Table Talk · October 21, 2020
We wrapped up another busy week for the sport of purebred dogs! I am pleased to report that, among the shows this past weekend, 2 Sporting Dog shows were held in Southern California!!! There have been various small specialties on private property, but this show, with 600+ entries, is the first show with a significant entry in California since the COVID-19 shutdown. Congratulations to Susan Bleckley and all the volunteers who worked so hard to make this show happen successfully. The show was held at the California Ranch Company, an open-air horse arena in Temecula, California.
The first all-breed shows in the Northeast were also held this past weekend. Thanks to Penny Kretchmer’s determination, the Albany Kennel Club held two all-breed shows at the Big E in Massachusetts. Hopefully, the successful execution of this show will pave the way for more shows in the Northeast. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the show happen; and thanks to the exhibitors for their compliance with the rules.
Due to Charlie Zimmerman’s creativity and determination, the Elgin Kennel Club joined forces with the Janesville-Beloit Kennel Club this past weekend and held a four-day cluster in Janesville, Wisconsin. Job well done to all involved!
In addition to the above-mentioned shows, there were also shows in Wilmington, Ohio, Belton Texas, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Clarksville, Tennessee. That’s what I call getting back to business!!!!!
A Texas-sized ‘welcome back’ to AKC Executive Field Representative Sue Vroom! The shows this past weekend in Belton, Texas was Sue’s first shows back since her “furlough” in April.
Many have missed the Purina booth at sponsored shows over the past several months. While not in attendance, Purina has continued their support of shows and has provided sponsorship funds and prizes. The Purina Event Center in Pacific, Missouri continues to remain closed for dog shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I checked in with Ann Viklund, Director of Conformation for Nestlé Purina Pet Care, who reported that Nestlé is strictly following CDC guidelines and she had the following update from corporate:
Currently, CDC guidelines state that pets should not interact with others outside of the household, and as a result, we have canceled show events for the remainder of 2020. This situation continues to evolve and guidelines are continually updated to further help us all navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, we are not in a position to speculate on the fate of our 2021 calendar but promise to keep you informed in a timely manner, once decisions are made for next year.
After much discussion and requests from the fancy, the American Kennel Club has clarified its policy on live streaming at shows. Live streaming for personal use on folks’ individual Facebook pages is allowed. As has been the case previously, the AKC requests that individuals be cognizant of commentary around them while live streaming, and it also asks that individuals ensure that the sport is portrayed in a positive manner. The full policy can be viewed at: www.akc.org/rules/policy-manual-shows. Please note that leaving unattended streaming devices is not allowed under any circumstances.
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Welsh Terrier matriarch Sharon Abmeyer just shy of her 80th birthday. Sharon holds the record for breeding and owning the most Welsh Terrier champions in modern history. She was very active with the Welsh Terrier Club of America and was willing to mentor all that asked. I’m sure many of you enjoyed visiting with Sharon and her partner, Keith Bailey, at shows. I had the pleasure of chatting with both Sharon and Keith for a Table Talk Live interview last year at Montgomery County Kennel Club. That interview is available for your viewing pleasure at caninechronicle.tv. I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with Sharon. She will be greatly missed by the dog fancy as a whole. Most sincere condolences go out to Sharon’s family, and her dear friend Keith Bailey. You can read Sharon’s obituary at https://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/the-passing-of-a-matriarch-of-welsh-terriers-sharon-abmeyer/
Cassie Clark’s new Cozy Kitchen restaurant had a very successful opening this past weekend in Marietta, Ohio. Open Mon-Sat for breakfast and lunch, I encourage all who may be passing through Marietta to stop for breakfast or lunch at the Cozy Kitchen! Congratulations, Cassie: We all knew you would be very successful!
Kat Moyer, the assistant to Clint and Karen Livingston for the past several years, will be leaving Clint and Karen and embarking upon a new career. Kat has been offered a position to manage a veterinary clinic. I am sure that she will be fantastic at her new job, but we will all miss seeing Kat on a regular basis. She intends to continue to show her Rhodesian Ridgebacks and is looking forward to spending some time at home with her better half.
I hear Kim Meredith will be relocating from northern California to Oregon next month. Best of luck with the move, Kim. Try to stay away from those packing crates!
Celebrating anniversaries this week are: Katherine Wurz Smoot and Jody Smoot, Tammy and Greg Bohlke, and Michelle Michael and Edwardo Jordan. May all you lovebirds enjoy many more years of love and happiness.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Kathy Hritzo Heimann, Brad Jenkins, Amy Booth, Sandy Mesmer, Ethan Coye, Annie Balotti, Jill Bill, Kasey O’Brien, Keith Pautz and Diane McGarvey. Enjoy your special day, my friends!
My thought for this week is: You never really know the true impact you have on those around you. You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them. You never know how much your kindness turned someone’s entire life around. You never know how much someone needed that long hug or deep talk. Don’t wait to be kind. Don’t wait for someone else to be kind first. Don’t wait for better circumstances or for someone to change. Just be kind, because you never know how much someone needs it.
Be safe out there, my friends! Until next time…
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