Friday is a new day

Here we go again, another Friday or as I call it Champions Eve.  I saw some great young dogs, and I loved the Breed dog from the Pre-Show.  But, today we get those entries that didn't yet finish. I know the show entries are small, but you seldom see anything being shown that won't or can't finish.  The sport has gotten too expensive to show pets, and so we see the best of the best.

I have to figure out how to work the announcing so people can understand what we are saying. The sound system often is a problem as it is here as well.

Tedi comes later to the show, Twyla picks her up. I like to get to the ring early. It used to be that Bob Lindsey and I would see who would get there first.   Speaking of Bob, I hope Bob Dresher, (the voice of the National) will be able to return to the microphone next year.  He has all those great dogs and bitches, Canadian Grand Victrix, but it is more fun with him. Not that Tony isn't fun, but we need that third person to have the fun we used to have.  Between Bob. Tony and I we seem to know everyone, and I miss that.

Off to the fantastic free breakfast with all the National people at the motel, and more to come.

Thursday evening reflections

As you could probably tell, Tony did much of the posting today.  I started to handle the announcing, to find that no one could understand what I said. It is interesting to find out you are irrelevant.

You could tell it was Tony by the correct spelling and coherent writing.  I had a good time, and we went to a healthy restrarant for dinner.  I hate healthy food.

It is a quiet National, but it is early and perhaps Saturday will be more exciting.

I guess this Blog is only on the GSD List and if anyone knows how to get it on the GSD facebook page please feel free to do so.

Enough for a Thursday, and on to tomorrow.

On to Bitches on Thursday, no I am not talking about handlers

Break is over and they are calling for 6-9 Puppy Bitches to the ring.  Evan ran off to put raffle tickets in the different baskets at the Junior's table.  They are selling Raffle tickets 1 for $5 or 36 for $50 (works out to less than $1.40 per ticket).  Rumor has it that several years ago, they would sell an Arm's length of tickets for $50.  The person buying the tickets was short, nd an Arm's length wasn't very many tickets, so he stopped the a person walking buy (Dave Rinke) and used his' Arm's Length, which totaled 36 tickets.  They have used that as the standard ever since.

OK, we have three bitches in the ring; Charm; Wispbear with Ash Oldfield; and Rainbow with Maria Oster.  Morton Goldfarb is in the ring judging bitches.  He takes them around, and does individuals.  

Had someone stop by who had never been to a dog show.  He has a sister who shows dogs, and since he lives close to Reno he drove out to see her and the show (he thinks we are crazy - probably correct).

Morton takes them around, and rearanged the dogs with Rainbow in front then Wispbear then Charm.  He stops and puts Wispbear in front; and around they go again.  Morton stops the group and has the handlers stack the dogs for a final look.  He rearranges again putting them back in catalog order with Charm then Whispbear then Rainbow.  And that's how they finish.

Next in is the 9-12 month bitches.  First in is Rita with Lenny Brown, followed by Grace with Scott Yergin, then Witchcraft with Matt McMillian, then Hearts On Fire and last is Firebird with Autumn Dugan.  Morton does a quick temperament test on each, and then starts the Individual Exams.  

He takes them around; then does some more down and back; then he stackes them for a final look.  And he calls the class with Rita in frount, Witchcraft in second, Firebird in third and Grace in forth.

Next is 6-12 Longcoat.  Yaboo vom Tilton is the only bitch in this class, and takes first place.

Next up is the 12-15 month bitch class.  4 dogs are in this class.  Dreaming of Me is in first with Samantha Rosenthal, then Dance with Nancy McDonald, then Storm with Zac Hudspeth, and Labyrinth with Liz Oster.    and now for individuals.

Morton is now taking them around two at a time.  He is doing some movements and rearranging, but then re rearragnes again.  After several times, he is now looking at the entire group; with Labyrinth up front, then Storm then Dance then Dreaming (reverse catalog order).

Looks like we may finish before 2pm and Evan and I are talking about when to go for dinner.

And he lines them up for a final look; and thats how they finish:   Labyrinth up front, then Storm then Dance then Dreaming (reverse catalog order).

Next is the 15-18 month bitches.  There are only two entered and only one in the ring - Coco with Zac Hudspeth.  Coco goes around, does the individual, around again, and wins the class.

And the last class of the day is Novice Bitches; Maggie May with Lenny Brown and Junie with Zac Hudspeth.  Once around the ring and then individuals.

Getting near the end of judging for the day, and it is quiet.  But we expect more people on Friday and Saturday.

