Gwen!
The Cromicle’s Elizabeth Salewsky is home healing from her shoulder surgery and looks forward to getting back to shows and providing us with “cromical” entertainment as soon as she is physically able. We miss you, Elizabeth! Tell Crom he needs to share you with us as soon as possible.
Pacific Northwest general vendor Hathaway’s Dog Supplies is taking an unwanted break due to Denton Hathaway’s injuries sustained in a fall. Hathaway’s is a long-time, respected vendor and will be missed during their absence. A fundraiser was held at the Logan, Utah shows to help the Hathaway’s in their time of need.
The fancy has had a tough week with losses of some good friends. Eric Ringle passed away on May 18th after an extended illness. Eric was involved in the sport of purebred dogs for over 50 years. As a handler, Eric specialized in Great Danes. As a judge, he was approved to judge the Sporting, Working and Herding groups. He also worked for the American Kennel Club as Administrator of Judge’s Education. Eric was loved by all that knew him, and he will be sorely missed by the fancy.
Michele Molnar lost her battle with cancer this past week. Michele was a child cancer advocate and fought very hard to survive. We extend our sincere sympathies to her husband, Jamie Danburg, and all of her family and friends. Michele will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Jan Priley Zigich passed away suddenly last week. The PBGV fancy is in shock over a great loss. Jan bred PBGV’s under the well-known kennel name Mirepoix. The fancy lost a true mentor and friend with Jan’s passing. Our sympathies go out to her family and friends.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Tim Catterson, Jack McIlwaine, Burk Hughes, Ric Plaut, Amanda Giles, Adrian Agard, Connor McFadden, Mardee Ward-Fanning, Olivia Hodgkinson, Kat Moyer, David Daugherty, Jake Haycock and Lori Wilson-Paust. Happiest of Birthdays to each of you! Enjoy your day.
I look forward to seeing all who are fortunate enough to attend Westminster in a few weeks. For those of you who are not able to attend, we will do our best to keep you in the loop throughout the show via our Table Talk Live! coverage.
Travel safe my friends! Check those generators! It is getting warm out there! I’ll see you soon! Until next time…
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