Table Talk • January 14, 2026
The 150th Annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show is less than three weeks from today! I am excited that we will be in the Big Apple again to cover this year’s event!
If you have not yet had the opportunity, I encourage all exhibitors to watch Donald Sturz’ YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIQe9cVxsPo. The video has all the information necessary for exhibitors to arrive in New York City and “hit the ground running”.
With Westminster temporarily being held a week earlier than usual, many exhibitors will be attending all-breed dog shows the weekend prior and arriving in New York City Sunday evening. I believe Donald’s informational video will help everyone devise an arrival plan and minimize stress! The key sound bite from the video is: DON’T FORGET YOUR WESTMINSTER PACKETS when leaving home! Everything necessary to get you and your dogs in and out of the Javits Center will be in that packet
For those fanciers who are planning to arrive in the city on Friday, please do not forget the Cocktails and Cabaret Celebration at the Museum of the Dog from 4-6:30. Tickets can be purchased at the museum website. Here is the link:
https://museumofthedog.org/mc-events/best-in-show-cocktails-cabaret-at-the-museum/?mc_id=460.
For all of our Juniors who will be in New York on Sunday, February 1st, there will be a reception at the Museum of the Dog, hosted in partnership with the Westminster Kennel Club from 1-4 PM. Juniors and their families are invited to explore the history of Westminster and the world of purebred dogs. Former Westminster Kennel Club Best Junior winners will be present from 1:00-2:30. Come hear their stories, ask questions, and get inspired by what is possible when passion, dedication, and a love for dogs leads the way! We are bringing Table Talk Live to this celebration of our next generation and we look forward to having the opportunity to share your stories.
Our friend Mike Pitts had a heart attack over the break, but word on the street is he is on the mend. He is a bit more fatigued than he would like to be, but he is improving every day! We are all glad you are doing okay, Mike, and we look forward to seeing you back in the ring soon!
Frank DePaulo is making a footwear fashion statement. He is sporting a lovely walking boot that I hear he’ll be stuck with for the foreseeable future! Hang in there, Frank – this is just a “limp” in the road.
This past weekend, friends and family gathered at the home of Gina and Cliff Weiser to celebrate the life of Heidi Martin who passed away the week prior. Heidi relocated to Weston, Missouri about five years ago and made her home there.
Friends of John Miller and Tristen Lawrence are on their way to Turks and Caicos to attend their lovely destination wedding. Congratulations to the lovebirds. I hope everyone has a great time!
Handler’s Assistant Megan Malovich is trying to build a support system/community for assistants to share their experiences and talk dogs! If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Megan on Facebook.
While exhibitors and seasoned fanciers are (or should be) conversant in how to behave ringside, a kind reminder cannot hurt. This is also helpful information for spectators who may not otherwise know proper etiquette. It is my humble opinion that show giving clubs may want to make a poster or sign that outlines these ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ and place them at show entrances:
RINGSIDE ETIQUETTE – DO’S AND DON’TS
DO
Be respectful of the dogs and people in the ring
Be mindful of how close your dog is to the ring while standing ringside
Clap for all the dogs if you are going to clap for any
Make sure your dog behaves appropriately while ringside
Clap for veterans!
DON’T
Shout advice to exhibitors in the ring
Park barking dogs ringside
Speak negatively about people or dogs in the ring
Approach people exiting the ring with unsolicited advice
Be distracting to dogs or people in the ring
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Tara Schultz, Karen Livingston, Maggie Peat, Tina Dougan, Rhanda Glenn, Connie Wagner, Cheslie Pickett-Smithey, Courtney Kniola, Vickie Bouvee, Nancy Liebes, Maddie McCue, Amy Keill-Green, and Ava Hata. Best wishes to all for a great year ahead, complete with beautiful dogs and many blue ribbons!
Here is this week’s advice to all: In the end, people will judge you anyway…don’t live your life trying to make others happy. Make your dog happy instead!
To those of you who will be traveling to the Rose City Cluster in Portland, Oregon, this week, please be sure to stop by the Pro Plan booth and say hi. I look forward to seeing you down the road. Until next time…
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