Morton looks at both bitches, gives each a quick pet on the head, puts Junie in front and has them go around again.  Morton stops the dogs looks again; and puts Maggie May back in front.  Once again and then he puts Junie back in front.  And that's how they end; Junie then Maggie May.

And breed judging is done for the day about 12:30.  Plenty of time for visiting and eating.

See you tomorrow.

Thursday at the arena

Here I am in the booth high above whatever is going on. I can't even tell who is below us. Tony is here too, but went down to figure out the opening ceremonies which begin in twenty minutes.  It is a bit cold in here and only a few people down below.  Anything I say about who I see is a guess.  There is no sod, and I was told that someone offered to pay for it and refused.  That is just a rumor, and possible not true. But, I do remember one National where I offered to pay for the sod, and was turned down, so maybe it is true.

I see Zac, and I know it is him because he is riding his electric bike. The food booth is open and I tried the hot dogs yesterday and I threw it away. I hate a mushy hot dog. So, if  you ever invite me to your home for dinner, consider Vienna Beef, or even Nathan's hot dogs.  

I don't see anyone for the opening, so maybe it isn't going to go. I guess there are only two clubs.  Tony just told me there were no people for it.  No one is here and they want to start the parade, so no one will be here to cheer them on.  I know I got the Breed wrong because Best of Breed and Best Opposite are males.  Lenny Brown made it a point to come by to say hello. I am off to walk with the Michigan people.

OK, I walked with them and we talked about Lloyd Bracket.  I spent some time with Carmine Battaglia. He is writing a book about 100 years of German shepherds. I feel today like I was there.

Tony and I are back up in the tower, I see Jack is ready to begin. I spent a minute with Jack and Morton and they are ready to go. Tony will feed me the names since I can't see who it is.   Everyone has bibs today  and that should help.

The class is in.  Frontier Wynott Fuel. That's alicia's dog is is David her son.  There is also Braunhous Wilron's Master of Diaster, (great name) with Sophie Brown. There two kids are fantasitc  I see Diane running outside the ring.  

Sherry Moses, (I know it is different now) and Leslie are up here now. First Diaster and Fuel second.  Thank Tony for feeding me what I can't see.

Now the 4-6 puppy bitches.  Nancy McDonald, (I know another new name) I wish these women would stop getting married. It is hard enough for me to remember the old names.

First in is Frontier Wynott Buggoggi Divo  (secnond) actully first is Legasie's Amazing Grace and third is Willron's Cambria's A Ticket to ride Von Braunhouse, and fourth Clayfielf Rocky Oak Bedazzled of Norberge.  Blame anyone except me for the spelling.  I ain't good at speling.  Bill came by and talked about the German shows. I see Liz Oster is ready to go in after the puppies.  I see Jimmy is here now.  

A little rearranging,and once around with Ticket to Ride in front, followed by Amazing Grace, Bedazzled, and Divo.  And Amazing Grace is moved back in front.  And that's how they finish - Amazing Grace, Ticket to Rice, Bedazzled, and Dico.

Next is Best Beginner Puppy; Disaster and Amazing Grace come in ring.  After a quick look, Jack moves Amazing Grace to thr front.  Ance around, and that's how they finish - Best is Amazing Grace and Best Oppostite is Diaster.

And now, the regular classes; first up is 6-9 Puppy Dogs.  First in is Ranbow's End with Maria Oster; next is Remember When; followed by Roaring Lion with Heather Jones; then Walker with Ash Ildfield; and Merlin.  Evin is talked about jobs and people while we are watching individuals.  Not muching the buikding - it's early and not many people here.  We saw Teresa Royer walk by.  But the Announcer's stand is too high and nobody can see us.  I also saw Carmen Battaglia walk up the Parent Club table and talk to them.

Diane Brown stopped in to talk at us, and we talked about her daughter Sophie.  Diane said her daughter is very active in dogs, and keeps Diane young.

OK, last inidivudal just finished, and a quick rearaange, and they finished Rainbow's End; then Walker; then Roaring Lion; and fourth is Remember When.

9-12 is getting ready outside the ring, and the ring stewdart calls them in.  First in is Camaro; then Stroke My Fire; and How do you like me know with Maria Oster.

Linda Bankhead is walking around with matching bright pink boots and bright pink jacket.  Ben Bigornia is walking around.

Jack is halfway through individuals, and we have a handler change for How do you like me now - Maria Oster comes out and Liz Oster comes in.

A little rearranging, and they finish as Stoke my Fire in first, then How do you like me know in second, and Camaro in third.  The fist place puppy dog was the Reserve Winner dog at yesterday's Pre-Show.

Evan again. The excitement here is underwhelming. I don't think anyone is watching.  Hardly anyone is here, and Jack is doing a great job and moving the show. Yesterday there were many breaks, but we are calling for arm bands ahead and it seems to help.

