Table Talk • April 22, 2026
Last week, I wrote about a situation that occurred at the Peach Blossom Cluster where a handler was arrested and benched after a disagreement with the parking official. The handler subsequently requested a stay of her suspension, which has been granted. This means that she will be allowed to show dogs while the AKC committee deliberates.
If you have not had the opportunity to read Jessica Braatz’ Junior’s Perspective in our April issue https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/the-juniors-perspective-4/ , please do; it is thought-provoking, and I hope Juniors and parents will read it and contemplate Jessica’s perspective. The quantification of our sport, not only in Junior Showmanship but in the entire sport, has changed things.
As Jessica contemplates in her article, Junior Showmanship was meant to be a time of learning, a time of showing new puppies, new breeds, and, most importantly, a never-ending quest for knowledge. Junior Showmanship was practice and preparation for careers in dogs. It was not an opportunity for a “juniors career”. The concept of a “juniors career” has deviated from the original purpose of Junior Showmanship, which was to be treated as a stepping stone, and an opportunity for growth in the sport of purebred dogs.
So many fanciers are missing out on the great times we experienced decades ago: learning about and simply enjoying the dogs. My favorite phrase is this one: ENJOY THE MOMENT. ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
Speaking of enjoying the journey, the Whippet National was held this past week in Washington. Entries for National Specialties on the West Coast routinely are lower than those held in the central part of the country, so an entry of 435 was amazing.
In my opinion, the American Whippet Club is up there at the top for parent clubs, who really know how to put on a National. It is well-organized, and it has an excellent slate of activities for all fanciers lucky enough to attend the show. The club held an Owner-Handled recognition event, which is a very nice addition to the program. Unfortunately, the host hotel lost its liquor license mid-week, so the hotel was “dry” for a few days of the show, including the day of the banquet.
There was a live stream of the show on Facebook. It was done by the club, so those of us who could not attend had the opportunity to follow along. This, in my opinion, is a great alternative to having a professional videographer attend the show, as it does not limit fanciers from streaming various classes, etc.
This year’s Best of Breed winner at the Whippet National was the amazing ‘Bourbon’ who, at 10.5 years of age, has now won the National five times! I am not certain, but I believe this might be a record number of National Specialty wins for a dog of any breed. Congratulations to Bourbon, Cheslie and Justin Smithey, and all involved with her. Congratulations to the American Whippet Club for another spectacular show.
The Executive Officers of the American Kennel Club have been re-elected. They are: Gina DiNardo, President and CEO, Theodore Phillips, CFO, and Sheila Goffe, Executive Secretary.
There is a bill pending in the State of New York that would prohibit the cosmetic docking of tails. There has been concern from the community that this could affect those who compete at Westminster and other shows in the state. It is my hope that if this bill passes, it will affect those veterinarians who perform the procedure within the state of New York, and not those who compete in the state. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Ralph Del Deo at the age of 101. Ralph and his wife were active in the field and conformation. Together they bred Pointers, Wire Fox Terriers, Dachshunds, and Affenpinschers. Ralph served as an AKC Delegate for 25 years. He will be sorely missed.
Our sport also lost Albert Staudt this past week after a long and valiant fight with cancer. Fanciers will miss him behind the Rau Superintendent’s desk. Sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at this most difficult time.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Tiffany Skinner, Sandra Groeschel, Payden Steele, Zac Crump, Michael Pesare, Nina Fetter-Galarneau, Will Bratcher, David Kirkland, Vince Indeglia, and Rowan Baggenstos. We wish the happiest of birthdays, one and all!!
Remember this, my friends: Despite bad days and mean people, believe in the good days and the kind people …and there are always THE DOGS!
Be safe out there. If your travels bring you to Purina Farms for the Poodle Club of America this week, please stop by the hospitality booth to say hi and pick up your latest issue of The Chronicle! Until next time…
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