Thursday, October 09, 2014

12-18 Dogs

15-18 Dogs
 
A new class. Butch Stiefferman and Tom Mesdag came by and now we are ready for another group.  Bob and I keep eating candy. I keep a big bowl here of candy to munch on.
 
I hope Bob gets part of the National next year. I would love to see him do Specials, and he always does a good job and never shows favorites.  He has for years been one of our top judges, and it is time he does our National. 
 
Six in there, in front with Greg is 339, Dragon Rider of imited Edition, the Long's Peak Golden Boy with Zac, (The Big Z), Jethro Gibbs with a young handler, 341, then Scottie with a black, Martello V Gracelyne, 342, and Jeff with 343, Richie Rich V Betsy, and at the end is 346, Rudy's Dream.  Karen Tayler came by, and it is filling up early here. 
 
Michel tells them to take them around one time. And now the individuals, and one does not stand.  He is going to retest someone. Now the Big Z.  It is very quiet her, and ther is a good crowd.  I see Jeff Mobeus, and he is holding a dog, and one of the Terrys is standing with him.  He excused 341, and I will let them tell you why, that isn't my job.
 
Now there are five.  It is hard to be excused at a National, in front of God and everyone.  But, it happens to everyone if you do this long enough.
 
I had a lot of legal crap to do this morning, so I have been up since three. Since that is one o'clock back home, it is going to be a long day.
 
I like the dog in the middle standing, it is Jeff with Richie Rich, and there he goes. He can move.  And, the last dog in the class, Rudy's Dream, I don't know who Rudy is.
 
Linda Kury is here giving us information about Rescue, etc. Twyla sent Tedi to find candy for her.  There goes Lenny.  Bob is working the crowd, and Lenny has a good mving dog, Dragon Rider of Limited Edition.  And Scott with his all black.
 

Off goes Jeff .  One more and it is the class. 
 
They stack and Michel looks them over, and walks towards the class, he pull Jeff with 343 to second and 339 remains in front and off they go with
 
First is 339 with Dragon Rider of Limited Edition, Second is Krizma's Richie Rich, Third is Long's Peak Golden Boy and fourth is Lindenhill's Martello V Gracelyn. 
 
More to come.
 

12-15 Dogs

12-15 Dogs
 
In they come. I got to talk to Dave and Martha Rinke, coming early.  Jan Kerner is in the building and explained who won the 6-9 puppy dog class. I did like that one. Now Bill Peterson is here and so is Rita.
 
Michel looks over his class of five. He probably won't break it up.  He gestures slow and easy.  There they go, Christy, Diane, Olivia, Kent and a Angela from Canada who seems to do a good job with an all black.  Our dog isn't here but would be in this class.
 
Good size ring, but Christy still ran into the fence, it is too early to show dogs.  It is real quiet now.  Michel looks good with a bow tie. There is a man here formally known as Jerry Guzman.  Now Tedi is here.  And on goes the show.
 
Ann Schultz is here talking to Joyce Eberts, and Lenny is talking to the AKC rep. Guy. I got to talk to him yesterday and he is from Michigan but has moved, I think he said to South Carolina.  Kent has Quincy, 336, and I do like him.  Jimmie is behind me doubling the dog.  The crowd likes that do, and so do I.
 
It is starting to fill up. Angela comes up with 337, Better Than Beckham, and interesting name.  I talked to Art Sinclair and he looks fit and ready to run.  Danny Dwier is back and talking the Paul Johnson, and the black dog with Angela is ready to go around.  With this white background you can sure see the dogs, and that is the class.
 
Michel walks to the front of the group, and now down the five and gives the one with Olivia a good look.  She has number 335.  And Kent is behind her, and now he says "One Time each dog by himself.  There goes Christy with 330.  Now Diane with 334, and next is Olivia with 335.  Diane stops and goes back to start over, and that dog gest some response.  Now Kent, and he has 336 and he is my favorite. Twyla just came to sit with Tedi, and Kent goes to the front, with Quincy. He was the Winner's Dog in Canada.   Bob told me, I don't remember anything.
 