Evan left again to check on Tedi (and Tony back at the keyboard).  Jack brings in the 12-15 Month dog class.  First in is Storm on the Horizon with Nancy McDonald, then Jonny Cash with Katelyn Heiman; and third in is Maelstrom with Liz Oster.  Jack is doing individuals, and seems to know what he is looking for.  Not much noice from the small crowd, but a smattering of applause for Maelstrom as he goes around.  Jack mover him to the front, and that's how they finish:  Maelstrom in first, Storm in second, and Jonny Cash in third.

And the 15-18 Month Dogs come in the ring.  First is Exclusive with Lenny Brown; then Jokic with Scott Yergin; followed by  Nocturne with Brenda Shepard; then Rafa with Zak Hudspeth and last is Cal with Liz Oster.  They haven't started Individuals yet, and Maria Oster comes in the ring to relieve Liz Oster on Cal.  Liz and Maria make a powerful tag-team for handlers.

There's more people here today, but still not much noise from the crowd.  I lot of people walking around saying people to others they haven't seen since the last National.  

Jack is done with individuals, and takes just Exclusive and Nocturne around.  Then he takes just Jokic and Cal around.  After some rearranging, he has Cal then Jokic, then Rafa, then Exclusive, then Nocturne.  He does another Down and back for each.  He checks them again, and sends them around.  And that's how they finish; Cal then Jokic, then Rafa, then Exclusive, then Nocturne.  We have a 15min break before Bitches.  

Evan just bought raffle tickets, and will spend the time writing names on them.  Be back soon.

The National on Thursday

It is early, an hour and a half before breakfast here at the motel.  I don't know how to get this to the internet, but I know it is showing  up on The List.

It is going to be a short day today, and we should be done by two or three.  I am not sure if I will be up on the announcer's booth, or done on the floor. They have set us up way at the top of the facility and it makes sure I don't have to mix with the little people.  Tony wondered down on the floor with a microphone yesterday, but for some reason you could not hear what he was saying. Well, you could hear it, but it was all jumbled with an echo.  He suggested we sit down with the real folks, and perhaps that will work, but it is up to those who must be obeyed as to how we handle it.,

I got to sit with Paul Johnson yesterday and we talked how it was a shame that Dave and Martha Rinke would not be here. I always looked forward to talking to them and with our Presidential race it would have been even more interesting.

I saw Dave Fritche's grandson David in the ring. I thought he was still five years old, but I got to talk to him and he has graduated college with a degree in desel mechanics. He already has job opportunities.  The years go by so fast, and I also saw Diane Brown's daughter, grown up and a young lady.  It is great that I didn't get any older, but they did.

I ran into Lauren and Scott, and again Lauren gets more attractive every year, and looks younger than last year.  Do we have vampire handlers?  Hallie McMullen is here and Ronnie Dollar was in the ring, doing a fantastic job.  Linda Wallace was sitting with us for a while and having a good time.  I did get to talk for a bit with Lindsey and Zac who are everywhere showing dogs. they both do such a great job.

Fran Fasano was running back and forth and we talked for a bit.  Martha Simonett and I talked about how we both enjoyed being lawyers, and her retirement from being a Judge. Bob Dresser is too busy with his winning dogs to announce, I hope next year he can come back and sit in the booth where we all need him as the voice of the national. He was always what we heard for years.

Hallie McMullen was talking to Twyla and me, and is having a good time.  I did take a minute to talk to Frank Fasano, but he was way too busy to spend time in one spot. Debbie Kaser let me spend time with Cate. She and I have a special relationship, Cate, not Debbie, although I have known Debbie and Amy from before they were both born. Figure that one out if you can.  

Kent is here looking like he is as young as he used to be. Speaking of that, I did sit with Jimmie for a while and we both agreed it has been a long and fun trip. The is the 111th National and we  both have been at them all.

Channing was in the ring for a class of one. He went first. I miss Ken Tank, maybe he is coming later. I haven't seen Gloria yet, but Tedi picked this motel as she said it was where she was saying.

I am headed over to the arena. We are about 10 miles, and unless I get lost, I will post more later. So, if you don't read this, be sure to let me know. So far, no one has indicated they got it.  

Wednesday in Reno

It was a good day, but a bit long. All the judging was interesting and some excellent. I got to talk to a lot of old friends, and some I 

I've known a long time.  Old is the key.  It is good to see Celeste is her and Bill Basu said he hurt his back so Ed won't be coming and I was looking forward to seeing him.  Bob Dresher is here with Martha, and I got to talk to them.  I spent some time with Manny and Joey and we talking about the weather in Florida.  I sat with Martin when he wasn't judging and met his daughter Kim.  I did some card tricks and for me that is always fun.

