Table Talk • February 11, 2026
Don’t cry because it’s over… be happy you had the opportunity to participate.
This sentiment applies not only to our Super Bowl of dog shows, Westminster, but to the campaigns that officially came to an end there, as well. Saying goodbye to your charge at the conclusion of a multi-year campaign is one of the most difficult moments a handler experiences. The bond and partnership that develop during that time are always remembered and rarely broken.
It brings me joy to see the casual, non-performing side of these champions when home videos are shared. They remind us that while they are very special, our dogs are–first and foremost–our companions. They do everything in their power to please us and make us proud. It is our responsibility to ensure they continue to live their best lives once they return home. Returning home is a transition for these retired champions. They need time to be reintroduced to their pack–and although their show careers may be over, they still require stimulation and purpose. Hug your special friend and remind them how valued they are now that their show career is over.
The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show gave several retired Westminster winners —the ‘Legends’—the opportunity to take a lap at the Garden. Some of these past winners would have missed that moment if not for this initiative, as the show was held at alternative venues for several years due to COVID.
I had the privilege of spending time with the retired Westminster Legends backstage–and seeing the joy that this special attention brought to each of them was simply the best! THANK YOU to Westminster Kennel Club for this recognition of these beloved champions and their handlers who are part of the fabric of Westminster history.
Congratulations to Donald, Andy, Octavia, Penny, Theresa, Greg,and the media tour crew for your hard work during the post-Westminster media tour. Your efforts showed the world how wonderful the sport of purebred dogs is, and why winning BIS at Westminster is so special. I am still getting positive feedback from the general public!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Table Talk Live coverage at Westminster this year. This show would not be what it is without each and every one of you!
Some of you may have noticed several billboards in New York City that demonized purebred dogs. These billboards, posted by Honest Kitchen Dog Food, in partnership with PETA, were meant to view our community in a negative light. If you are currently feeding Honest Kitchen, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with their principles and reconsider your dog food of choice. There are a lot of great dog foods out there that support purebred dogs and the fancy!
If the hustle of Westminster wasn’t enough, many fanciers returned to the Javits center this past weekend for Meet the Breeds. 25,000 people crossed the threshold to acquaint themselves with different breeds of purebred dogs, many of which they saw during the WKC broadcast. I am impressed with those who made Meet the Breeds a priority, despite being a bit weary after Westminster. If you were unable to attend this year, I encourage you to consider participating in the future. It is a wonderful way to share our beloved sport and the world of purebred dogs with the public. A huge thank you to everyone who attended this very important event.
The next wave of recertification test requirements from AKC Judging Operations has been emailed to judges. Best of luck to all in completing your judge’s recertification exam. In my humble opinion, I think this initiative has been successful in keeping AKC judges current while filtering out those who may no longer benefit our sport as active judges.
Happy Anniversary to Ken and Virginia Murray. Best wishes for many more great years ahead.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Billy Wheeler, Berna Hart Welch, Allan Brown, Erika Busby, Heidi Hartman-Booth, Michelle Michael, Jamie Clute, Rylie Beckwith-Kirkland, Jackie Beaudoin, Beth Blankenship, Dot Izmirlian, Susan Sprung, and Cassidy Jackson. May the year ahead bring you joy and health.
I’d like to share a couple of my favorite quotes I heard during my travels the past couple of weeks. They are too good to keep to myself!
“Donald Sturz and his crew thought of everything – and then he thought of more!!!!” -Bonnie Linnell Clarke
“Everyone in that BIS ring tonight represented us perfectly.” -David Murray
“A dog touches the soul!! This is what it is all about…I hope this kind of love, dedication, and passion persists to be known as the heart of Junior Showmanship. It is never about what you win.” -Ava Hata
“Someday I hope my husband looks at me the same way he looks at our dog.” -Megan Terella
“I had some goals.” -Andy Linton
Wherever your travels take you, please be safe! I look forward to seeing you down the road. Until next time…
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