Table Talk – 06/22/22

What a pleasure to be writing this week’s Table Talk from the incredible Lyndhurst Mansion, home of the 146^thWestminster Kennel Club dog show. So far, we have been blessed with incredible weather. While not having spectators last year provided for very spacious show grounds, the addition of spectators this year really brings back the feeling of excitement that we are accustomed to at one of the greatest shows on earth. Space under the tent is a bit more “compact” than last year. The venue, in my opinion, is a fabulous alternative to the Piers and Madison Square Garden. The Westminster Kennel Club has done a fabulous job transforming the venue into a fantastic home for the show. The group tent, once again, is climate-controlled with a carpeted floor. Once inside, you would not know you are in a temporary structure! For the first time this year, FOX Deportes is doing a simulcast of the group and Best In Show judging. This is a terrific outreach opportunity to the Latin community as they will be able to watch the broadcast in their native language. Congratulations to the Westminster Kennel Club for a phenomenal job of putting a terrific show together!

While we have been blessed with amazing weather since the start of Westminster, many fanciers (including me) suffered flight cancellations and had to delay their arrival. Fortunately, most people were starting a day or two early, and they were able to arrive on time for the start of the show.

I continue to hear about the problem of judges committing to assignments and not completing them for one reason or another. This lack of commitment causes great hardship for clubs who then must scramble to replace the judge that has left prior to completing their group, owner/handled group, or worse yet, a full day of judging. It would be best for our sport, as a whole, if judges would be clear about their intentions and not commit to assignments they cannot complete.

There has been a lot of discussion recently about clubs who are charging an entry fee for Junior Showmanship. Many fanciers feel strongly that the Juniors class should continue to be offered with no entry fee. In my opinion, sadly the economy does not lend itself to offering classes free of charge. Clubs are struggling to keep their head above water, and they need all the help they can get to stay afloat. While I recognize that those of us who have been in the sport for a long time are accustomed to Junior Showmanship classes being free, I hope that we can support the clubs who want to continue to offer Junior Showmanship but have to charge for financial reasons.

Speaking of helping clubs, the Michiana Kennel Club in Indiana needs ring stewards for their shows being held July 21-23. The club offers compensation, lunch, and free RV parking for those who are willing to steward. Contact Cara at gllama@aol.com if you are willing to help.

Andrea McIlwaine is missing Westminster this year for the first time in many years as she is healing from hip replacement surgery. We look forward to having you and your new bionic hip back soon, Andrea!

Brian and Lori Livingston’s van caught fire at the hotel parking lot in White Plains, but fortunately all dogs and humans are alright. Apparently, the alternator froze, causing sparks. There was minor damage to the van, and it will be fixed soon! I’m so glad everyone is okay.

Congratulations to Kristyn and David Stout on the birth of their baby boy, Ian Christopher Stout, weighing in at 8 lbs. 3 oz. After a rough start, I hear baby Ian is now home with mom and dad and thriving. Best wishes to the new family of four!

Happy 64^th wedding anniversary to Bob and Marietta Shreve! May you lovebirds enjoy many more happy, healthy years together. We also wish a happy anniversary to Jann Butler and Will Bratcher. May you enjoy many more years together, too!

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are:  Jim Frederiksen, Adam Levy, Vicki Seiler-Cushman, Erica Vogt, Perry Payson, Mary Norton, Joan Katz, Sulie Greendale-Paveza, Anita O’Berg, Cassidy Hayes, Randy McAteer, and David Haddock.  I hope all of you are able to enjoy your special day with family and friends.

As Pat Trotter said at last year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show:  Not all pets are show dogs, but all show dogs are pets!  Give those canines a special hug!

Until next time…

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