He takes Diane down and back with 334, but doesn't change her, and now Olivia down and back. Peggy Kertz is here looking sharp and hugging Jerry Guzman.  I saw Paula already and she is here early for a change.
 
That's the way it is, Quincy automic Fireball and fourth is Atessa's Lawyuers, Guns and Money, number 335.
 
Quincy is quite a dog, and looks all finished out to me.
 

Before the beginning

First in.  Only me and Bobbie are here. They enlarged the ring, and now it looks like a National.
 
Yesterday there were so many announcements and cheers from the Agility ring, that it made it hard to hear what was going on in conformation.  They have added speakers and even have one in the center of the ring. I have never seen that before.
 
I had breakfast with Rick Olowski, and he said this was the first time he hadn't worked at a National. No grounds to work on. It is pouring rain with thunder and lighting, sort of interesting.
 
An hour before the show. I will do the best I can for those at home. I miss so many.  Tom and Vivian, of course Liz, the Gradys, and those who made it a National for me.
 
On to the show.
 

Wednesday, October 08, 2014

9-12 puppy dogs

Nine to twelve puppy dogs.
 
He has nine in, and now five to work with. Not to be confused with the FAB FOUR.  Joyce Eberts is sitting with Cathy Potter, and Bobbie keeps working. The speaker system stinks, but everything else about the show is great. I do think the ring is a bit small, but it is a small group.  Joan is back, and looking fresh as every.
 
Now the loose lead temperament test. I took a break, and had a hot dog, and he is still judging.  I have lost track, and in the ring is Jeff, then Art, George, and he sends them to the Good Corner.  Now there are four, with Joann in front, and others.  Tedi is talking to me and Bob, and she has different opinions. I sat with Jammie while I ate a bad hot dog.
 
Now he tells them to take a trip, then there were three, Joann, and I was wrong there are five. And he sends Diane Brown and Joanne to the good group, and there are three.  Jeff, Art and George in front, and the rest in the ring.  The clean up is a wagon. They have to scrub the surface each time there is a dump. It cuts the show.  I also don't like all the announcing from the other ring.
 
Nine left, and cheering from the Agility ring.  Art to the front, then Lenny, Jeff, and George. Nancy Hubbles dog is in front.  That's it,
 
First is Rosewood's Mida Touch of Kansten, Second is Sherock's Book'em Danno V Signature, third is Schneiderhof's Sir Tristram De Lyonesse, and fourth is Tazzman Trident Warrior Kaleef.
 
On to the bitches.  Will this never end?
 

6-9 puppy dogs

 
Enough fun. I went to eat, walk Kierk, and talk. I so seldom talk to anyone.
 
The six to nine puppy dogs are in there now.
 
They are all in there, and it is quite a class.  Eleven if I count correctly.
 
Tony, Bob and I are here and now Pan Stoesser came by for candy.  If we didn't have candy, no one would talk to us.
 
What a rag tag of puppies. Some high but, some bouncing all over, some looking all mature, and some just strange. I already have picked my winners, but again, no one asked me.
 
I like the first one LI'LIS Gunners mate.  Lana Lee talked to me about funding the video.   Jane Kerner is sitting with me, and there are two Captain American litter mates in there.  I am seeing a lot from him I like.
 
Jammie is in front of us to double the first Bellagio son. At six months he is as big as his father.  I do like the Captain American puppies.  Butch Steifferman is here.  And our dogs are bugging the agility dogs, and they are right next to us.
 
Judging continues.  Do you notice as the days go on, I pay less attention to the show ring.  There are only four in the ring, and Scottie is in front, then another, it might be Anya Dobratz., Mike and Lenny.  I notice mostly good temperament, even on puppies.  Michel puts Scottie in the center for the individual.  That is Rough Rider, and looks fully mature. Everything seems good, and there he goes down and back. We are directly behind them going down and back. Carmen came to sit with me, and is talking to me.  I like that.  Carmen has some great idea and we talked about breeding.
 
Michel is picking and dismissing.  Rick Whelker walked in front of me, and in the ring is a second group of five, and they move around. This place is full and he pulls Scottie and Lenny and excuses Mike and another handler, and he looks at those two and brings in another group.
 
There are four in there. Bill Basu goes to the great group and so does Ken, and Then There Were six.
 
