Table Talk · October 7, 2020
So many in our sport missed being at Montgomery County, Devon and Hatboro this past weekend. Not only did they miss attending these great shows, but this year was also the year Morris and Essex KC was scheduled to hold their quinquennial (once every five years) event. Many fanciers noted the beautiful weather this past weekend and lamented the fact that so many shows in the past had less than optimal weather conditions. Rather than focus on what we may have missed this year, people are already planning their Montgomery and Morris and Essex outfits for 2021! Those who planned breedings and rolled coats with this special weekend in mind are now planning accordingly for 2021. Plans are under way for a most awesome week out East in 2021, and we will keep everyone posted as details become available.
I often receive questions from exhibitors asking what to do in situations that may appear to be less than legitimate, or fair, and what to do when someone witnesses what they think may be inappropriate behavior. AKC Field Representatives and Show Chairs will listen to the concerns of an exhibitor and make a determination of whether further action/investigation is necessary. While it may be intimidating to bring an issue forward that appears wrong, or ask a question that may seem dumb, we should all remember there really is no such thing as a “dumb” question. If something does not seem right, it very well may not be. We all need to be each other’s cheerleaders and look out for each other to make sure we all do the right thing. If you are not sure about how to handle a situation, ask those who are there for that very purpose. They will guide you.
Many fanciers are hanging out in Idaho this week for more dog shows. This past weekend the Snake River Canyon Kennel Club did an excellent job with their shows held at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds. Having stayed in Twin Falls for the Blackfoot, Idaho shows a couple of years, I know how beautiful the landscape there is. Kudos to the show-giving club for a job well done. Next up in Idaho is the Idaho Capital City Kennel Club shows in Boise this coming weekend.
A couple of weeks back, the Bonneville Basin Kennel Club held their shows in Farmington, Utah. These shows were well-run, and exhibitors were thrilled with their decision to attend. Many exhibitors spent two or three weeks in Utah attending shows. Congratulations to the Bonneville Basin Kennel Club for a job well done.
After a couple of rescheduled dates, the Western Ohio Summer Cluster held their shows this past weekend in Lima, Ohio. Congratulations to Nina Fetter and the cluster committee for persevering and holding their shows as promised. This was an especially busy weekend for Nina as this was also the first all-breed cluster for her new business, Executive Dog Shows. Congratulations on a job well done!
I have a message to those fanciers who are heading to Enid, Oklahoma for shows this coming weekend. If you have time available, the club and the Southern Handlers Charity League (SHCL) are short of workers and can use any help they can get. If you can lend a hand, please contact SHCL through their Facebook page.
Those of you who are familiar with the work of Rhonda Cassidy will soon get a huge thrill! Rhonda will be publishing a coffee table book with some of her work. This has been a long-anticipated project for Rhonda, and I am excited about what is in store! Stay tuned for more information.
Vesta Rash has announced that she will be going out on her own in 2021. Vesta has worked for many of the nation’s top handlers including Karen and Sam Mammano, Bill and Taffe McFadden, Adam and Katie Bernardin, and David and Jennifer Harper. Vesta will continue to be located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Best wishes for a successful career, Vesta!
Our thoughts are with Sharon Abmeyer, partner in crime and good friend to Keith Bailey, who has been hospitalized. Please note this is a NON-COVID-RELATED illness. May you feel better soon!
For the past 19 years, the Brevard, Central Florida and Space Coast Kennel Clubs have held a Breeder’s Showcase in conjunction with their cluster, and this year is no different! This year the Breeder’s Showcase will be held on October 31st, 30 minutes after Best In Show in Ocala, Florida. Entries for this fun-filled event close on October 14th. An entry form can be found in the cluster premium list. For more information, exhibitors can contact the Breeder’s Showcase Chair, Peggy Hauck, at peguy@bellsouth.net.
Sadly, the fires in Northern California were responsible for the destruction of JoAnne Reed’s Windrift Kennels. While the kennel and home were a total loss, they were able to get out safely with all the dogs. A GoFundMe page has been set up for Windrift and JoAnne. Our thoughts go out to her at this most difficult time.
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of one our sport’s grand dames. Maxine Beam passed away just one month shy of her 99th birthday. A lifelong resident of Texas, Maxine was adored by all who knew her. After retiring from a 30-year handling career, she began judging in 1973. She was a favorite of all exhibitors and will be sorely missed by the sport and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Rest In Peace, Maxine.
The first shows in Southern California since the COVID-19 shutdown are scheduled to be held in Temecula in a couple of weeks! Two Sporting dog shows will be held the October 17-18th! In addition, I have heard that there will be an all-breed weekend in Southern California the week following the AKC National Championship. Stay tuned for more information! I know our Southern California fanciers will be thrilled to be able to show closer to home!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Ken McDermott, Sarah Congleton, Andrew Green, Karen Mammano, Anna Stromberg, Gia Garofolo and Jon Cole. May you all have a joyous day and many more, happy healthy birthdays to come!
I leave you with this thought for the week: Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter. Hush until you heal.
I hope to see many of you at the Crawford County Kennel Club shows in Lima, Ohio this coming weekend!
Wherever your travels take you, please be safe and stay well! Until next time…
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