Twyla is here and sat with Tedi.  So many people came up to say hello to Tedi and even Martin made it a point to come by. Art Sinclair is here after not coming to the Nationals for year and Bill and I talked too.  It is so good to see so many of us still here. I didn't get to tell her but Diane Brown seems to have found a way to get younger and at one point she and her daughter were side by side in the ring.

Best of Breed was Ch Macabre Kaleef's Scandalous, and I thought he was a standout.  Best Opposite Sex was listed on the board as GCH Legacy's Redemption of Breauhausen.  Clearly the board that was marked is wrong, since Scandalous is a bitch and a male was BOB. Someone smarter than me will  straighten it out, and that includes most everyone.  Best of Winners was Jimeni's Cal V Eklectric.  Select Dog was GCh Hessen's Prince of Darkness of Mariner, (Amy Nichols, Debra Laser. and handled by Cindi Tellefson), and Ch Wilron's Winsome's Black Leather and Lace. Best Puppy was Legacy's Stpke My Fire who was alsop Reserve Winner's Dog.

I will do more tomorrow, but for now, that is what I know and what I saw, limited to what I want to share.

Evan

Wednesday in Reno

Well, here we are at another national. It was a 9 hour drive, not as bad as Illinois, or even Denver.  We used a small road, not the highway to avoid an extra five hours, and it worked. Got a lot of stop lights, and trucks, but still got here in nine hours.

I  own five cars, but still rented a "luxury" vehicle for the trip. The dog van has 90,000 miles on it and isn't a comfortable ride. I drive a Mercedes SL which is a two seater so I don't have to have others with me, and it has no room for luggage and is too small for Tedi. Tedi drive a Honda Fit, and that is definetly not a road car. I buy a Rav 4 for my file clerk, who has been with me 23 years, and she wants to use it. My office manger drives my Honda, but she too doesn't want to give it up for a week. She has been with me 34 years so I try not to upset her.

I was provided a Alpha Romero.  It has limited luggage space, is not very large, isn't a good road car, and gets terrible gas millage.  But, I guess it looks good on us, and that is what is important.

Tedi is doing great, walking is slow, but she is glad to be out. We saw Bill Basu with Carolyn Martell when we went over to the show sight. It is amazing how it seems like you were with your friends just the other day, when it has been a year since you have seen them. That, to me, is why I love the Nationals.  It is the people and also a few great dogs.

I hope this goes out. So, let me know if you read it. If you don't get it, be sure to tell me and I will ask Zoe to fix it.

I don't post during the show before the show or this year at the Futurity, but they have finally found a way to get me and Tony so that no one has to see or talk to us. We are way up top of the arena in a private booth away from everyone who counts. I may spend a lot of time away from my post, so you have the advantage of not hearing much from me.

Tedi sleeps on, I am about to get a free breakfast then off to the show.  I know Ed has a new dog in 12 to 18 that I hear is great. There are seven in the class, or the horror of giant entries. Over half the entries will get a ribbon.  I remember when you were thrilled to get a ribbon, and it was a dream to make the first cut.

I will adjust, but it is a new world of dog shows.

More later, if this works, or not.

Evan

Test of blog

Testing

 GSDCA NATIONAL OCTOBER 2024

Bitches

The bitches are in there, and it is so cold that I can't type.  

The bitches are in, Deb is judging, she excused some, kept some, and that is all I know. Tomorrow the low is going to be in the 20s, so, I am glad we are getting out of here.

I am sorry I didn't let you know what is going on, but I am too cold to type, too tired to care, too old to help and too orinary to give a damn.

o 

It has been a fun national. We got on our puppies a Best of Dump, (but he has at 15 month a 5, 4, and 3 point major, so he will do fine. And his sister went second in the 15 - 18 month puppy, so that too was fun.

Deb is on her last class and I like the Veteran.  I see Levy had three Selects and he already had two.  I suspect he will be the top stud dog this year, and if not, then next year.

It is so quiet. They should do the bitches first because it is the Grand Victor that everyone wants to see. But the catalog had dogs first and Deb felt she had to judge that way. Next year, maybe the board will put bitches first.  And tonight someone will know who will be judging in Reno. Maybe we should start taking odds.

I would like to thank Debbie and Sheryll for giving me a heater to use, Tony for providing me with a blanket and Ill. for causing me to need them.

