Table Talk • July 15, 2026
My friends in Texas are part way through their July trek! This year’s Texas march looks quite different than last year with the Oklahoma cluster being forced to move their dates due to venue issues. This year’s journey began with the Lone Star Cluster in Dallas. Their format was changed to 5 all-breed shows with the specialties and group shows held as concurrent specialties. Table Talk live had the opportunity to chat with Larry Abbott about their new format, and we will be following up with him soon to talk about the results.
This week the Houston World Series of Dog Shows will take place at NRG Center in Houston, and they will be following a similar format to the Lone Star Cluster. Stay tuned for updates on the benefits this cluster experienced by changing their specialty day to an all-breed day.
The Ventura County Dog Fanciers Association held their end-of-May shows at the beautiful Ventura County fairgrounds on the ocean. The carnival lot is dedicated to dog show exhibitors during the show. Sadly, an RV’er released their raw sewage tank into the storm drain causing contamination that had to be addressed by authorities. Since the lot was completely dedicated to dog show exhibitors, the bill to clean and decontaminate the storm drain was the club’s responsibility. That $32,700 bill could have been totally avoided if individuals simply followed the rules. Exhibitors need to be sensitive to how behavior like this can ruin a kennel club. Many clubs are already suffering financially, and there are very few facilities willing to allow dog shows. Participants must show respect for the venues, keep them clean, and not threaten the financial health of our clubs.
Many of you have seen the videos and photographs of the damage caused by the storm that blew through the Ann Arbor KC dog show grounds on July 3rd. A lack of electricity torpedoed club’s heroic efforts to make the show go on, and the weekend’s shows were cancelled. Many exhibitors were planning to head to Marshall, Michigan for the shows the following weekend. Fortunately, the kind folks in Marshall were able to arrange for exhibitors to arrive and set up early. This is another great example of dog lovers working together to make the best of a tough situation.
The Summertime Fun cluster held its shows in Belvidere, Illinois over the past couple weeks. The club members and volunteers worked hard to make the cluster fun for one and all with an exhibitor BBQ, chuck-a-duck, and so much more. This cluster has been a long-standing event at the Boone County Fairgrounds, and this year many exhibitors took advantage of the lovely bench installed at the fairgrounds in the memory of long-time club member Brian Meyer. It was heartwarming to see how many exhibitors found this bench special.
The Summertime Fun cluster also honored long-time show photographer Kim Booth who will be retiring at the end of the year. As a long-time friend of Kim and Angela, I will miss them at the shows, but I am very happy that they are able to pursue their dreams with their African travel business.
On her way out the door to shows, Jody Paquette was trimming flowers to take to the Whippet Regional Specialty when she encountered a nest of hornets. Sadly, the outcome was Hornets -1, Jody – 0. After a trip to the emergency room, and an EpiPen, Jody was on her way to the show without missing a beat.
Congratulations to Desi Murphy who is celebrating his 50th year as an AKC judge! May your deep passion for the sport live on forever, my friend!
The Canine Chronicle is looking for a few Northeastern fanciers to join our team of show reporters. Reporters are given ad credit for their efforts. If you are interested, or have questions, please email showresults@caninechronicle.com.
The Museum of the Dog will be hosting a Cocktail (and hors d’oeuvres) event at the Santa Barbara shows on Friday, August 21st from 4:30-7:30. Join the Museum of the Dog for an elegant evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and conversation as the sun sets over the venue. During Best In Show, and through Bullyganza, spend some time with fellow fanciers, supporters, and friends of the Museum in a relaxed setting designed to celebrate the people who make the dog world so special! I look forward to seeing everyone there!
Happy 50th Anniversary to Linda and Rick George. May your next 50 years be the best years yet!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Paula Nykiel, Terri Erickson, Courtney Grogin-Dieckman, Tammy Bohlke, Mari-Beth O’Neill, Melanie Berger, Paul Clas, Betsy Deans, and Angie Lloyd. All the best for the most amazing trip around the sun yet!
To all my friends who are celebrating wins this week–congratulations. To those carrying a heavy heart, know that you are not carrying it alone!
I will see those of you in South Bend, Indiana this week. If you are not there, I hope to see you in Canfield, Ohio!
Be safe out there, my friends! Until next time…
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