Helen Gleason came by and gave me a kiss. I knew there was a reason I liked dog shows. Georgie is in front, al, Then Liz, Scottie. Standing off to the side is Lenny, Bill and Kent.  It sure is loud from the Agility, not so much here.
 
There go the first four again, and very different type. I prefer Liz' dog so far, but there they go again, still Georgie in front. I see Carolyn Martello doubling, and off goes this group.  Now the last three, and Lenny Bill, and Kent.  Man, bouncing, pulling relaxed, what a difference.  Lennie on a full 12 ft. lead.  Michel walks to them and they line up.  He is looking them over, puts Kent in front, the Scott, Liz, George and looks over the other three, and I am not sure he likes any of them.  Now he looks at just the first four, with Kent in front.  And he wants them slow and easy and Kent lets his dog charge, and Lennie is keeping up, Liz with a loose lead and he moves Liz to number two with George behind.  I don't think the other three are in the running.  And, he takes the fab four around again.  Wisconsin Badger, A Captain America son, in front, and George goes to number two.  The first dog is called Cobra, and I had heard about him from Jane, he is a super dog. Yes, he wins the class, 319, 302, 318, and 310.
 
On to the Bitches.

Maturity bitches, Best in Maturity

The bitch is Best in Maturity Bitches.  She is a Captain America Daughter and Jeff and Jane are excited.
 
Evan
 

Maturity Bitches

 
 
Click here: WelcMaturity BitchesMichel Ebertin just called and I gave him what I have. But, you had it first.  Michel Chaloix cuts the class, and I have Lew sitting with me so I can't lie about anything.  Now he is leaving.  Tedi is sitting between Cappy and Gloria. So, the lineup is Bill Peterson, Gloria, Tedi, Cappy and Cappy.  I think Tedi is hoping the winning will brush off on her. I encourage it. 
 
Zoe is back and told me to correct Michel's name, so if I am wrong it isn't my fault. Bill Basu is there now, with a good looking bitch.  Bob and I are talking more than watching, that seems to be the way it goes.  Kent is up.  After this it is the Parade of Greats I am looking forward to. 
 
They get examined, they go around, they go down and back.  This is taxing my concentration.  I know it is important to those who are in the ring, me, not so much.
 
The crowd likes Mike's bitch Morning Jewel.  A Phoenix daughter.  And some more.  Diana Paul came by with Linda Ferguson and two very very attractive ladies.  Diana "Dianee".  Very "Hot", and even stopped to say hello.
 
Linda's bitch is in there. I would like to think she came to say hello, but it turns out she is doubling her bitch.   She is in there with Diane, and is a good one.
 
Now to the last one, Snuggles with Lindsey.  And now he starts to pick.  I have lost track and Michel is talking to the ring steward and Gail is there too.  This is his first group and about to start picking.  In comes the other group.
 
That's the winners, first was WeLove Du Chien's American Honey, Second was Kennelwood's Morning Jewel, Third was Ch Greenleaf's Deuce of Clubs V. Surgigo and fourth was Sundance's Annie Oakley.
 
Lunch
 
ome to Asgard's German Shepherds

Question

If you are getting this, I hope you are enjoying it. If you aren't getting it, or if you  hate it, keep your mouth shut.
 
You can blame Zoe for teaching me, and the List administrator for sending it.
 
Evan
 

Maturity Dogs, I promise

 
Maturity Dogs
 
In they come with Leslie in front, Then Lenny, Mike, Scott, Cindy, Lindsey, and Christy.  That is what seems to be it six.  Now just four to work with.
 
Leslie has California Dreaming 824, then Lenny with Ya Gotta Know When To Hold Em 826, Mike with Man U Man 832, and Scot with Oakley 835.  Now they each go around.  I am still jazzed with Kierk, and while he remembered me, he was too excited to see Tedi.
 
Joan sure looks fantastic. Why do we grow older, and She never changes.  I wonder if she has a picture of herself in the attic.  Dan Dwier is here talking to Bob and me.  I like Man U Man, and he is going around.  I got a great picture of Kierk here.   Joan walks down looking at the heads, or that is how it looks to me. She points to Lennie, and says something to the rest. Lennie says no double to his owner, so she probably wants them slow and loose, and off they  go at a slow run.
 
