Table Talk – April 9, 2019
I was glad to see that my commentary regarding the National Owner Handled Series (NOHS) in last week’s Table Talk sparked great discussion. The emphasis of that discussion was about AKC licensed judges exhibiting in NOHS. Some exhibitors feel that it is inappropriate for any AKC licensed judge to exhibit in the NOHS because they would be considered a professional as a result of being compensated to judge. Others feel that a judge’s eligibility to exhibit in the NOHS should cease when they are licensed to judge an entire group. Several judges indicated that they do not feel comfortable showing in NOHS. Under the current AKC NOHS guidelines, professional handlers are NOT eligible to exhibit in the NOHS. Some might then ask this question, “Why are judges allowed to exhibit in the NOHS and professional handlers are not?” One might argue that by a judge being licensed and paid to judge dogs, they, too, are considered to be a professional. I guess AKC is the final arbiter of this debate. My mentor always taught me if I follow one simple rule, I should be assured to stay out of uncomfortable situations. That rule was “If you have to ask, just don’t do it!” I have followed this rule throughout my career and it has proven invaluable! The best advice I can pass on is to worry about your own situation and focus on you and your dog. If you have suggestions that you think would improve the NOHS (or any other AKC program, for that matter), write them up and send them to AKC. The NOHS is a fairly new program, and I’m sure AKC would welcome constructive suggestions regarding how to improve the program and increase participation.
When I started attending shows on the West Coast a few years back, I had to adjust to the way things are done out there. The biggest change for me was seeing the way show photography is handled. Having never really shown dogs out west, I had never experienced having multiple photographers “shooting” the same win shots. I have observed some exhibitors who are not accustomed to this practice and became uncomfortable when several photographers came to take their win photo. It may be time for the West Coast clubs to re-evaluate asking multiple photographers to shoot a given show–depending on the entry–and perhaps dividing the opportunities among the photographers who are in attendance should more than one photographer be required. It would be beneficial not only to the exhibitors, but to the dog show photographers as well. I was chatting with a West Coast-based exhibitor recently who went to shows in the Midwest and was pleasantly surprised when only one photographer shot the group and Best in Show photo. Editor’s Note: There are many on the West Coast who favor having multiple photographers as the increased competition results in the quick delivery of photos to the customer as well as the opportunity to choose the photographer they think takes the best photos of their dog.
Carissa Shimpeno, Ernesto Lara and Angela Lloyd were in Mexico City for National Week. The photographs I saw on social media of the tournament of champions were breathtaking and you all made your friends back in the States proud! Enjoy the trip and safe travels home.
Katie and Adam Bernardin have been enjoying themselves in Paris. Enjoy your trip, guys, and we hope your trip home is safe and uneventful!
The Sunday Fort Bend Kennel Club show in Rosenberg, Texas was cancelled mid-day due to inclement weather. Kudos to the kennel club for giving the exhibitor’s safety the most consideration when deciding whether the show should go on. The decision to cancel a show is never an easy one!
There have been several reports that there were a lot of ticks on the show grounds at last weekend’s shows in Birch Run, Michigan. Folks who attended these shows may want to check your dogs thoroughly for ticks.
There was a confirmed case of a dog with parvovirus at the Wichita, Kansas shows this past weekend. The show committee was extremely proactive and did their best to disinfect any areas that were possibly affected. Special events such as Pee Wee, the B-Match and the Handling Clinic were cancelled as a precautionary measure.
Linda Robey had to cancel her recent Paducah, Kentucky judging assignment due to a knee injury. Healing thoughts to Linda, and we hope to see you center ring again soon!
“Salilyn,” the legendary kennel name of Mrs. Julia Gasow, has been retired by the AKC. “This seldom-bestowed honor is granted to only the most successful and influential lines, whose quality stands the test of time,” said the AKC in a press release. This is another well-deserved honor for a hall of fame breeder.
I was sorry to hear of the sudden but peaceful passing of AKC judge Wayne Bousek. Wayne will be sorely missed by the fancy. Our sympathies go out to Janie and her family at this sad time.
The American Kennel Club introduced their new B.A.R.K. program this past week. B.A.R.K. (Be A Reading Kid) has been designed to encourage children to read, and to enhance the child/dog bond. Information regarding the program can be found on AKC’s website at www.akc.org.
We have a lot of birthdays to celebrate this week including: Ellen Lucas, Will Alexander, Jen Milani, Susie Olivera, Carla Sanchez, Pat Luce, BJ Whitlow, Kathy Guerra, Roxanne Chumbley, Gwen DiMilta, Robin Stansell, Melinda Lyon, Doug Johnson, Pam Peat, Kayla Bruner, Aaron Wilkerson, Howie Huber III, Lynda Beam, Kathy Helming and Beth Sweigart.
Good luck out there, my friends. Be safe in your travels! Until next time…
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