Table Talk • October 22, 2025
My latest travel took me to Santa Rosa, California–not for wine tasting–but for a dog show! Once again, the Harvest Moon Cluster hosted a beautiful dog show at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. While the entry was down slightly, the clubs did not hold back when it came to hospitality and accommodations for the exhibitors and judges.
An unfortunate situation occurred when, supposedly, a few judges were approached by a candid photographer who was making efforts to influence their judging decisions. This was quite an uncomfortable situation for the judges and, apparently, they were not sure how to handle this situation. If this occurs, the judge should reach out to the AKC Executive Field Representative as soon as possible.
Thank you to everyone for your kind comments about last week’s column! It gives me hope that perhaps we can focus on our dogs and our sport and develop some new hopefuls!
One conversation I had at the show this past week was with a fancier who got “burned” by a mentee. I am not going to say that this is not a potential problem; in fact, it happened to me. Although I was not burned, I was disappointed by this person. I opted to look at the situation as a lesson learned. The fact is that I did what I could to share my knowledge. Although we may not be successful every time, we should continue to do what we can to share information, educate others, and welcome new people.
Those fanciers who are working on their February schedule should consider a trip to the Midwest after Westminster. The Motor City Winter Dog Classic is being held February 5-8 at the Suburban Show Place in Novi, Michigan. The Renaissance Cluster is scheduled for February 19-22 this year. This year the Renaissance Cluster is going to be even bigger and better! A huge new building has been added which makes room for so much more fun! With 27 specialties and an expected 3,000 dogs, this circuit is a great place for those hard-to-get majors! If you want hotel information, or a list of specialties, go to www.renaissancecluster.org. For information on the Motor City Winter Classic, go to www.motorcitywinterdogclassic.com.
Here is the best news I received all week. Tito the Australian Shepherd has been found! He is okay and catching up on some much-needed rest and good food! Thank you to everyone who helped look for Tito, reposted updates, etc. Our community once again showed it’s always there to support fellow fanciers when something goes wrong.
The topic of judges showing dogs came up last week during a discussion with a few friends. Every one of these folks (and others) said the same thing to me. It’s the breeder first! Sadly, I have talked with a couple of judges that are not exhibiting as much as they used to because they feel they are being bullied. “You only won because you are a judge,” etc. I think judges have the right to show their dogs. In fact, it is good for them, and the exhibitors who show to them. Let’s encourage our judges that are breeders to continue to enjoy their passion from the whelping box to the show ring. It keeps them involved in the sport, and not just as judges.
Happy Anniversary to Tammy and Gregg Bohlke. No one needs to tell the two of you to have fun! Keep it up and have the best year yet.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Ethan Coye, Annie Balotti-Paleen, Jill Bell, Betty-Anne Stenmark, Cheryl Purcell, Diane McCarvey and Michael Brantley. May your next trip around the sun bring you great joy.
Remember this saying, my friends: Life will only come around once. Do whatever makes you happy and be with whoever makes you smile.
My next adventure is to Oaks, PA for the Kennel Club of Philadelphia cluster. If your travels bring you there, please be sure to stop by the Purina booth and say Hi!
Be safe out there. I’ll see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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