She is laughing and sends them out. It is nice to see a judge who not only knows what she is doing, but is having fun doing it. She takes the next group one at a time.  830 with Greg, then Cindy with 839, Lindsey with 840 and Christy with 841. 
 
All the individuals go fine, and now the examination. Bob Moore came by to criticize, why I have no idea. Frank Martello is walking around, and I don't' see Carolyn. I am still pleased to see Kierk. I am not hard to amuse.
 
Cindy is in the ring with Gunrunner.   More dogs, and I am bored with the dog show. I hate a two or three show weekend.  Now the four line up and Joan looks hem over. She stands straighter than anyone I know.  Elegant is the word that comes to mind.
 
They move at a fast walk almost, but running.    She walks over and sends them bak and brings in th rest.  Now a full ring. Eight of them. She walks to the front and walks down the line as the dogs pose. The handlers are watching her, and now back to the center of the ring. Joan is smiling and gives them instructions, Leslie in front, Lennie, Mike, Scott, Greg, Cindy, Lindsey and Christy.  It surprises me I can remember so many names. Where are the new people?
 
Line em up again, and Joan looks them over, approaches, and talks to the last group and sets them aside, and says, "Alright, the same thing", and off they go.  Right all round the ring, and now she changes it to Mike in front then Lennie, and Scott.  Now she tells them to take them again, and here go the double handlers.
 
And the second group, Greg, Cindy, Lindsey, (she goes over Lindsey's dog) and last is Christy.  And, "take the around". Lots of whistles this year, and off they go with Greg leading the pack.  Now Lindsey to second and Christy in third, still with Greg in front, and puts them over behind the other group, after another pass.  Back to the first group, Mike was and still is in front.  She pulls Mike and sends him down and back.  It lets Bobbie film it.  Looks good to me, but who says I know anything. She sends him up to the front again.  The second one looks good too.  And behind Mike. We have a great view, another one clean.  So far, good clean dogs.  She did move two up and only one left. Now Gunrunner.  Now it is Mike, Lenny, Greg, and Lindsey, and others.  And, that is it. The winner is 832, 826, 830 and 840.  You look them up. It is Mike, Lenny, Gred and Lindsey.  On to bitches.

Short but sweet

Best in Futurity is the Bitch, and Michel did it.  Lamar came by and Paula is talking to us. She has tickets for the Victory dinner for sale. The Sedgwicks didn't come to the Big Show.
 
Now the Amateur Futurity. Joan has three males in there. Karen Taylor just came by for candy. Without the candy no one would talk to me. I made a pass, and I see Kathy Potter sitting ringside, and not that many people in their seats.
 
First was DCTTBE Nobe Thunder Bolt of Norhaus, Second was Jewel's Baron Von Drexel Wolf Creek, and third waw Divina's Wad-ya Know of Falkrgia.  Dorothy Lynn came by and is doing great.  I see Liana New in the ring, only tow there. I went and passed the candy bowl.  Pam Stoesser is here, the two are still in the ring.  The winner is 870, and second is 872.  Cute bitches, and the handlers are just a cute.
 
Now on to Maturity Dogs. This is the BIG TIME.  Jessica is here, but I think she is only handling in Specials. She is dressed up, so who knows?  I know the Drapers feel badly for Exxon, but I am still pleased we bred to him. That is a fantastic dog, and while I know he is sound as a rock, he didn't stand in the ring. 
 
OK.  I got to take Kierk for a walk.  Life is good, and so is he.
 
Maturity to come.
 

Futurity bitches

 
Big Dave came by and there is Martha Rinke. I see Cappy is her, but I don't' see Kierk.  I suspect he isn't here, but I am going to find him tonight.
 
Now on the Futurity Bitches. I had to go see Gloria, and Al came by for some candy.  They are in the ring.  Sherree Moses is here, and talking about the seminar. Only two bitches missing, 15 in the ring, and Michel walks down the ring loooking them over and says one time around.  First Mikie with 849, the Georgie 850, Genereo with 852, 854, Leswlier with 855, Kent with 856, Elizabeth with 857, Olivia with 859, Lenny with 860, and the rest of them go out, so he is working with the first five. Individuals and so far so good.  Bobbie standing in front of us.  Irene was behind us doubling.
 
