Page 174 - ShowSight - October 2019

WHO’S RUNNING THE SHOW? EPISODE ONE: Dr. Michael Knight cont’d.
In an effort to get our youth active in our Sport of Dogs, three years ago I spoke at one of our 41 junior high schools regarding the art of showing and breeding pure bred dogs. I offered to host a dog show tour at one of our shows. I was hoping for a few children to come to our event. We had three school buses show up filled with 93 kids!!
Texas Kennel Club spares no expense for our Junior’s Program. In an effort to get our youth active in our Sport of Dogs, three years ago I spoke at one of our 41 junior high schools regarding the art of showing and breeding pure bred dogs. I offered to host a dog show tour at one of our shows. I was hoping for a few children to come to our event. We had three school buses show up filled with 93 kids!! Three weeks later, I offered to speak with the children and their parents that had ex- pressed interest about the fun of becoming a Junior Handler and dog breeder. Nineteen children and their parents at- tended that meeting to learn about our Dog Fancy and to hear about handling and breeding. I am now making plans for the same program at our remaining local Junior High Schools. The reason I chose Junior High Schools in- stead of our High Schools, was because those students in the 11th and 12th grades are focusing on other things such as college or other vocational training schools, instead of dog shows. The Junior High School children still have time to become interested in and learn all about our junior han- dling programs and the great Sport of Dogs.
I have learned so much from being the Texas Kennel Club Show Chairman and have met so many good ex- hibitors, judges and breeders a long the way. It’s an old cliche’ but, planning and run- ning a successful show, “takes a village.” The Lone Star State Cluster Committee is filled with incredible people. Each of us have special expertise that we bring to the table for every meeting in preparation for our shows.
One of my most favorite things to do at our show is to catch the look on a new ex- hibitor’s face as a judge hands them a winning ribbon. n
Ed. note: I especially love this photo because it says everything we need to know about being a successful Show Chair.
172 • ShowSight Magazine, october 2019