Sharon Avery came by and wanted to unload some dinner tickets.  I hear it is a full house, but I am not going to go. I want to go back to our motel and set the room on fire and sit in the middle of it. So, if you hear a motel burned down, you can blame me.

Now there are 28. I doubt they will all  go Select, but who knows what Deb will do.  Groups of seven.

It is interesting that Deb takes them down and back and arranges them at that time.  I think that is but one factor, but it appears that is how she cuts the classes.

In comes the second group. Seven more.  It is now dark cold and gloomy and the dog show goes on.  It has now been nine hours.  

Four down and three in the keepers, the chosen people, I mean dogs, I mean bitches.  Whatever, they are chosen, so far.  

New blood.  Next group of seven.  Deb is wasting no time. It is just a big entry. Maybe our breed entries will be coming back.  She moves up two bitches. I doubt you care who it is, or you would have gotten the streaming video.

I can type, I can watch, or I can shiver.  I chose to shiver.  Not really my choice.

Now, the unkindest cut of them all, four go to the outskirts of the arena.

Now the cold is not the problem, it is raining.  Now the last group, who were out of order, but in there anyway,

Now the keepers, 14.  Now seven and seven, and the first group goes. Off to the side, and the second group. I was told earlier Mercedes was going to go Grand Victrix.  One in fourteen chance  WOW, she just went to the front. Take my word for it; I didn't know.  And she takes the last seven.  Six off to the side while Deb talks to Tom.  Eight standing who look like Selects.  Now Deb comes back and walks to the front, looks them all over walking down the group. A good looking bunch of bitches.  

She brings the rest out.  What a nice job of judging.  The Winner's Bitch is in there and the rest go Select ALL OF THEM.

1. Grand Victrix  GCH CHG CH Kaleef's Mercedes 

2.  GR GCHB Franken's Some Like It Hot Of Tara

3.  CH Windsong's What The Hail

4.   AOE DAE AM CAN Select EX CRCH Windfalls National 

5.   CH Gomez La Bartola Von Loar Of Karizma

6.  DAE BOF GCHB CH Frankenhaus Heart Of Fire v Foothills

.

It's too cold to finish, so you will have to find it elsewhere  Sorry about that, but not that much

2.  

#6 select male Ch Data

Kaitlin Heiman and Data #6 select
Doc Zoe
Excuse my typos
Sent from my iPhone

The Select males 11 total

1.   GCH CH Candia's Redneck Crazy V Surigo RN EX

2.   CH Legacy's Redemption of Breauhausen

3.   GCH CH Osor Bow And Arrow of Imperial

4.   GCHB CH Clayfield Gizmo v Eklectic Jimeni

5.   GCHB Hammersmith Heathcliff Heathcliff

6.   CH FV MD3 Norberge's Inertial Dampener of Clayfield

7.   GCH CH Kenlyn Marquis' Here Comes The Rain v RO

8.   GCH CH Frankenhaus Afterburner

9.   CH Signature's Kingsley von Springrock

10.   GCHB CH Cross Timbers Gunnison Long's Peak

11.   Kenlyn Marquis' Scorpion King 

Tedi helped me do this and it is how they are in the catalog,

Here come the clowns

It is an hour before show time. And Al came by and had me talk on the phone to Caesar, and more people are here and starting to find a place. Candy came by and working hard. What a great job she is doing for putting on the show. It is starting to look like a dog show might break out at any minute.  

I just figured out how to make the type bigger, so now I can see what I am typing. That might not be a good thing.  I see a lot of activity from the next door venue, where the stalls are. I guess people are getting ready.  

I spent some time talking to Tony Monk.  Lamar Fredricks and I spent some time talking about the Judge's test. I am taking the third version and he failed the third time.

The bitches are in the ring and the ring isn't big enough to check them all in. They fill it. It is so cold I am shivering and I may have to stop typing.  I don't remember ever seeing this large an entry before. Tom is counting and it is good he is here to keep order.

The bitches leave and now the males. Zoe is sitting with me and someone turned in a lost camisole,  I am interested to see who comes for it.  The males fill the ring. It is going to be a long cold day. the camisole owner came by and she was as pretty as I expected.  I am a man after all.  

She kept four and excused three.  New group.   Six in there. Sheri (Moses)* brought me warmers.  Zoe gave gloves.  It is good to have friends.  But with gloves I type with one finger.    Three more and four gone for this year. A new group of seven.  She is doing a  great job and taking no time to do it.  One pass and she decides.  Then she looks again before she excuses them. On the last group she saved one.  

