Table Talk • June 10, 2026
I was lucky enough to celebrate another year of Peace, Love and Dogs at the 2026 Woofstock celebration. The opportunity to attend shows like this reminds me of how fortunate I am to do what I do and spend time with so many amazing people!
This year’s Woofstock was held at a new location, the Yolo County Fairgrounds. This venue hosts many dog shows, but this was the first time for Woofstock. Hats off to the show committee for your hard work keeping that Woofstock vibe at this new place! Even though the weather was hot, the spirits were high, and everyone had a great time.
If relocating the dog show was not enough stress for the Woofstock show committee, FOUR of their judges cancelled for various reasons. Amazingly, the show committee, in conjunction with the Superintendent and AKC Representatives, was able to get all the breeds and groups reassigned without time changes! Everyone involved deserves a huge pat on the back for their efforts.
Unfortunately, Judy Brown was a judge who had to be replaced after she fainted in the ring while judging. She was taken to the hospital where she spent the night for observation before being was released the next day. The good news is Judy checked in with the show committee and fellow judges to say she is doing well!
This seems like a great opportunity to remind everyone that as temperatures rise we all need to drink plenty of water, and ensure our dogs have plenty of water, too.
In this month’s publisher’s comments, Tom Grabe discusses the long-standing 200-mile rule. This rule was established nearly a long ago to protect clubs and entries. As with most facets of life, our landscape has also changed, and the question that must be asked is, “Does the 200-mile rule still serve its function?” I must agree with Tom: With the current environment, it seems to make sense that the distance rule be more regional, and in many areas, 200 miles is no longer enough. In some areas, 300 miles may be the correct number, and there are even areas that may benefit from a longer distance. Clubs are folding, skipping shows, and struggling to survive. One of the primary reasons for their troubles is declining entries. With today’s economy, exhibitors are more discriminating with their entry dollars. Small entries most often means no majors, and exhibitors are saving their money to spend at shows where there are good entries. It makes sense that if there are fewer shows with a larger distance in between, the entry numbers should increase.
The Steel Valley Cluster weekend is a good example. It used to have entries of 4,000-plus decades ago when they were the only game in town; and “Canfield” has historically been a beloved cluster for many from near and far. Fast-forward several years, and shows were added in Marshall, Michigan, and then a Virginia cluster also “popped up” on the same weekend. The Marshall, Michigan shows were 284 miles from the Canfield shows, while the Virginia shows were 408 miles from Canfield. With the three clusters on the same weekend, Canfield’s entries dropped half of their historic highs. As it turns out, holding all those clusters at the same time benefitted no one, and now the Virginia cluster and the Michigan cluster have moved their dates away from the Canfield weekend. These clusters were too close, and they competed for the same entries. Canfield’s entries are now growing once again.
As Tom said, rules should evolve with the realities they govern. In the sport of purebred dogs, we need to look at ways to do more with less i.e. less shows, farther apart. It makes sense, doesn’t it?
A large contingent of the American dog sport is making their way back from the World Dog Show in Bologna, Italy. The US dogs did not disappoint! Congratulations to all the American dogs who won at the 2026 World Dog Show! The US was well-represented at this year’s show.
Sadly, we mourn passing of Kim Griffith. Kim was not just part of the dog show world, but he helped shape it. With vision, integrity and heart, he led the way for generations to follow. Our thoughts are with Kim’s wife Gigi at this most difficult time. He will be sorely missed by the fancy.
Our community is shocked and heartbroken by the sudden passing of AKC Field Representative and long-time fancier, Lynn Meyer. Lynn dedicated her life to the sport of purebred dogs as a breeder, handler, and most recently an AKC Field Representative. She was highly respected by one and all, and she will be sorely missed by so many in our sport. Our sincere condolences to her husband, Mike Allway, and her mother, Cindy Myer. Life is simply not fair.
Happy anniversary to Colton and Heather Johnson! Best wishes for many more exciting years ahead.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Karen Kurtzner, Vienna Mueller, Tracie Zeitz, Terry Chacon, Daniel Chavez, Jordan Olivera-Turen, Randy Tincher, Cathy Schaefer, and Adam Levy. Cheers to each of you, and may this trip around the sun be the best yet.
Be safe out there, my friends! Showing dogs in summer months requires that we be diligent about both canine and human safety! Tune up those generators, my friends, drink a lot of water, and I’ll see you at the shows! Until next time…
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