Table Talk · January 15, 2025

Looking out my window and watching the heavy snow continue to fall while I write this week’s column, I cannot help but think of our friends in California who are suffering horrible devastation and loss from the fires in Southern California. Some have had to pack up their animals and the belongings they can get together to flee the fast-moving fires, while others are waiting to see which way it moves. They wait to see if they are the next to receive an evacuation order to move to safety. As a community, we support each other. So many have posted on social media offering their homes and facilities to those who must move out of harm’s way. While it is very difficult to count your blessings at a time like this, please know that if you are affected by these horrible fires, your community of dog fanciers is here to support you. It can be difficult to ask for help. Please do not hesitate to seek assistance from those in the dog show community.

Take The Lead helps with disasters such as the fires in Southern California. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them. The phone number for Take the Lead is 800-814-1123, or you can go to their website at www.takethelead.org.

There are many drop-off locations in the affected areas where people can leave supplies for those in need. The shelters and facilities that are taking in dogs need all the help that they can get! Leashes, bedding, food, bowls, crates, and other supplies are desperately needed. This is an opportunity to clean out your equipment and donate it to a much-needed cause!

Week 1 of Brooksville is in the books! Everyone looked very cold! The days of frozen poop scoops are upon us, my friends. Best of luck to all for Week 2! Stay warm.

It is hard to believe that Westminster is less than one month away. By now, I hope that you have all made your travel arrangements. One of the great advantages of being back in the city is there are countless hotels; so, if you let your hotel reservations slip through the cracks, now’s the time to get a room. If you have not yet ordered your tickets for the Take The Lead fundraising party on Monday night following groups at Madison Square Garden, go to their website and order your tickets now. New York City is once again going to the dogs! Congratulations to Westminster President Donald Sturz and his crew for making this happen.

Pilar Kuhn, Owner/Operator of Casa Fairview Canines has been hard at work negotiating rates for shipping your dogs, so if you have not made your arrangements for Westminster, I encourage you to reach out to her. She is an expert at getting dogs safely to your destination via air travel. If you need her help, email her at info@casafairviewk9s.com – but do not wait as timing is critical.

Best wishes to my Purina colleague, Cheryl Purcell, who is getting a new knee this week. Cheryl is another addition to the bionic crew! Heal quickly, my friend! We look forward to having you back.

My good friend Gina Weiser had surgery this week and is currently recovering. Anyone who knows Gina knows that it will be difficult for her to allow people to help her, as she is always the one helping others. Get well quickly, my friend, we have many more adventures ahead of us!

Please remember this, my friends. The year is young. Take time to enjoy your journey. Love what you do and do what you love. Don’t give up on the difficult dogs–they will teach you something you never knew you needed to know!

The next stop in my journey is the Rose City Classic in Portland. Please stop by the Purina booth and say hi if you are there.

Happy Anniversary to Richard and Kimberly Hall Green! May you two lovebirds have many more wonderful years ahead!

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include:  Karen Livingston, Maggie Peat, Edwardo Jordan, Tina Dugan, Rhanda Glenn, Cheslie Pickett-Smithey, Connie Wagner, Courtney Kniola, Nancy Liebes, Maddie McCue, Amy Kiell-Green, Ava Hata and Lisa Moller. Enjoy your special day and may there be many more to come.

Be safe out there my friends! Road conditions can change in an instant. When in doubt, STOP!

Until next time…

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Posted by Tom on Jan 15 2025. Filed under Featured, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.