Table Talk · November 20, 2024
Table Talk · November 20, 2024
I think that we can all agree that social media has changed the landscape of our sport. We have the ability to immediately post wins for many to see, share news about wins with clients, send out show schedules, make requests for assistants–the list goes on and on…
In this month’s “Did You Know” column (https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/did-you-know-if-anything-shady-was-going-to-happen-at-a-show-it-happened-long-before-the-show-ever-started/), Michael Canalizo talks about several things that can be affected by today’s social media activity. It would be enlightening for everyone to give this column a read: It gives us perspective from a respected judge and accomplished former handler.
In addition to discussing social media, Michael talks about how exhibitors often assume that judge’s decisions are affected by someone else’s choices rather than each judge fulfilling their duties strictly based on their opinion of the dogs in the ring that day. For those exhibitors who concern themselves with what may have happened behind the scenes, or what wins may occur because of what someone else said or did, this article may help relieve your conspiracy theories.
We will all be in a better place if we focus on the quality of animal at the end of our lead as well as the condition of the animal being presented. Everyone needs to believe in their dog to be successful. If everyone put the time and effort into their charges that they expend focusing on the minutia, they would be much happier!
Taylor Johnson had some words of wisdom for Juniors in her column, A Junior Handler’s Life, this month. (https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/a-junior-handlers-life/) Taylor’s comments do not just apply to juniors, however, they apply to ALL exhibitors!
“As a handler, you must learn the quirks and challenges of your dog–from training it to seeing what will make it look the absolute best. The chance to show you know your breed from showcasing the head to hand stacking it. ‘Take your dog around and present them in the middle of the ring’ will forever be a picture-perfect moment in my opinion. Time stops and it’s just you and your best friend doing what you love–together as a team.”
While Taylor was speaking of her experience in the Junior Showmanship ring, I guarantee you she has the same mindset when competing in the All-Breed ring. We should all take a lesson from Taylor and enjoy those special moments in the ring with our dogs, doing what we love together as a team.
This past weekend the Kennel Club of Philadelphia held the only benched show left in the country. Saturday’s show, known as the National Dog Show, will be broadcast on NBC on Thursday, November 28th, after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The broadcast has seen upwards of 6 million viewers in years past. Between the television broadcast and the benched show, the National Dog Show is one of our key sources of outreach to the general public about the Sport of Purebred Dogs. Preliminary numbers suggest more than 10,000 spectators crossed the threshold of the National Dog Show this year!
It is hard to believe that we are all gearing up for the last dog shows of the year! This year the AKC National Championship has drawn an entry of 5,647! In addition to that entry, 1,756 puppies will compete in the Puppy/Junior Stakes and an additional 1,194 will compete in the Bred By Exhibitor competition. The Bred-By competition in Orlando is one of my favorite events! It reminds us that breeders should save their best dogs for the Bred By Exhibitor class!
The shows held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before the big weekend in Orlando will also be incredibly busy! With entries ranging from 4,600-plus to 5,000, we are sure to see some incredible quality. I hope you will be able to join us in Florida for the largest shows in North America!
Here’s a heads-up to those that have booked the Red Roof Inn Convention Center for your accommodations in Orlando: the property has permanently closed! If you booked there, please make alternative arrangements now.
While March may seem like a long way off, those planning on attending the Kentuckiana Cluster are encouraged to book RV reservations NOW, before they sell out! Every year, RV parking at the Kentucky Expo Center sells out. Please note that the Show Committee has nothing to do with the RV parking! Book your RV reservations at parking.kyexpo.org.
Our sincere thoughts are with Phil Booth who lost his father last week. Hall Of Fame Drag Racer Wally Booth passed away peacefully at home, where he wanted to be. Phil knows he is in our prayers at this difficult and sad time.
I am saddened to pass on the news that AKC Judge Helen Lee James passed away last week. Helen Lee began her career in judging in obedience and went on to judge conformation. She was the second woman hired to be an AKC Executive Field Representative. After her stint as a rep, she went back to judging. She was an active member of many clubs, but one of her greatest honors was being the President of the Poodle Club of America. The Sport of Purebred Dogs has lost another piece of history. Our thoughts are with Terry, Chris, Tim, Karen and their families at this difficult time.
Best wishes to Ray Harrington who is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. We look forward to having you back at shows with your Beardies sooner rather than later, Ray!
Happy 16th Anniversary to Clint and Karen Livingston. Best wishes for many more happy years and adventures ahead!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Jason Hoke, Michele Abati, Glenn Hotze, Lindsey Rowley, Don Gillette, Shari Smith, Carla Link, Scott Kipp, Melanie King, Ray Harrington and Courtney Bastian. Best wishes to all of you for a great day and a great year ahead!
Be careful out there, my friends! Best wishes to those in a tight race, and don’t forget that your dogs are doing the best they can to please you! I look forward to seeing everyone soon! Until next time…
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