Tedi is sitting with me, this is a first for a National.  I see Cappy now, and Pam Stoesser was there too.  The place is full for the first day, so it is going to be crowded.    I am already tired or watching the show, but I agree to stay here.  I like the location there is a café right across the ring, and so far, I just keep eating the candy I brought.
 
Yesterday I was standing at Agility and saw a beautiful shepherd. I was petting him and asked who he was, he was so impressive.  It was Promise Keeper. Dahhhh! What a fantastic dog.
 
Mikie is getting some noise for Karma Elite Design.  Now they stack, the first five. Cappy just came by and we are laughing about finding he room. In goes Kent, and I like his bitch, 856, and Elizabeth, with a very showy bitch 857.Olivia with 859, and now Lenny with 860.  Now Cindy with 861, (I hope you have the catalog), I can't type fast enough to do every name.  Well, I can but I don't want to.  Ben came by and is talking to Debbie Shelp.  Twyla came by and there is still a dog show going on.  I was just reminded by Twyla that Patron is here to be in the Parade of Greats, and to get his AOE.  That may tear me up. This is the second group, and Olivia is up there with a black.  Or, at least from here she looks like an all black.  Gail Stefferman is doubling in front of me, and that is a nice bitch.  I see Jennifer Root sitting in front of us.
 
They like the black bitch Girl on Fire V Shaden.  We found a phone, but I can't figure out who to call to find out whose it is.  Jimmie is here talking to us, and they are still going around the ring.  There goes Cindy.  And they stack up.  Jammie is here and so is Bill Tank waiting to go back in I see Ben Bignoria, and out goes this class, and in come the next group with bill tank in front, with an Asgard dog. Xrated.  I see Carolyn Martello, and the Patriot daughter out of Magic Marker, (ROM) is out there. She is clean coming and going, and with Bill Tank.  She is a nice bitch, but I am still bugged about Exxon.  I screwed up my typing but got it fixe. Now Art with 863, Ada.  Bobbie Kinde is still with Bill Peterson, and seem to be having a good time, and even watching the show.  Candy Esbe, (now she is married, Foss), is talking to Carolyn and it is quiet except for the Agility dogs, who are barking up a storm.  I see Patrick Green, and he is watching with interest.  Linda Bankhead is watching but seems quiet for her. She looks great, but always has. Joan looks fantastic as usual. Now Karen is watching, but doesn't weem to be double handling. I think she may have conditioned Woodside's Vogue, and she looks good with Lennie.
 
This set up is going to show any back problems, and any feet problems. That may not be so good for everyone.  Michel says take them around. Paul Root is yelling at Bobbie. And off they go, five with still dreams in their hearts.  And, he says, "one at a time".  There goes Bill  with 862, then Art with 863, Zac with 864, his main squeeze with 865, then Lenny with 866, and that's it.   And they stack and Michel looks at his notes, makes some notes and talks to Karen.
 
That was the last group, and in comes the first five.  Now the next group of five.  Kent in front, and Michel walks the group, and looks at each of them. You sure can see feet, and I can see some problems from here. He pulls two, Elizabeth and Kent and puts them to the side with Mike, George and Leslie, now the third group.  Zoe just came by to say hello. It is Bill Art, Z, Lindsey and Lenny. He pull Lindsey, Lennie.  I think he likes handlers whose names start with L.
 
There they stack and he sends three aside to work with the five.  Mike, Georgie, Leslie and Kent.   No Paula so far today.  Now Michel is working with the four, and three off to the side.  Some crowd noise.  He pulls Elizabeth to second, Mike in front with 849. He started in front of the class and is still there with Tokaye's Karma Elite Design Dershimer.  He excuses three, Kent, Lenny and another, and has four left. That can be dangerous.
 