It started with 50 and she is keeping two or three from each group and next will have 25 or so.  What a great job of judging.  From on my high post, she is doing just what I would do.  That might not be  a good thing.  One from this group, Sophia. Just what I thought.  She fell and got up, with Comeback Kid, and now the judge excuses six.                                                  

Deb keeps three and excuses four. New group. She moved up three, looked again kept one more and excused three.  In with a new group.  Next to the last  group.  Two hours so far. She pulls four and off they go.  Keeps five.  Two leave with  dreams of Reno.

Now the last group, eight with winner's dog veteran, etc.  Gunner looks great.  She pulls out three and has five more to consider and off they go. One last chance.   Deb gives every one a good look, takes three and asks the other five to take a lap, and now for the keepers, or the chosen ones, or the selected dogs, or those with dreams of going Grand Victor still in their heads.

In they come. What a spectacular group of dogs.  Twenty three, if anyone cares.  I like 513 and 522.  I won't give you the names until the second cut.  jDeb is talking to them in groups and has the last 10 or so stand back and has 15 stacked.  She gives directions to one and she goes off to the others and now so do all but seven.  So that looks like who she is going to start with. I am off to eat lunch. Talk among yourselves.

There are keepers and not-keepers./ So far four in the "next year" group.And I have another corn dog.  Winnes dog one more two more three leave.  Seven with dreams  about to be dashed.  Pulls one and dismisses the rest.  17 so far left.

Down and back.  So far two go to the side. She is them on the down and back. Her sixed dog went to second.

She has 17 out there and they look great and she breaks out the first seven and of they  go.  Sets them aside and takes the rest of them.  It would be heart breaking to be cut now.  Moves one to the front and off they go.  Moves Sylvan up. takes the next to last to third.  She sends three to the Wonder Group and moves seven. She puts those seven aside and brings out the others,  the first ten Redemption in front. Now Redneck in front.  They get to rest. And she brings back the lowly ones.  Seven in there wondering what she is doing. Now all they want is to go Select.  Deb walks down the line,a nd they all set up and she goes to the front.  She looks at themall again walkiing back and then back to the front. She is looking at her first two, now her next two, then the next, and down the line back to the front now down to the back and they all line up she pulls one and moves him up four places to number 13l  And, that' it. Grand Victor is GCH CH Candia's Redneck Crazy V Surigo RN.

+

Saturday the Big Cahuna, The Great Day, Champion showdogs, All the marvles

I don't care what you hardy MidWesterners say, four degrees above freezing is cold.  The arena is a bit warmer but all the doors are open and the breeze is a real eye opener.

Some reflections on the show:  It has been fun with a great venue to get to, (two miles from our motel), good footing and the sound system works.   We announcers are separated from the little people, and I prefer to be down were I can talk to my few remaining friends.  That points out one thing I don't like. So many who no longer are with us, and also those who didn't make it to the show. Twyla, Nancy Hubble, Celeste, and so many others who make me laugh. But, we are next to the stairs to go to the food shack, so it seems everyone does come by at some point.

Only the lonely are here an hour before show time.  I see six of us here, including Channing. So far I have seen some fantastic dogs and I know the best is yet to come. But, the parade of first Levi with 29 offspring, then River and Gunner showed that the breed continues to improve.

The judging has been as good as expected. I found that Sam showed great ring control and was decisive and got the best dogs up front. I know Rita always does a great job and did again. I so enjoyed Vickey who had no problem sorting out the classes and should do Specials in three years.

Irv just came in, and I am thinking of going to the car and turning on the heat.  Speaking of heat, (I have no idea what the connection is), the food is fantastic and only maybe 20 freed from the ring. To give an example of the costs, the corn dogs are $2.00, (I have had five).  They have something called funnel fries which look like french frys, but are funnel cakes covered with powdered sugar.  The fried pork cutlet is wonderful, (I have had three, so far). The breakfast raps for $5.00 are as good as you can get.  So different from Florida.

Today is the big day with all the champions. The entry is larger than normal and with the low temperature it should be great for the dogs, and also the handlers. The ring is large and the footing is great.  

I just talked to Tom Mesdag who met with the Judge for today.  He says they will bring in the bitches at 8:30, check them in, then excuse them and bring in the dogs. Deb is going to judge the dogs first and then the bitches.  I prefer they do the bitches first, but it is understandable that Deb wants to follow the catalog. Don't you just hate it when people follow the rules? Tom, Irv and me are the only men here with six woman. That works for me. Tedi is coming later with her sister.

I am off to find some heat and will return at a propitious time.

The end of a long day

They are doing the raffle now, and it is a long time at the end of the show. Nancy Hubbell just won a state.

Novice bitches, First and Reserve winner's Bitch is Tazzman's Mercedes Benz, Second if Signture's Venus in Blue Jeans, Third is Krystal's Mariah, and Fourth is Marquis I WalkThe line.

