Table Talk
Welcome to the ‘latest’ Table Talk! I mean ‘late’ because I traveled back from New York Wednesday and had to catch up on life! I cannot believe another Westminster is in the books! The FS1 broadcast has gotten great reviews from the fancy. Cudos to the Westminster Kennel Club and FOX for listening to concerns from those in our sport and making needed corrections to the broadcast.
That being said, the carpet is still a huge point of concern for the dogs and exhibitors. I saw a lot of bloody knees, torn panty hose and sore paws resulting from the sharpness of the surface. I suggest you continue to express your concerns to the Westminster Kennel Club. Maybe they can make the needed changes for next year.
It appeared to me that Madison Square Garden was especially empty this year during group judging. Perhaps the change in ticket policy for exhibitors caused part of this, although the lower boxes also seemed emptier than usual. Here’s hoping that WKC will re-consider the admittance policy for next year.
The “R2D2” looking cameras that were placed in the center of the group ring at Madison Square Garden this year caused a bit of concern for some of the dogs. You really cannot blame the dogs for reacting to something that is moving at eye level! Between those cameras and the camera placed right at the down and back, and add in the harsh carpet, it was a challenge for the dogs to give their best performance. Also, there were a number of complaints about the volume of the commercials played during the groups. We all know some breeds are more sensitive to sound than others and loud noises can affect their performance. Some of those commercials made me jump a bit. This show is too important for the dogs to not look their best. Unless you have had to contend with the factors mentioned above, adding in the stress of showing in the group at Westminster, I would have to say it’s not fair to judge the performance of the dog in this one moment. Dogs are live beings, not robots, and their handlers are as well. Showing some compassion and support would be one way to handle the situation. I encourage handlers to write to Westminster and voice their concern about the placing of the cameras, the volume of the speakers, and the problem with the carpet. They were responsive about the telecast, perhaps they will be responsive about these issues as well.
Bringing you ‘Table Talk Live’ from New York was a lot of fun and I would like to thank everyone that took time out of their busy schedule to chat with me. I’d like to give a special shout out to my friend and partner-in-crime Tammy Bohlke for your help being my wing-man Monday when Alex was not available. You were so awesome! We did experience some audio issues and I will work very hard to ensure that this does not happen again. I may be hitting some of you up for a re-take!
Table Talk Live videos can be found on our website at caninechronicle.com and The Canine Chronicle Facebook page. More videos will be added to the Canine Chronicle website soon.
Some of our friends in the judging community were not heading home from New York. Bruce Schwartz journeyed to Switzerland while Doug Johnson and Jamie Hubbard were off to Norway. You guys have more energy than me! Enjoy your trip and safe travels.
I was thrilled to hear that Pilar Kuhn has completed her radiation treatment. One more round and she will be good to go! Gloria Johnson continues her treatment as well. Both of you lovely ladies are in our thoughts.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Heather Stimson, Susan Sprung, Colette Seror, Ryan Dillman, Erin Olsen, Jill Parslow, Allison Sunderman, Blair Aguillard, and Michael Dougherty.
Happy Anniversary to Doug and Kay Belter! I hope you two love birds have something special planned.
Remember to be kind to each other and show some love to our newbies. Be safe in your travels.
Until next time…
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