He looks them over, approaches and tells Mike to go down and back. Now Elizabeth. I like that bitch a lot and Michel looks her over, it is Dangerous Liason.  Now George.   Michel has the great bitches in there, and now Lindsey and the crowd does like them.  This is a good looking group of four.  I think the first two are a difficult choice, but no one asked me to judge.  There they go all four.  He is looking at the first two again. It is not an easy choice, and he wants them to go around together. I know what I would do, but I will keep it to myself, as you know, I seldom say what I think. MAN you should hear the excitement.  He puts Elizabeth in front to see what they look like.   He puts Mike back in front, now that the bitch makes dump.  Maybe the firmness of the stool was a factor.
 
And there are still four, and there they go, that is probably it, 849, 857, 850 and 865, and off they go, and YES, that's it.

Futurity dogs

Here I am early. Bob, (the voice of the national) is here too.  No one else. They haven't set up the announcer's table, and no one has told Bobbie where he is supposed to be. As I understand it, they haven't decided where the entry is going to be. Off to my left is the agility, and the ring in front of me, but not as big as normal, maybe half size.
 
I am thinnking when they are done with agility, they will open up the whole area, which would be normal size for a National.
 
This is a great facility, and certainly friendly. But, within an hour of the how, no one seems to know what we are doing with the set-up.  The chordless microphone is here, but just one. I know Bob and I have always been able to work it out.
 
I see The Big Z is here, and I wondered if I forgot to mention Jammie Walker was at dinner with us. I did see Art and Bill and I understand they were having a surprise birthday party for Lew at the same place. We saw a lot of the dog folks there.
 
Bobbie reminded me that it is always a bit confusing at the start, and this is no exception. All I know is I am here, the lights are on, and people will start to show up.  It looks good.
 
Lenny is here.
 

Early Wednesday

 
Here I am early. Bob, (the voice of the national) is here too.  No one else. They haven't set up the announcer's table, and no one has told Bobbie where he is supposed to be. As I understand it, they haven't decided where the entry is going to be. Off to my left is the agility, and the ring in front of me, but not as big as normal, maybe half size.
 
I am thinnking when they are done with agility, they will open up the whole area, which would be normal size for a National.
 
This is a great facility, and certainly friendly. But, within an hour of the how, no one seems to know what we are doing with the set-up.  The chordless microphone is here, but just one. I know Bob and I have always been able to work it out.
 
I see The Big Z is here, and I wondered if I forgot to mention Jammie Walker was at dinner with us. I did see Art and Bill and I understand they were having a surprise birthday party for Lew at the same place. We saw a lot of the dog folks there.
 
Bobbie reminded me that it is always a bit confusing at the start, and this is no exception. All I know is I am here, the lights are on, and people will start to show up.  It looks good.
 
Lenny is here. as is Joan Fox and Michel. The place is starting to fill, and I need to go find a catalog.  So, more to come.

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

What a wonderful world

What a great beginning of the National. 
 
The show location is terrific. The only complain that I have is getting here, but a lot of my old friends did so.
 
I did get to spend time with Dave and Martha Rinke, and that always is a high point for me. Dave and I think a lot alike even if he is much younger than me, 15 days.
 
I went to dinner with Pam Stoesser, Jane Kerner, Tedi, Paula Cook, Dawn VanDykma, Bobbie Kindy, Terry Mead, The other Terry, Jeff Mobeus.  You could not find a more fun group.  Then Bill Tank and Charlotte Funk came in. What a restaurant.  Maybe the best meal I have ever had.
 
We got a call in the room that Cappy and Gloria were in, and in room 306.  So, I went upstairs to see Kierk.  I knocked on the door three times, and finally some girl yelled she was in the shower. So Tedi called back and Gloria said she would meet me at the elevator. So, back I went, no Gloria and no dog.
 
I went back to the room and Tedi called again. They are in a different hotel.
 
I do think someone can laugh too much, have too much fun, and see too many friends.,
 
It is getting close.
 
Evan
 

National classes

What rush, to see all my friends.  Dave Rinke is Sitting behind me and Jane Kerner is next to me Pam Stasser is bitching that I am sitting in her chair. In the ring is 6-9 puppy bitch with Christy in front, Olivia is third, Diane Brown, Loesie and there they go, and the dogs are done.
 
