Table Talk · September 9, 2020
Labor Day weekend means the beginning of the end of summer for us Midwesterners. While my friends on the West Coast are hoping for fall, those of us in the Midwest are saddened by the end of our summer season. Unfortunately, summer in California brings forest fires, and this year has been no different. Many are still on alert to evacuate at a moment’s notice, and our community continues to be supportive of those in need. Val Atkinson wants all to know that Briar Cliff Pet Resort in Menifee, California is open and available to those who need a safe place for their animals. Those needing a spot for their dogs can call at (951) 246-7200. Our thoughts are with all affected by these devastating fires.
Temperatures out West caused great concern for several who were contemplating traveling from California to Utah, and some opted not to make the trip and stay home. Temperatures during times exhibitors would have traveled to Utah were in excess of 110 degrees. It looked like those who were able to make the trip had a great show to attend! Congratulations to those volunteers from the Red Canyons Kennel Club who worked so hard to make this event happen.
Congratulations to the West Volusia Kennel Club for saving your shows after the original shows scheduled for September 19-20th were cancelled. The shows have been rescheduled for October 24-25th at the Ocala showgrounds!!
Shortly after the pandemic hit, Take The Lead established a $400,000 fund to assist fanciers with health insurance premiums. Originally, they were going to assist with premiums for May and June and then extended coverage for another two months. This assistance was then extended to assist with health insurance premiums through December 2020. While Take the Lead will not be accepting new applications for assistance at this time, the fund will assist with health insurance premiums through the end of the year for those who have already applied. Take The Lead’s assistance for health insurance will exceed the $400,000 originally set aside for this purpose. This organization continues to support fanciers facing health issues, and also provides support for disaster relief. Please remember Take The Lead when you are looking for an incredible organization to consider for your charitable giving.
Exhibitors continue to navigate the new age of “show openings”. Shows are opening at different days and times with some opening on holidays and weekends, and at various hours during the day and night. While I recognize that there are many reasons for varied opening dates and times, it seems to me that a fixed day and time would make life a lot easier for exhibitors (and entry services) to manage. With very few exceptions, shows close Wednesday at noon (unless a limit is reached prior to that time). I wonder why the American Kennel Club has not tried to regulate opening times to assist everyone trying to enter events they sanction?
A couple weeks back Kris Harner, the Show Chair for the Carolina Foothills Cluster that was held July 23-26, sent out a survey to all who attended the shows. The survey received over 500 responses. Keep your eyes on CanineChronicle.TV and the Canine Chronicle Facebook page for a Table Talk Live Zoom segment with Kris where we will discuss the survey and her experience with putting on a show in the earlier days of the pandemic.
It seems that the American Kennel Club is slowly bringing back employees who were laid off. In addition to several field reps being called back, Breeder of Merit/Special Services representative Krys Messer has also been re-employed. I’d like to be among the first to welcome back these highly valued folks and congratulate them on getting their jobs back! While the American Kennel Club may not have done a good job at recognizing your loyalty, service and dedication, please know the fancy greatly appreciates each and every one of you!
Congratulations to Ryan Wolfe and Nikki Ryan on the birth of their son, Killian Christian Wolfe. Best wishes for a happy, healthy lifetime together!
Many fanciers are celebrating anniversaries this week!!!!! Happy Anniversary to Debbie and Steve Melgreen, Kim and Rick Rudzik, Kathy and Dave Musto, Patrina and Bruce Odette, and Sam and Karen Mammano. May you all have many more happy, healthy years together!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Bonny Datema, Kim Calvacca, Lisa Thomas, Lorraine Rainwater, Pam Beale, Corinna Ohrnberger, KayCee Klang, Nancy Hritzo Trangmar and Susan St. John Brown.
I’d like to share some words of wisdom for new exhibitors from Kate Murray as my parting thought to you this week: “If only those new to the sport of purebred dogs could understand immediately that it is not simply brushing your dog and running in a left-hand circle. It is an art and it is a passion. Seek the soul of that connection, seek the beauty and artistry, and you may be rewarded… but by then it’s the icing on the cake to what you have already gained!”
I look forward seeing you all soon! Be safe in your travels, keep your distance, wear your masks, and HAVE FUN!!!!! Until next time…
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