Table Talk – May 8, 2019
Flu season is once again upon us, so remember that it’s not only affecting humans but also our canines. Accordingly, we should do everything that we can to keep ourselves, and our dogs, healthy. Also, in the unfortunate event that we get ill, or our dog catches a bug, we should be considerate and not share the virus with our friends in the fancy. It’s best to keep sick and exposed dogs home and, if you are sick, please don’t to expose your illness to others at the dog show.
Many have requested that judges allow exhibitors to show their dog’s bites in an effort to prevent transmission of the flu and other viruses amongst dogs at the show. Exhibitors who are not able to show their own dog’s bites can frustrate to the judge. I encourage everyone to ensure that they are able to show their dog’s bite prior to entering the ring for judging. Being prepared to show the bite is much easier on the dog, the exhibitor and the judge. If you are unsure how to show your dog’s bite, or need a bit of help to make the process more seamless, ask a friend, or ask the AKC Representative for assistance! To those who are more experienced, please take a minute and help someone should they ask. To those judges who are frustrated by an inexperienced exhibitor who does not know how to show their dog’s bit properly, maybe you could take a moment out of your busy schedule to teach the person how to do it. Teachable moments like this might encourage them to keep coming back!
As the National Owner Handled Series continues to grow in popularity, clubs need to ensure that they hire judges who have experience in the groups they are being asked to judge. Likewise, if a judge is asked to do a group that they do not have experience with, they need to take a minute to review the standards of the breeds in that group, and perhaps watch that group a couple of times before the assignment. They should study up on breed examination procedures, etc. If you are not comfortable, or would rather not judge NOHS competition, please make that clear when signing your contract. The NOHS is growing in popularity and has been a positive addition to the sport. In order to ensure this positive experience, those asked to judge the groups have an obligation to be prepared and knowledgeable about the breeds they are judging. Clubs offering NOHS can help by reminding judges to come prepared and hire only those who are interested in judging the NOHS groups.
National Specialty season is in full swing and most have sweepstakes classes. Some national breed clubs have rules against professional handlers exhibiting in Sweepstakes classes. Some clubs have rules that state the dog must be shown by an owner or breeder. Sweepstakes at a National Specialty is important to breeders and owners. Emergencies such as injury, illness, inability to attend at the last minute, etc. do arise. It is my opinion that stated rules should include an “in case of emergency” clause. If a club has a strong position against professional handlers showing in Sweepstakes, they should, at minimum, allow a non-breeder/owner to exhibit. Personally, I think that if the best person to show the dog happens to be a professional, it should be allowed. However, exhibitors should not abuse any accommodation clause.
For those of you attending the Tallmadge, Ohio show this coming weekend, please check traffic conditions sinces there is a possibility that the exit off of Route 8 (Howe Road) will be closed. This exit is where many exhibitors exit to get to the fairgrounds.
There has been a bit of an uproar regarding the High Desert Cluster that is coming up this weekend. On Tuesday, April 30, 2019, the New Mexico Governor announced that asylum-seeking migrants would receive temporary housing at the Youth Hall, which is normally the location for the cluster’s free grooming. Many exhibitors were concerned about safety and sanitary conditions at the show should this occur. The last I heard, alternative accommodations may have been arranged and this will not be an issue for the High Desert Cluster. Please ensure that you have accurate information prior to making a decision about attendance. The High Desert Cluster is keeping their Facebook page updated with current information. Please check it out.
As we continue with our efforts to make our sport a welcoming environment for new exhibitors and spectators, we should all keep in mind that remarks we make at the ring can be heard by more people than the person we are speaking to directly. I encourage everyone to take negative comments about dogs, people, etc. back to your set-ups, rigs and hotel rooms. Those are the places for conversations of this nature.
I felt encouraged for our sport when I saw the link to the article entitled, “Say Something (Anything) Nice,” by Kat Smith posted on our Facebook page had over 23,000 views!!! If you have not had the opportunity to read it, please take a minute and go to caninechronicle.com and give it a read.
The sport of purebred dogs has lost another icon. Louis Auslander died today just shy of his 95th birthday. Lou was past AKC President and Chairman of the Board and was known as the man who was responsible for the rebirth of the International Kennel Club of Chicago–a benched show that was a tradition in our sport. Services will be on Thursday May 9th at Chicago Jewish Funerals located at 8851 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL. Lou requested that donations in lieu of flowers go to Take The Lead.
1987 Westminster Kennel Club - Best In Show German Shepherd Dog Ch. Covy Tucker Hill’s Manhattan Judge Mr. Louis Auslander · Handled by James Moses · Owned by S. Braunstein & Mrs. Jane Firestone
Congratulations to the following recent National Specialty winners:
-American Pointer Club: CH. Avalon’s Regera of Solivia
-American Black and Tan Coonhound Club: GCHS CH CSG Carlin Scoutout Black Caviar
-Irish Red and White Setter Association of America: GCH Killary Talk About High Class
-Viszla Club of America: GCH Tradewinds Ida Bomb JH CA
-American Rottweiler Club: GCH Gamegards I’ll Have Another
-Welsh Springer Club of America: GCH Clussexx Step Right Up
-Kuvasz Club of America: GCH Szumeria’s Me Oh Me Oh My
Celebrating their wedding anniversary this week is Barbara and Steve LaVere. May you guys enjoy many more happy, healthy years together!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Pam Lambie, Melanie Sorice, Lee Kronovich, Heather Johnson, Patrina Odette, Patrice Lawrence, Lesley Boyes, and Kathy Probst. Happy, Happy to everyone!
I leave you with this thought for the week, my friends: To truly enjoy dog shows, you have to love every part of it. From everyday life with the dogs, to grooming and preparing for the show, to the social aspect of showing, and the companionship and time spent with your dogs and friends, there is so much to love about this sport. If you only enjoy dog shows when you win, you may need to take a moment to adjust your perspective!
Be safe, hug your pooch and please help out that newbie in need. Until next time…
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