I will go into that later, but I did talk to Lew Bunch for a minute, and he moves Olivia up right after Tedi says she liked the puppy.  Christy is in front and takes the class.
 
I did get to talk to the Judge, but he gets his name in enough so I won't mention it.  Dan Dwyer told me he is told since he is seven years older than me. Paul and Jennifer Root are here, and we talked a bit.  I started to list my friends so I wouldn't forget who I saw, and I talked to Bobby Kindey , Shirley Briggs O'Brian, Pam Stasser, and bill Tank.  I howdy's to Bob Mahea and Bill Basue, and did spend a few iminutes with Jeff Mobley.  I see Dan Dwyer is talking to Tedi now,a nd a new class is in the ring.
 
Diane Brown never ages, and gets prettier every year.  Tim Brown is now known as Scar Face with three scratches to show he plays with puppies.   Peg Graham is here as is Richard Sottle.  Dave Rinke told me he looks so young since he is 15 days younger than me. Sheryl Brockett is here running around, and looking great. I got to hug Sherri Moses and Jimmie and I had a brief moment together.
 
The Winner's Dog was a Black shown by Al Martin from the Open Class, a good looking dog. The dog that blew my mind, (although all it takes is a soft breeze), was the 12 -18 dog.  He is going to be a future Select and possibly more, his name is the Novice dog, Rowe's Ridge I'm a Catch owned by Teiir Mead and the Beaudoins. 
 
I did get to see Kathy Potter, and Genesee from Canada, as well as Ken Cunningham.  We ran into Bill Tank and Sharlotte Funk at the Airport.  I see Linda Curry running around the ring, and Tim The Scar is talking to me while I type.  Paul Johnson is sitting next to us, and it rained, was cold, is now hot, and the wind is blowing.
 
I see Mike Sherman, and in the ring are the bitches and soem female dogs. 
 
I am going to try to send this, and if it goes, from ringside, I will do it again.
 

And, now it begins

I have to admit, I don't like change.
 
I had two White Castles hamburgers yesterday. They weren't smothered in onions, (Oh the horror of it), and they had no condiments on them. It is one change that does not work for me.
 
I talked to Paula about it, and she said she knew it.  But, never told me. Now I ask you, is that friend?
 
For those who didn't know, Smith with Rhonda, (Ron), is the girl who promoted Rin Tin Tin all over the country in the past years, working with Daphne. Daphne isn't here this year, she isn't feeling well, and we all will miss her and her support for the breed. What she has done for years to protect the German shepherd image can't be forgotten.
 
I am looking forward to seeing Bob, (The Voice of The National), not only judging, but also just as my friend. We talk all year, but only get together at the National, as with so many of us.  What a great time to remember who is important, how short is life, and how great is our breed.
 

Monday, October 06, 2014

The National

We made it here to St. Louis. It was an exciting day.
When we got to the airport parking, (there is free parking for Mercedes), there was no one there. Also we found one of us, (I won't say who), left the medication at home.  We were an hour before the flight, but it was two hour to go home and come back.
They finally showed up to get us to the gate, and I had one of my secretaries go to our house, get the medicine and overnight it to us.  I won't say it saved a lot of money, but we called to pick up the prescription here and it was $600.00.
The grounds look great. Most people will miss the turn, but that is only the first time.

I got to see Dawn VanDykman make a great run in agility, then Smith went in with Rhonda, (Ron) and did the same thing.  I ran into Karen Taylor. She had no problem getting in with a 500 crate.  I guess it was just getting the airlines to admit it.  They wouldn't do it from LA.
 
Sam Colven and Joyce Ebert came in as we headed to the grocery store. We got enough food to stay in the room for the week. I might do that.
 
The highlight so far was Paula with Harley Davidson. He still looks like a young dog, and was in Veterans last year. I think he may be shown again.  He remember Tedi and also made a fuss over me.  I like that in a dog.  And, even Paula remembered who we were.
 
I put my hands on a magnificent male, and then realized it was Promise Keeper. There is a dog that screams type every time you see him.
 
Now I am in the room, and unless I decide to just stay in, there is a dog show tomorrow.  It has the looks of another great National.
 
I got to thinking, (always a dangerous thing with me), about who would go Grand Victor.
 
