Table Talk • March 18, 2026
The 2026 Kentuckiana Cluster is a wrap, and oh, what a show it was! The volunteers and show committee were concerned about getting everyone moved into the building in time for the Working Dog Show and the Brussels Griffon National on Wednesday. Due to a delay in getting possession of the facility, volunteers got a much later start than usual. A lot of hard work by Nina Fetter-Galarneau and her team helped the move-in go much smoother than they expected! With new building construction, and the steer show that moved out on Monday, it was certainly challenging, but it was well worth the work! The good news is the Working Dog Show and the Brussels Griffon National Specialty started on time, without a hitch! Thank you to one and all for your hard work.
Sadly, Sulie Greendale-Paveza missed her judging assignment in Louisville due to a middle-ear issue that caused dizziness, and it landed her in the hospital for a short stay. Fortunately, she’s now home and on the mend, and she thanks everyone for their concern and good wishes. Sulie will return to the center ring soon.
During the Kentuckiana Cluster, an exhibitor at the show filed a complaint against another exhibitor, which led to a bench show hearing. At the beginning of the hearing, the committee made it clear that recording the proceedings was not allowed. (Per the AKC Rules, ALL participants of the hearing must agree to proceedings being recorded, and this was NOT the case at this hearing). One party clearly stated they would not record the proceedings. Unfortunately, that was not the case, and not only did that party record the proceedings, but the recording was posted on social media. Stay tuned for updates on this situation.
A heads-up to fanciers: 1. There are different rules in different states governing who and what can be recorded without everyone’s knowledge. 2. Published AKC rules and guidelines govern bench hearing proceedings.
An unfortunate situation occurred at the show in Louisville this weekend that has weighed heavily on my heart. While we all want to be able to be actively involved in our beloved sport of showing and breeding dogs forever, sadly, aging is an issue. Being physically and mentally able to care for the dogs, travel to dog shows, etc., is important. There are some fanciers who have little or no family, and dog shows are all they have. Their dogs are their family.
As we age, we may not fully realize that the ease with which we once did certain things has diminished. My hope is that we all travel with emergency contact information that is easily found, and we have a plan in place should something happen during a trip. Co-breeders and co-owners should ensure that everyone has contact information and can step in should the need arise.
A huge thank you to the Cluster Committee for dealing with a very difficult situation with the utmost compassion.
Many fanciers left Louisville early on Sunday due to impending weather, which included high winds, tornado warnings, etc. At one hotel on Sunday evening, management was walking through the hallways with a megaphone, urging people to go into the bathroom, close the door, and wait for further instructions. Eric Steele happened to be one of the exhibitors staying at this property. Eric and his three Salukis spent two hours in the bathroom. I am glad that no one was hurt and all is well, including Eric and his Salukis!!
I was happy to hear that Jon Cole is back home doing well after a short hospital visit. Anyone who knows Jon understands you cannot keep him in one place for any period of time. I am sure that we will see him ‘back in the ring and doing his thing’ in short order.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Susan Allison, Jess Johnstone, Tyler Crady Roche, Dick Greaver, Kristyn Stout, and Jan Hepper. Best wishes for a great day and a great year ahead!
A word of advice from our friend Michael Faulkner: Prioritizing and evaluating breed specific traits, to advance future generations, should always be the focus when judging.
Be safe out there, my friends! May you all create great memories and celebrate the sport that we all love. I will see you all soon down the road. Until next time…
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