Table Talk · November 27, 2024
How could it ALREADY be the end of November? Is it possible we are nearing the end of another show year? While some have completed their 2024 show schedule, many fanciers are ramping up for the largest shows in North America to finish the year and, and in some cases, end their dog’s show career. That last trip around the ring with a special dog can be electrifying and terrifying at the same time. We all have such great hopes for our dogs when they begin their careers, and we pray those dreams come to fruition. We must all celebrate the privilege of being involved in our wonderful sport and being able to celebrate it with our best friend on the other end of the lead. We must always remember that our dogs cannot say no to us. They just try to please us at every turn. Just like us, our dogs have bad days, and we must recognize this and treat our dogs with the compassion they deserve.
Because of the very large entry, there is a lot riding on the results of the shows in Orlando. A couple of good days for one dog, and not so good days for another, can mean a complete switch in the final rankings. Remember that if you have done your best, and your dog has done its best, and the rest is up to the judge. If you are happy with the dog you are taking home, that is a first step to competing with kindness, good sportsmanship and grace–win or lose. The Orlando shows are a great opportunity to see friends we do not see often and celebrate the sport and our dogs. Best of luck to one and all! May the best dog win!
We are ramping up for great Table Talk Live coverage in Orlando again this year! included in topics we will cover this year are talking to those that are attending the shows at the AKC National Championship for the first time, Owner-Handlers, and Professional Handlers who will talk about how they learned the trade. We’ll find out who they apprenticed under and how long; and why working with and for experienced individuals is an important step before going out on your own. Please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com with your interest in participating in our coverage or stop by our Canine Chronicle booth in Orlando which will be directly across from the Judge’s VIP lounge. We want to hear your story!
Once again, I am fortunate to be attending the Kennel Club of Palm Springs January 2-5, 2025, while representing The Canine Chronicle and bringing you Table Talk Live coverage from what is one of the most beautiful dog shows in the nation. While there is no Empire Hound Show this year, there are still a lot of specialties and other activities! There is truly something for everyone! There are still several group shows on Thursday and Friday, including Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Sporting, and independent specialties as well including Afghan Hounds, Beagles, Whippets, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Samoyeds, Newfoundlands, Shelties and Belgian Tervurens. The Danish Farm Dogs will be holding their inaugural specialties there, too! This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to learn more about this newly recognized breed. For those performance enthusiasts, the AKC Region 9 Obedience and Rally qualifying trials will be held. There will also be an AKC Family Dog event which can be entered on site! Entries for the Kennel Club of Palm Springs close early due to the holidays! Get your entries to Bradshaw, the show Superintendent, by December 11th at noon Pacific time. The Non-Sporting and Sporting Group shows have a show secretary, and their entries close the following Wednesday on December 18th. Do not procrastinate! Get your entries in now!!!!
Over 6 million Americans will be watching NBC on Thanksgiving Day for the broadcast of the National Dog Show–otherwise known as the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. The show will broadcast at noon in all time zones. This will be David Frei’s 50th dog show broadcast! If you miss the broadcast, and forget to record it, it will re-broadcast on Saturday, November 30th on CNBC and Sunday December 1st on NBC.
I was pleased to hear that Mike Kurtzner has gone home from the hospital after his heart surgery. With his beloved wife Karen by his side, there is no doubt that he will come through this with flying colors and be back doing left-handed circles with his Beagles in no time!
Please join me in sending positive thoughts to Kim Rudzik whose father has been diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukemia and will be undergoing treatment. Best wishes for a smooth journey to recovery.
Please keep Lois DeMers in your thoughts as her sister, Audrey DeMers, has suffered a stroke. Lois will spend as much time with her as possible. Best wishes to Audrey as she recovers from this dreaded health crisis.
Congratulations to Vicki Seiler-Cushman and Jeff Cushman on the grand opening of the second Glazed Donut Shop! I’m sure this one will be another success!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Carol Sommerfelt, Elizabeth Salewsky, Tami Luddeke, Heather Lindberg, Holly Leftwich, Gregg Bohlke, Curtiss Smith, Jennifer Costantinidis, Bonnie Wagaman, Jamie Souza-Bartlett, Matt Hoagland, Colton O’Shea, Desi Murphy, Diane Ehricht, and Lexie Rogers-Munson. Celebrate your special day with friends and family and have the best year yet in 2025!
A little advice to all my fellow fanciers: Show your dogs in silence and let your success be the noise!
Best wishes to all for a Happy Thanksgiving. Be safe out there and I look forward to seeing you soon! Until next time…
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