I think Stevie has a great shot,and I would love to see Jane Kerner with another Grand Victor, and he is a fantastic dog. Jane remains one of my favorite people to see.  But, I am going to try to beat her with an Asgard dog., The "K" Dog. 
 
 Then again, I understand Koby is being shown, and he always was high on my list, and since Bart gave him Canadian Grand Victor, he should be a favorite. 
 
Maybe they will show Megabucks to go Double Grand Victor, and I like that dog a great deal.
 
And, although it may be a secret. I think Exxon could take the big title.
 
Of course, it could be none of them.
 
There are going to be a lot of good dogs, and one of them will win.
 

Wednesday, October 01, 2014

Location, location, location


Wonder what's going to be the new surprise
 
The big surprise for me, is that we are not going to drive.  Although it is costing a fortune, we will fly without our dog this year.
I was worried about six days on the road, with motels, a dog, and gas costs. Then there is the wear and tear on us, and the road hazards.
In the end we decided if we can't fly a 500 crate into St. Louis, we would leave the dog at home.  So, our 12 to 15 month old Patriot son, (Futurity winner),  will wait for a location he can fly into, which if I understand it, will be in 2017.  That will be just in time for him to go Select.
While I support our board, and know the cost savings have to be significant, and realize the need to have a central location, they do need to address the inability to get a 500 crate to the National by plane. What this is going to cause is a limitation on who can be there.   I expect the entry numbers will remain, but one of the Futurity winners won't be there, (Teddy Roosevelt), and except that Gloria and Cappy are driving, the K dog wouldn't have been shown.  I hope I am the only person not taking a dog due to the restrictions.
This year it is just an entry.  In the future it is going to the members who won't attend.
As our membership ages, long road trips will not be an option.
There is something wrong with that.
Evan
 

Friday, September 26, 2014

National Schedule For Conformation

Judging Order for 2014 GSDCA National

Wednesday, October 8, 2014
  • Futurity & Amateur Futurity Finals
  • Maturity & Amateur Maturity Finals
  • 6 to 9 Month Puppy Dogs
  • 9 to 12 Month Puppy Dogs
  • 6 to 12 Month Long Coat Puppy Dog

Thursday, October 9, 2014
  • 12 to 15 Month Dogs
  • 15 to 18 Month Dogs
  • Novice Dogs
  • Amateur Owner Handler Dog
  • Bred-By Dog
  • Amer. Bred Dog
  • Open Dogs
  • Winners Dog & Res. Winners Dog
  • 7 to 9 Veteran Dog
  • 9 & over Veteran Dog
  • 6 to 9 Month Puppy Bitches
  • 9 to 12 Month Puppy Bitches
  • 6 to 12 Month Long Coat Puppy Bitch

Friday, October 10, 2014
  • 12 to 15 Month Bitches
  • 15 to 18 Month Bitches
  • Novice Bitches
  • Amateur Owner Handler Bitches
  • Bred-By Bitches
  • Amer. Bred Bitches
  • Open Bitches
  • Winners Bitch & Res. Winners Bitch
  • 7 to 9 Veteran Bitches
  • 9 & over Veteran Bitches

Saturday, October 11, 2014
  • Best of Breed
  • All Dogs
  • Junior Showmanship Classes & Best Jr.
  • All Bitches
  • Best Puppy
  • Best Bred By Exhibitor

A complete detailed Schedule with all activities will be in the Judging Program.

Open Long Coats will follow the Open Classes


Friday, September 05, 2014

First test to see if I can post to the Blog


First Blog of the year

Another year has gone by, and here it is time for the National.


As you know, I do this Blog for those who can't be there, and for those who were there to see if they saw it the same way I do.


I do not try to edit it, and that is clear from my spelling mistakes. I type exactly what I am seeing and how it impacts me. It is the ultimate ego trip, and I enjoy it much more than anyone else.

I often read the Blog after I get home and am amazed that I saw things that I didn't remember.

It is a clear indication of my diminishing mental abilities and some day may make a great example of someone who "stayed too long at the fair".


But, so long as someone enjoys it, I will continue.
Now to make sure I am not in trial when the show begins.
Evan