Table Talk • October 15, 2025
Fanciers attend dog shows for many reasons. For some, rankings are the priority, while for others finishing a Championship or Grand Championship is the goal. For many, spending time with friends, being around great dogs, and learning more about a breed is the reason they come. Frankly, it doesn’t matter why people come to the show. We should embrace everyone’s priorities and be happy they are there.
Before the mass appeal of social media, we didn’t know a lot about most of the people we encountered at dog shows. We didn’t know their political and religious preferences, nor did we care. It was better not knowing, in my opinion. I think dog shows should be about having fun with your dog and enjoying the company of other dog lovers. Being kind to all exhibitors, judges, and spectators will enhance that experience exponentially.
We have all heard the advice about sending an email or making a post. You should read it and re-read it before you hit send. In my opinion, there is no better advice. Sadly, I believe the incessant use of social media has, in some instances, unnecessarily divided our community. Individuals air dirty laundry and attack others for their opinions, some of which don’t have to do with breeding, showing, or judging dogs. Attending dog shows should be everyone’s happy place. Before you make a rude or mean post on Facebook, send a mean-spirited email, or make a judgmental remark, think about what it’s like to be on the receiving end it. The sport of purebred dogs is a place that should make us smile! Please do your part to make someone in the sport feel more welcomed and happier.
The internet age has also changed the way we enter dog shows. Decades ago, we had to get those entries in the mail in a timely manner. We could fax them in or send them in the mail. Now, we can enter our dogs on Wednesday morning for a show with a Wednesday closing date! Last week’s interruption with the Infodog website created a bit of hysteria as exhibitors were trying to get their entries in before the noon closing time. The AKC agreed to extend the closing date by 24 hours to enable everyone to get their dogs entered, but this may teach many a tough lesson. Perhaps waiting until Wednesday at 11 AM to enter your dogs is not the best idea. Entering a couple of days in advance gives you some breathing room in case things don’t go according to plan.
Unfortunately, the Australian Terrier that got loose at Macungie Park during Hatboro Dog Club has not been found but it has been sighted at a creek near Macungie Park. If you are in the area, please keep an eye out for this dog, and contact the Macungie Police if you see him. Do not chase him or call his name!
A celebration of life for Kate Hanlon will be held on Saturday after Best In Show at the Fort Wayne, Indiana dog shows. If you plan to attend the show Saturday, please wear green in honor of Kate. Kate was given the English Setter Association of America Sportsmanship Award at the National Specialty the week before she left our world. I know in my heart that she knew this happened, and it brought her great joy.
It is hard to believe that the AKC National Championship and the cluster before it, is just around the corner! If you haven’t reserved your RV space yet, it’s too late. The RV parking area is completely reserved. Those who wish to be on a wait list should send in a reservation form and payment. If you do not get in, your payment will be refunded.
When you arrive at Orlando, or any other show where Site Control is managing traffic, etc., please remember they have a job to do. They are there to make sure things run smoothly, and that everyone stays safe! Their job is thankless, and they endure a lot of unnecessary rudeness from those they are trying to help. Please take a moment to thank them for the work they are doing and be nice to them.
Happy anniversary to Jessica and Adam Flach. May your future bring you all the love and happiness you deserve!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Teena Uyeno, Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, Justin Smithey, Maureen McCreery, Tristen Lawrence, Rebecca Laing, Aaron Rosas, Kasey and Krissy O’Brien, Ray Filburn, Lacy Bauer, Margaret Rucker, Stevie Wei, Brad Jenkins, and Kathy Hritzo Heimann. May your next trip around the sun be the best one yet!
Remember this, my friends: In the sport of purebred dogs, it feels like there is always pressure to level up. To get a new title. To move up to the next class. To show more. Maybe even to get a new prospect. Please remember to enjoy where you are at the moment you are there!
If your travels take you to Santa Rosa, California for the Harvest Cluster this week, please stop by the Purina booth and say hello!
Be safe out there, my friends – I’ll see you soon down the road! Until next time…
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