Table Talk • September 16, 2026
There is no doubt that fall is in the air, at least in some parts of the country. I can’t believe we are nearly three quarters of the way through the year, and we’ll be crowning the top dogs of 2026 in a few months. I hope you have achieved some of the goals you set at the beginning of the year.
For many fanciers the beginning of fall means the greatest terrier show on Earth is near. If you have never had the opportunity to attend, I highly recommend that you put this show on your bucket list! Seeing over 1,500 terriers in one place, and having the opportunity to see so many master terrier handlers at work is truly a site to behold. Don’t forget that entries close today, 9/16, at noon. The superintendent is MB-F. You can enter at infodog.com. Get those last-minute entries in, my friends! If you want to learn about Terriers, this is the place to go as a spectator or exhibitor. I am a lucky girl as I will be bringing you Table Talk coverage live from the all breed shows that week, and Montgomery County KC, too.
I took a drive to Lebanon, Indiana this past weekend. I had not been to this show in many years, and there is a beautiful new air-conditioned building where the show is held. The venue has improved immensely. While shooting video coverage, I saw a dog representing my breed that I have never seen before. It was shown by someone I never met. The bitch was obviously quite young (it was her first weekend in the ring, and she was shown in the 6-9 Puppy class), and very well-trained. Wow! I thought to myself–how pretty she is, and the handler is doing a very nice job. The judge agreed with me and awarded her a Group 2.
When I saw the handler on Sunday, I introduced myself, congratulated him, and had a lovely conversation with him. I am so glad I took the time to meet this new fancier. It turns out he is not “new” at all. He has been in the sport for 20 years! He told me he had never shown one of his own dogs to a group placement before, and he was over the moon! This interaction, and seeing this lovely young dog, was the highlight of my time at the shows. I would like to encourage you to do the same thing at shows you attend. If you see a dog you like, and you do not know the person–especially a dog in your breed–introduce yourself. Make new friends and acquaintances.
I also watched a long-time friend show her Sporting dog, and she was smiling from ear to ear! When she came around the ring, she said, “I am having so much fun.” That statement, and her demeanor while showing her dog, reminded me about what dog shows are all about. She, too, placed in the group with her dog!
Our friends who attended the Cape Cod shows this past weekend had their dog show fun cut a bit short. The remainder of the show on Sunday was canceled due to rain. The water in some of the rings was nearly knee high!
Please join me in wishing Gene Blake a speedy recovery. He had a stroke but is on the mend! Anyone who knows Gene understands the determination he has, and know he will NOT let this keep him down. I am sure we will see him back in the ring soon. Gene loves to hear from his friends in the fancy! You can send him a note via Messenger, or text him if you have his cell number. I am sure Julie Mueller would also pass on any messages to him! Gene also just celebrated his 90th birthday, so you can wish him a happy birthday, as well!
Janet Lange had an accident mowing her grass, and she is currently hospitalized. I am told she is being well cared for and in good spirits, but she has some healing to do. Please keep Janet in your thoughts as she goes through the healing process. I hear she will be headed to rehab soon, and I will let everyone know when and where so you can send your supportive thoughts.
Ann Rairigh has been diagnosed with lung cancer, and will be undergoing treatment. If you see her and/or her assistant, Julia Kinsey, at a show be sure to give them a supportive smile. Julia will be doing her best to keep the string of dogs in the ring, and she can certainly use a helping hand. Please be sure to offer a hand if you see her at a show! Our thoughts are with Ann at this challenging time, but I know she’s got this! She is a tough cookie. We will see you on the other side of this terrible illness, my friend.
Lynda O’Connor Schneider is finally getting her second knee done! Best wishes for a speedy recovery! We look forward to having you back running those left-handed circles.
Fingers crossed that Curtiss Smith has gotten rid of that pesky stone and will be able to enjoy at least part of his couple of weeks off! Feel better, Curtiss– and get some rest!
We have a couple of fanciers celebrating anniversaries this week! Sulie Greendale-Paveza and Greg Paveza are celebrating 47 years of wedded bliss! Tricia and Russ Stanczyk are celebrating 33 years of happiness together. May you have many more years of puppies, rainbows, and love!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Mike Stone, Stephanie Hill, Jay Serion, Richard Lawless, Holley Eldred, Bill Ellis, Tyler Mills, Michael Shepherd, Grahm Swayze, Paul Martin, Annmarie Ruggieri, Sandi Olsen, Vickie Mauk, Alain Moulton, Angela Pickett, Breanna Uyeno, David Stout, Debbie Thornton, Daniel Magee, and Tessie Savage. Cheers to a wonderful year ahead for each of you!
I want to share bit of advice from the iconic Dolly Parton, “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
Be safe out there my friends. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful fall drives! I’ll see you down the road. Until next time…
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