Table Talk · October 5, 2022
I have had some great “e-conversations” with several of you over the past couple of weeks in response to my call for topics that may be interesting to our readers–our “community” if you will. Thanks so much for your participation and keep those emails coming!
One of the topics near and dear to my heart is re-homing retired dogs. To be successful breeders, we must have a thick skin, a huge heart and a passion for greatness. Starting out, it was very difficult for me to wrap my head around letting my puppies go to homes, much less my retired show dogs and breeding animals. I genuinely believed that there was no home better than mine. I felt that I could take better care of my dogs than anyone. It took years for me to understand that being the only one, as opposed to one of many that could give my dogs the opportunity for more love and attention, is not the answer. Frankly, I found letting my dogs go to a new home as difficult as losing them to death. I got better at it over the years, as I enjoyed the photos and the status updates. I enjoy seeing my dogs being treated as cherished family members, children’s companions, and having successful performance careers with their people, etc. Despite knowing that letting them go to a good home was best for them (I lost a lot of homes because of the intrusive questions I asked, and the follow-up I required), placing my dogs never got easier for me and it was the primary reason I backed off from my breeding program. I have gone from being somewhat “judgy” about those who place their retired dogs to having the utmost respect for those who only want the very best for their dogs. While I will probably always have a “show dog” in my home, I have transitioned to wanting to be on the “couch end” of my dogs’ lives. I would like to commend all the breeders and exhibitors who focus on the best lives for their dogs, despite how difficult it is to let them go.
Laura King and Robin Novak did a thing this past week! In addition to attending Ohana Fest in California and enjoying great music by Pink and other great artists, they got married! Joined by great friends Jody Paquette, Sarah Perchick and others, it looks like they are having a most awesome time. Congratulations on your marriage, my friends. May you have many more happy, healthy, successful years ahead.
Positive thoughts continue to go out to our friends that have been impacted by hurricane Ian. To those in need of assistance, please remember that Take The Lead does have provisions for disaster relief. Please do not hesitate to visit the Take The Lead website and inquire about assistance if needed (https://takethelead.org/apply-for-assistance/emergency-assistance/).
Healing thoughts go out to Sandy McIlwaine who has been experiencing some treatment-related illness recently. Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine left her judging assignment in Washington early to go home and lend Sandy a hand. Sandy turns 85 years old this week! Happiest of birthdays, my friend. Hang in there; you have better days ahead!
Luke and Diane Ehricht, Kellie Fitzgerald, Susan Giles and friends are enjoying some R&R at the beach. I am envious of the camaraderie, sunsets and cocktails! I hope you all have fun along with safe travels home.
Janice Hayes and Eric Cicero have returned home from a wonderful trip to Mexico. Janice’s “side hustle” continues to earn her fantastic travel! Keep up the amazing work, Janice!
Congratulations to Vicki Seiler-Cushman on the birth of grandbaby number 2! Welcome to the world Jemma Widmer, born at 7lbs. 14 oz. Best wishes to Vicki’s daughter, Courtney, and her husband, Erich Widmer.
Terrier fanciers from all over the country are traveling to Macungie, Pennsylvania for the greatest Terrier show on earth! To those attending, please do not forget the traditional memorial service on Sunday morning at 7AM to honor those fanciers we have lost during the last year. I am sorry I cannot make it to Montgomery this year, but I look forward to joining in the fun again next year!!
I received the sad news about the loss of three members of our sport over the past week. Poodle fancier Jeff Nokes passed away. Joyce Moscato, a breeder of Dobermans, Boxers, and Welsh Terriers, lost her battle with breast cancer. Joyce was very active with the Camden Kennel Club. John Gammon passed away this past week. John bred Cavaliers under the Ravenrush Kennel name. The sport of purebred dogs mourns the loss of these valued fanciers. Condolences to the families of these wonderful people.
Happy Anniversary to Remy Smith-Lewis and his lovely bride, Karissa. May you lovebirds enjoy many more years of love and happiness.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Michael Rawlings, Sarah Krickeberg, Robin Novak, Loran Morgan, Corey Benedict, Cindy Stansell, Amy Duncan, Anna Stromberg, Gia Garofalo and Jon Cole. Make your special day a great one!!!
This week I share with you some words of wisdom from Desi Murphy: As judges we live with a dog’s fault for two minutes. Breeders live with a fault for generations. When you breed to a dog, you are breeding to its whole family!!!!
To those of you making your way to Macungie, Pennsylvania for Montgomery County KC please be safe and enjoy! The weather looks like it is going to be gorgeous, but I’d bring your rain gear just in case! I’ll see you soon! Until next time…
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