Table Talk · September 16, 2020
I think it is safe to say that we are officially “back at it”. This past weekend was another busy one for dog shows across the country. With all breed shows in Utah, Ohio, Minnesota and Tennessee, it is starting to feel like the good ole’ days!
Whether you are a show chair, a club volunteer, or an exhibitor–and whether you have concerns about COVID-19 or not–we need to continue to follow guidelines established by the government and the clubs hosting the shows. As exhibitors, we need to continue to wear masks and social distance. As show giving clubs, we need to continue to implement COVID-19 protocol and require masks and social distancing. As we get closer to “normal” it is easy to become complacent, and that complacency can cost us our ability to have dog shows. Be mindful of the photos and videos you post on social media. Sadly, there are individuals just looking for ways to cause trouble. If you see something at a show that causes you to be concerned for your and other’s safety, please contact the show chair or the AKC Executive Field Representative and communicate your concern to them. Posting this type of concern on social media will not get you the answer/resolution you need, and it is not good for the sport we love.
Together we can all continue our journey back to our sport as we knew it before the pandemic. We can work together and support each other. Flexibility and kindness are two very important traits that we should all embrace.
Congratulations to the Licking River Kennel Club that held their shows this past weekend in Lancaster, Ohio. In the recent past, these shows had entries around 400 with approximately 50 RVs. This year, the entry was over 900 with over twice the RVs. With this increased entry, and added concerns of enforcing COVID-19 protocol, the show committee was able to maintain a well-run, safe, organized show! Kudos to all involved in making the show a huge success.
The Red Canyons Kennel Club of Southern Utah held their very first shows September 5th and 6th. It is tough enough to hold your first show, not to mention adding COVID-19 protocol! The members of the Red Canyons Kennel Club prevailed and showed they were certainly up to the task! Congratulations to all involved for holding a well-run show. Exhibitors who attended were thrilled with the show and it seems everyone looks forward to having these shows on the roster in the future. Anyone who was in attendance and has photographs from the shows is asked to contact the show committee as they are looking for images to commemorate their first shows. Congratulations to all involved and thank you for your hard work!
Exhibitors who were heading home after the Chattanooga shows this past weekend were warned about a traffic situation involving carjacking on the Interstate. Some fanciers were stuck in traffic for over 4 hours. Social media was a great resource to warn those still at the show to seek alternative routes.
Those exhibitors who are planning to attend the Lone Star State Classic in Dallas, Texas the first week of December will see a new superintendent as MB-F has taken over these shows.
Some show-giving clubs are struggling with whether or not to put entry limits on their shows. In this time of uncertainty, several exhibitors are double- and triple-entering, and clubs are concerned that some exhibitors will not have an opportunity to attend, only to find out a percentage of the entry will be absent. Depending on county health department regulations, some clubs will have no choice but to limit the entry, but those clubs that have the luxury of choice may still choose to limit entries due to social distancing requirements. Once again, we must all remain flexible and understanding during these unprecedented times. While the age of “opening dates” is difficult to navigate, it has proven to be necessary.
Fido Pet Food Bank is hard at work providing food for pets in the Pacific Northwest to families who are impacted by the fires. In times such as this when demand is high, increased donations are necessary. If you are interested in helping Nancy Martin and her volunteers at Fido provide food for pets in need, please visit https://m.facebook.com/fidodogfood/ . Nancy has done an incredible job building an organization that supports those who could not otherwise afford to feed their pets. Senior citizens and veterans have benefited greatly from the efforts of Fido, and they now help those that have emergency needs as a result of disaster, such as the fires burning in that area.
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Wade Burns. Wade and his partner, Jon Woodring, bred Beagles, Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs under the Lanbur Kennel Name. Lanbur Beagles can be found in prominent Beagle pedigrees around the world. Wade will be sorely missed by the fancy. Our condolences to Jon and Wade’s loved ones at this difficult time.
Positive thoughts go out to Susan Allison as her father, Roy Van Gundy, is in the hospital fighting cancer. Our thoughts are with Susan, Gary and the rest of the family during this trying time.
Happy Anniversary to Jamie and Will Bartlett, Antoinelle and Frank Vulpis, and Sulie and Greg Paveza. May you all have a joyous anniversary and enjoy many more happy, healthy years to come!!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: John Kolodziej, Gene Blake, Bill Ellis, Richard Lawless, Holley Eldred, Michael Shepherd, Sandi Olsen, Robert Scott, Dorothy Schuerman, Vicki Mauk, Geir Flyckt-Pedersen, Angela Pickett, David Stout, Daniel Magee, Debbie Thornton and Val Atkinson. May each of you have a great day and enjoy many, many more happy birthdays to come!
This weeks’ words of wisdom: Learn to deal with people for who they are, not who you want them to be. Life gets a lot easier when you stop expecting apple juice from oranges!
Be careful in your travels, my friends. Please remember to be kind, patient and thank those hard-working club volunteers. Without their perseverance, we would not have dog shows to attend! Until next time…
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