American Bred Bitches is First Tindrock's Revalation, Second is Aramist Express yuoiurself Marathon Troipp[hill-Ark, Third is Cherpa's Promissory Note, and Forth is Seven Hills Uptown Girl Of Legend.

Open Bitch, First is and Winner's Bitch is Tazzman's Without Limits, Second is Donata's Sandy's Envyme From Stone, Third is Tazzman's Jewel Elite Design, and fourth is Seven Hills Uptown Girl of Legend.

I don't promise to have it right, but I am exhausted, so this is what you get.  

I will be back tomorrow.

Veteran Dogs

I just spent some time talking to Ann Schultz. We solved all of the world problems, but we didn't get into Israel or Ukraine.  We will discuss that tomorrow.

I don't see a lot of interest in the class.   I do like some of those dogs and First is Ch Timberline's Dust Bowl Dance, Second is GCHS CH  Covy-Tucker-Hills Compass-PP (I do think that has always been a super dog, and since this is my unofficial Blog, I can give my opinion), Third was Ch Go9lden Breed's Sup[erstar, and Fourth is GCHP CH Gerans Solitary Man BCAT.

Now in with the older Veterans 9+ Dogs. If those three are my age, in dog years, they didn't want to get up this morning.  They ae 9, 9 and 10.  I could have brought Kirk here at 13.  He died at 14, and what a time we shared.  I will always miss him.

Vickey is looking the tree over and they don't seem like puppies, but all three are not giving up the show quality.  He puts GCH Campaigners Seamar Bearing It All in Vegas in front and YES, First is Campaigners Seamar Bearing It All in Vegas, Second is DAE GCHS Marcato's Fire Lake HT PT TC and third is GCH CH Marcator's Katmandu Katmandu RI FDC CAA BCATDNACGCA CGCU TKA ATT TC.  No, I have no idea what the letters mean, but all three are Grand Champions. That I know.

Butch Loeb came by and it is good to see him. He doesn't seem to age. 

Sylvan and his daughter with Melody his daughter. It is so good to see some of these people we haven't seen in years.  What amazes me is how they don't change.  

I am going to go eat, so I will post the winners of the Amateur Owner Handled Bitch, Bred-By Exhibitor- Puppy butch then Bred-By Exhibiter Adult Bitch. Maybe next year we can have an Amateur, Owner uner 18, female handler long coat bitch class.

Another pork sandwiich. don't tell the Rabbi.

OK the American Bred Bitch class is in there.  

Bred-By Exhibitor Adult Bitch First Pinebuck's Halley's Comet Of Breauhausen, Second Aramist's What I like About Rue V Marathon, Third krystal's Mila V Poncer-HJill-Tantara. and that is the class.

13 in the American Bred class. and so it will  be a while.  I just saw a bitch I like with Kent. I looked her up and it was Cherpa's Promissory Note, Pat and Celeste's bitch. She is going to be hard to beat.  Some nice bitches in there. The Victory dinner is at our motel, but we probably won't go. 

She sends out the first group.  Cate just came by to see me. Either she love me or hates me, she jumps on me whenever she sees me. She is something special.

In comes the next group.  Seven in the first group, six in there now..  Rita tells them :"walk" and off they go.  Keven Renolds is talking to Liz Oster who looks intence watching Kent.  He has Seven Hills Don't You Forget Me and that is who she is working on.

Sharon Avery came by and forced me to by fifty dollars in raffle tickets. she promised me she would put my name on them and put them in a basket. Should I have done that and trusted her?

Dogs, then Bitches

It was so good to talk to Kenen Renolds,a nd he is talking to Tony Monk. Bob, (the voice of the National) has the 12-15 dog to compete with Winners.  Lots of tension right now, and it is clear that no one knows what is going to happen.  The Winner's Class will be the largest class other than puppies 2-4.  It is going to be interesting.

In come the dog winners,  Vicky is standing out there. She looks great and seems to be having a good time.  Knee high boots and a short black dress.  And, in they come.  I have to admit this is an impressive group of dogs.

They come in in order, and I have my winner picked. I wonder how I can let Vicky know what I want her to do.  12 in there and off goes the first six. Tony just said something that I hadn't thought of.  If you have an older entry, the top quality has finished. Now the second group.  And they all stack.  She walks down the line to put her hand on each one.  She pulls out two, then three more and takes the rest around seven, and I don't think they have a future today and Vicky applauds them and moves them over to the side..  Yes, she has them stand back and goes to the five she pulled out. they stack and lots of concern by at least five owners.  I am so fortunate my dog went Best of Dump.  She has not placed these five yet, and takes the first two, and now the last three.  Good looking five dogs.  Then there were three. Lenny Liz and Kent, and dogs.  The crowd has an opinion.

