Renaissance Cluster

The revival of classical art and literature of past centuries defines the true meaning of the word Renaissance. In its original form it, defines the greatness of 14th- and 15th-century artists. But Ed Fojtik, Margie Wilson and their crew of team players at the recent Madison, Wisconsin, shows brought the term into our world of dogs with a cluster that was a throwback to some of the great shows in dogdom held in the 20th Century.

The collective user-friendly amenities offered to exhibitors, judges and spectators by this cluster are totally amazing. Concurrent specialties presented previously unshown dogs the opportunity to finish their championship in four days! Thus, foreigners in specialty breeds like Golden Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers from four other countries flew in for the weekend in hopes of achieving an American championship title on their best dogs. Both grooming and rings were available in the two buildings, just a short walk apart. The news that next year a bigger building will hold everything in one location is even more inviting. Currently limited to 1,900 dogs, the sky’s the limit when this move is complete. 

Groups were deep and of fabulous quality. The breathtaking BIS lineups were won by two outstanding Sporting dogs — the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the English Springer Spaniel — as well as the fabulous Siberian Husky and undeniable Miniature Pinscher. Judges ran out of ribbons before they ran out of quality animals in groups, breeds and even some classes.

Fojtik and Wilson spend an entire year working to make these super-efficient shows. Ed interacts with specialty clubs frequently, orchestrating proximity to their ring with great care. Exhibitors know they will have the same areas next to their ring for grooming and set-ups each day. The club requests judges to understand they may move from ring to ring to accommodate exhibitors so that their breeds can stay in the same rings daily. In a way, it offered breeders/exhibitors what bench shows once did — bringing those of like minds together to discuss their breeds with shared information as well as the opportunity just to enjoy each other’s company.

Terry Bilton is the cluster’s techie hero, as he has designed a program where exhibitors can book RV parking, hotel reservations and grooming spot reservations on one site, thus eliminating jumping through multiple hoops. His electronic grooming map resulted in widespread appreciation by all. It has been likened to one-step shopping. While on this subject, Ed Fojtik Sr. (at age 90) sits at the entrance as a greeter — charging spectator admission, selling catalogs and in general acting as a welcome committee of one for all who enter. His warm smile was so welcoming when coming in from the unusually cold weather in Madison, Wisconsin, for the first few days of the cluster.

Hospitality to judges is equally well orchestrated, thanks to Margie, Jan O’Grady and Judy O’Brien — with personal pick-up services at the airport, on-site amenities including gourmet lunches, snacks during groups and chocolate treats easily available. The nearby hotel with its restaurant and lounge enjoyed by all is dog-friendly and appropriately utilized by all exhibitors — professional and amateur — as well as judges and club members. The entire sharing of dog people from multiple positions in the sport is reminiscent of the old Pennsylvania Hotel across the street from Madison Square Garden, where all dog people once came together to enjoy the special occasion. At the end of the day, judges whose assignments were complete could choose a rotating shuttle ride back to the hotel or stay for BIS.

One of the amazing highlights is the fabulous voice of Rebecca Cross singing the national anthem each morning to open the show. It is always a time of pride to realize that dog people and their charges are so respectful to that patriotic American anthem. Rebecca’s voice is so beautiful one must appreciate that she is still with dogs rather than the entertainment world — our gain, their loss. 

Gail Bisher’s return to her Midwestern roots has resulted in the Renaissance Cluster utilizing her considerable skills in public relations and working with media, assisted by Shannon Steiner. Kudos to the ring stewards who managed to get distracted exhibitors into the ring in a timely fashion as well as skillfully handling multiple specialty awards and so on, led by their chief Diane Elliman.

Rings were kept clean by multiple persons under the guidance of grounds chairman Mario Rodriguez. The EMT on site was Joyce Winckels, and Carissa Boettcher served as Girl Friday personified. Show chair Fojtik calls the Renaissance team “a small but effective group passionate about providing a first-class experience.”

This year’s cluster featured 16 rings, while plans proceed for the 2026 event to feature 27 rings, with no restrictions on entry numbers. Plans are moving forward to include even more specialties in the future, which will offer hard-to-find majors across the board. Owned by Wisconsin’s Dade County, the Alliant Energy Center is undoubtedly one of the nation’s most treasured dog-show venues. Parking is reasonable, unloading and loading quite efficient, and cooperation between show committee and attendees is evident.

Golden Retrievers led the entries with 81. My first recollection of specialties at this cluster was the lovely English Cocker Spaniel entry I judged there several years ago. This year no less an expert than the respected breeder-judge Bonnie Threlfall was one of their breed judges over the four days. The Gordon Setter entry of 34 was notable and a special treat was the Miscellaneous Class and Foundation Stock entry — an outstanding Karelian Bear Dog as well as a lovely Porcelaine were among the entries, which included Teddy Roosevelt Terriers, Norrbottenspets and Yakutian Laikas. The Bear Dogs have long done their deserved share of winning in Canada, and are always admired by this Arctic dog lover. However, it was my first viewing of a Porcelaine, the unique, sleek Scenthound from France. Both these breeds exhibit traits of animals possessing dedicated breeders in their background. 

In my opinion, the Renaissance Cluster is perfectly named, for it brings to mind the concept of great shows of the past that not only offered such civilized warmth for man and beast: It also features works of art on four legs for all to admire and appreciate. It’s modern because it’s fast-paced; at the same time the cluster is warm and friendly — a hard combination to put together. Kudos to all: the club, the sportsmanlike competitors and, most of all — Man’s Best Friend.