Table Talk – August 19, 2020
Another successful cluster is in the books, my friends, and our sport continues its comeback! The Greater Emporia, Jesse James and Salina Kansas Kennel Clubs hosted a five-day, indoor cluster in Topeka, Kansas this past weekend. The Mo-Kan Toy Dog Club held a group show on Wednesday which, technically, made this a six-day cluster. Clubs adopted the wristband method of monitoring entrance to the building and required signed waivers for exhibitors to receive their wristband. After a bit of Facebook live streaming of the shows on Thursday, exhibitors were told there would be no more live stream video of the event. Given the dog show withdrawal many fanciers are experiencing, this was met with disappointment and frustration. While I love to see the live stream when I cannot be at the show, I understand the dilemma the clubs face. While we may not like it, staying under the radar in the current environment is, unfortunately, a good idea. I hope exhibitors can understand that when a show chair requests no live stream of the show, they are doing so with the best interests of all involved in mind.
Club members involved with the Wheaton Kennel Club, Kenosha Kennel Club and Little Fort Kennel Club recently announced their 5-day cluster scheduled for September 30-October 4th at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois would be held. A few days later, the cancellation of the cluster was announced. In question is the County Health Department approval (or lack thereof).
I cannot help but circle back to my view that the infrastructure to support show-giving clubs is insufficient in the current environment. By that, I mean the AKC show approval process would benefit from a temporary update to address the issues related to the pandemic. Clubs need direction and assistance to navigate all of the issues raised by the COVID-19 pandemic. The regular approval process does not take into consideration all of the approvals that are necessary in these current, crazy times. Clubs need to be guided to avoid making mistakes. Perhaps it would make sense to amend the current AKC show approval process and require clubs to present county health department approval with their show approval application. If a club is overwhelmed or unable to navigate the county bureaucracy to get such approval, it would be great if the AKC could offer assistance to them.
I recognize that the American Kennel Club does not want to govern the kennel clubs under its watch. They have said time and time again that they can’t make rules that could be contradicted by county laws. I am suggesting that the AKC require whatever county approvals are necessary in the locale where the show is being held upon application for approval. This might help clubs and exhibitors avoid scenarios like that of Grayslake.
I think an educational packet about dog shows should be made available to clubs. This could be used to help educate the county health departments and other governing agencies involved in the permitting process. This packet would include information about what dog shows are, how they operate, and what we as a community have done and are doing to address COVID-19 concerns. This material would be a great help to the clubs that just don’t have the knowledge or the ability to conduct the dialogue necessary for a successful outcome with the governing agencies in their area.
Included in the packet would be the Beginners Guide to Dog Shows which is a good overview for the non-fancier. The COVID-19 operating guidelines would also be included, along with some photos. Data from surveys being collected would also be included, not including specific names, but rather an alpha-numeric identifier.
Some of you who have run clusters may be hearing from me requesting data. I am going to try to put this packet together. Maybe AKC will pitch in and help; I guess we will see!
I am thrilled to point out to everyone that the weekend prior to Labor Day there will be FOUR–yes, my friends–FOUR clusters!! All in different parts of the country! Iowa, Ohio, Wyoming and Oklahoma! (NOTE!! Those of you attending the Iowa Cluster should contact your hotel to confirm availability since a lot of damage occurred during that massive storm).
I have to be honest. I have really enjoyed the deep competition at the shows held over the last several weeks, especially in Canfield where I could enjoy it live. I am anxious to see how the first weekend with multiple shows in a long time goes! Rest assured, my friends, you will get my opinion!
Congratulations to Tuni Conti and Lola for all of your hard work on the recent ‘Thank Take The Lead’ raffle. Tuni and Lola worked tirelessly to sell raffle tickets as a thank you to Take the Lead which has developed a special fund for fanciers facing difficult times during the pandemic. She and Lola raised $9500!!!!! Take The Lead has assisted in the payment of health insurance premiums for many fanciers which will carry through until the end of the year. If you are in need of assistance and have not yet applied, please go to www.takethelead.org.
Many of our friends are celebrating birthdays this week. They include: Alicia Morrison Jones, Andrea McIlwaine, Nicole Munneke, Jeanne Gilroy, Janice Hayes, Tony Carter, Antonio Vidmar, Dana Cline, Mai Hirai, David Johnson, Bonnie Linnell Clarke, Joy Bradley, Pam Juliana-Maurek, Megan Cloudman and Sam Mammano. Happy Birthday to all! May each of you have a happy, safe, joyful birthday filled with love and dogs!
Thanks to one and all for your continued support and input! I look forward to seeing all of you at a show very soon! Be safe out there and give a nod to as many club volunteers as you can find! Until next time…
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