Each goes down and back and one of these three will be WD.

The crowd likes the Open Dog best, but now it is in that order andKent in second is yelling aat the owners and Vicky gives them a good look.  Kent and Liz are still  in the running and now Kent in front. Everyone gets a turn in front.  I see three great dogs, and now Liz in front.  I would probably go with Kent, but I am a long way away. I think those are three superior dogs. She checks temperament and the crowd favorite is Lenny.  they stand, she is talking to them 

Vicky goes tot he table to get the marking, and she has decided, but we don't know. She brings out the ribbbon. what tension and they all stand and get a round of applause. Vicky tells thecrowd what she wants and YES, it is Kent with the American Bred Dog  Marneet Marquis Pipe Bomb v Kenlyn.

Now to Reserve, and it is the Open Dog Trattino's Barefoot Blue Jean Night v Peters' Elite.

On to Open Dogs

I took off to get on line to finish the Judges exam. I could not figure out how to do that so between Tony  and Gloria I may be able to get on line later. In the mean time the five Open dogs are in there.  Lots of cheers for the Open dogs, and some great ones from what I can see.  Onlhy five, but I want to watch then I will Post American Bred and Open after the losers are selected.  That is sort of negative, but let's see who wins. she brings King of The Seven Seas to the front and  that's it. Number one is Gable Hill's V. Woodside, then Second was Krystal's King of The Seven Seas, Third is Ch Raylex's Celeb Chablis, and Fourth is Kenlyn Marwquis' Scorpion King.

Going back to American Bred, First was Marqui's I Am Batman, Second was Elite Design's Vader V Timberlinr. Third is Krystal's Alexander and Fourth was Pinebuck's Draco Of Breaiuhjausen.

All the mistakes are due to Bob (the Voice of the national) and Tony who caused the mistakes.

On to the Long Coat Dog.  Two entered and two in there.  I think they should compete with the rest of the entries, but again, no one asked me.  I do like the black coated dog, and they go around together neither of them are excited about being here. First is SG1 Otto VonDen Baren, and second is Tacora's Rocky Top of Justrock Merivern.

On to Winner's Dog with a break.

And, the show goes on.

We have the Bred By Exhibitor Adult Dog. Four entered and four in the ring.  I am not sure with the two classes.  Bob (the voice of the National) is talking to Bill Basu in front of me and Mike Metz as well.  Not much going on, and actually some nice dogs in there. the second one is with Mickie so it should be interesting with the third with Liz.  I see Autumn in front of me now and they go down and back, the dogs, not Autumn.  

Liz to the front with I Am Batman, and around they go. First is Marquis' I Am Batman, Second is Elite Design's Vater V Timberline,  Third is Krystal's Alexander and Fourth is Pinebuck's Draco of Breauhausen.

Now on to American Bred. I see no reason to have two Bred By classes.  It was so good to see Kevin Renolds, and he is doing great.  There are four in the American Bred Dogs.  Not what I call an impresive entry. A nice black in front and these are all good dogs.  The quality is there if not the quantity.  

Friday

Tony and I are talking. Vicky did come by to talk, and it makes me feel important.

I got to talk to Linn Ferguson and that always makes my day, (hell, it makes my year).  I love her dog, what a masculine head. Rita is here talking to Greg, her outfit is fantastic.  It is all black with sleeves that are see through and sparkly lines on then. She looks great, as she always does. I miss being able to talk to her,.

Everyone knows I am a hard ass, but when they sing the National Anthem. I get a catch in my chest.

Tony Monk was telling me about his dog. Evidently the breeder didn't want him, so Tony got him. He took him to Boston and took two Five Point Majors and needs one point to finish. I got to see him, he will be with Bill in Open and needs one point to finish. He looks fantastic and should be hard to beat.

The Miami Connection just came by. If we had a contest for the best mustache Joey would win hands down.  

I just had a high point of the National for me. Two important people came by. 

Amateur Owner Handlers are in. Three entered and three here.  Vicky is doing her thing and I can easily pre-pick the winner but no one asked me.  First was Dawnhill's Let Your Light Shine CGVA Second was Jaydee's Who Shi Wusuoweiju AT 3xc RA FDC FCAT THDX CGCA TKI Third was Camareigh Almar'sDark Vacer V Winsome. Don't ask me what those letters mean, I am lucky I know what the V stands for.

On to Bred-By-Exhibitor.

I am taking a break to contact the AKC to find out why I failed the test.