Table Talk · September 7, 2022
It is hard to believe that we have said hello and goodbye to Labor Day already! Sadly, Labor Day is the unofficial close of summer. For those that are campaigning top dogs, it also marks the last four months of the show year. Before we know it, we will be in Orlando for one of the largest shows of the year! For those that stay at the Hyatt Orlando Convention Center, the room block opened on Tuesday. If you have not already done so, you may want to give the Hyatt a call and reserve your room if this is your hotel of choice. Some of the alternative properties are already sold out!
This month’s Publisher’s remarks (http://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/from-the-publisher-34/) sparked a great deal of reflection for me. Tom talked about a dinner conversation where they discussed the sport’s best–the best judges, breeders and handlers. While they agreed on some, and disagreed on others, there was consensus on criteria for each: Knowledgeable dog people who could find the best dog regardless of how deep or shallow the quality. Someone who you would trust to find you the next great one.
While your opinion of who that may be might differ from someone else’s “go-to” person, I think it is important to ensure that you take advantage of any opportunity to seek out your “go-to” person and “talk dogs” with them. We all need to realize that there is always something to learn. In addition to learning about different evaluation criteria, there are also different training methodologies, handling secrets, and even whelping tricks. There are so many gifted dog people out there, and we all need to recognize that there is something else to learn to make each one of us a better “dog person”.
For me, there are many dog show icons that I wish I could have had that “talk dogs” conversation with before they passed. Tom’s comments were a great reminder for me to make sure I take the opportunity to chat with those that I respect whenever possible.
Personally, I have the utmost respect for those judges or handlers that also have bred great dogs.The Bred-By group in Orlando is a great example of a place where you can find those talented individuals that not only are great judges and handlers, but also great breeders.
National Specialty season is upon us, and Nationals are a great opportunity to learn from breed experts. You don’t have to be a judge to go to a national and learn about a breed! To those fanciers planning on attending your national specialty, make sure you are aware of the closing date. Since most all-breed and parent clubs are no longer mailing premium lists, it is important to be aware of your closing date, so you do not miss it!! Many national breed clubs have early closing dates.
A lot of kennel clubs are looking for new members. There are so many in our sport who are getting older and cannot work at the shows like they did in the past. Agreeing to become a member of a club should be taken seriously. If someone agrees to join a club, they should make a commitment to be available that one or two weekends a year to work at the club’s shows. Joining a kennel club is the easy part! If you join, plan on putting in the work and helping the club put on a successful event!
Pat Hasting’s brother checked in and reported that she is home from the hospital where she has been undergoing cancer treatment. Our thoughts are with Pat during this challenging time.
Some of you who have been involved in the Sport of Purebred Dogs since the ’80s and ’90s remember George Alston’s handling clinics. George was the best at sharing the techniques and secrets that carried his charges to over 600 Best In Shows and 1,000 group wins. Well, George is coming out of retirement this weekend for a one-time only, two-day seminar hosted by the National Capital Kennel Club in West Friendship, MD. Although the seminar is already sold out, there are auditing spots available. AKC-TV will broadcast the seminar each day in its entirety beginning at 9 AM on Saturday. Anyone interested in becoming better at preparing and handling their dog(s) should watch this man in action. It may be your last chance to learn from one of the true master handlers in our sport.
There are several in our sport who are celebrating anniversaries this week! Armando and Xiomara Angelbello are celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary! Wow – one year shy of the half-century mark! Also celebrating are Pam and Bob Lambie, David Salcido and Brian Boldt, and Sam and Karen Mammano. Happy Anniversary to all and enjoy your special day! Make it a great one.
Those celebrating birthdays this week are: Darla Daugherty, Karen Justin, Bonny Datema, Kim Calvacca, Lisa Thomas, Lorraine Rainwater and Mike Stone. Happy Birthday one and all!
I leave you this week with this: Good, better, best. Never let it rest ‘til your good is better and your better is best!
Be safe out there, my friends! Be kind, thoughtful and helpful–you will love how it feels! I’ll see you soon down the road! Until next time…
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