Here we are for the big day. The end all be all. The top of the heap, The best of the best, The reason we do this, the final chance, the Wins of the Wins. Specials at the National. What a rush, and what a chance to see why this is the best breed in the world.
We are here an hour before show time, and about two hours before we know if we get cut on the first round. It is interesting to see about twenty people here, walking around with coffee, and eyes that are still slits. The ring is packed and the tables are in place. Some of the venders are open and I saw Ken, Kathy and Hunter Tank already. The stalls are full of owners and handlers rushing back and forth, lots of yelling, dryers blowing, and dogs looking confused. People are rushing from stall to stall and a quick smile to say hello, and then back to frowns and serious business. I looked to see if Diesel was here yet, but Mike has not arrived. The dogs go in later in the day, so they must be sleeping in, as if anyone can sleep before Specials.
I now see more people coming in. Bart is walking to the ring to look it over, the photographers are all set up, all but two of the booths are open.
Tedi is back in the stalls grooming Magic Marker. She is worried, concerned, happy, cheerful, tired, uptight, and relaxed all at the same time. It is always an adventure to show in Specials, and a privilege. I haven't seen a national this relaxed in years, and it is a tribute to Gail Hardcastle and Bill Bergraff, and the hundreds of others that work so hard to put it together. I know Tish and the rest of the new board will do the same in Utah next year, and in a few hours it will be over.
There is a lot going on, but the big news is that Christine Granger obtained a stay of the suspension from the AKC, so look for Raspberry the Maturity Winner in Specials.
Gail Hardcastle told me the two things she wanted to accomplish this year was to keep things quiet and to get the steaming video for the national. Between her and the Team Video, she got both things done. Now the arena is filling up, and lots of hugs, laughter, shaking, and howdies going on.
Big Dave came by and we talked for a bit about the physical demands of judging and then Martha and I talked about the show itself. This is going to be a great day and lots of fun for most, and perhaps a disappointment for some. But, in seven or eight hours it will all be over, and then on to Utah. Right now, all I want is to take a deep breath, calm down, see Markie make the first cut, and dream of when I used to be able to run this ring. Memories are sweet, but doing is better.
I am turning this over to Molly since I am too nervous and worried, too jazzed and too crazy to type. She will give you her take on what is going on, and how it looks through her eyes. From here, it is just the best there can be.
MOLLY
Monring all. You won't get Evanese from me but I will do the best I can to fill those shoes.
Ginny has blessed us with her great singing to open the show and the obedience victor has been awarded. Didn't sit quick enough to get the name but everyone was all smiles.
Monring all. You won't get Evanese from me but I will do the best I can to fill those shoes.
Ginny has blessed us with her great singing to open the show and the obedience victor has been awarded. Didn't sit quick enough to get the name but everyone was all smiles.
Gail H and Nancy Godek Macdonald are bringing in the junior handlers who are the future of our breed. They are all being introduced. Loren, Jessia, Taylor, Laura, Kaitlyn, Duane, Trevor, another Kaitlyn, Blake, Trevor, and Stephanie. I think I missed one gal, sorry.
They all take a lap. Good looking, talented bunch of kids.
They all take a lap. Good looking, talented bunch of kids.
Gary S and Bart are now in the center of the ring to do the memorial tribute to those that have passed in the past year. We have lost 22 people in the breed in the past year....all of the names are read.
Dave is now center ring and says he is excited to be here. He cautions doublers to be under control so he can judge the dogs at its best. He wants natural stacks from the handlers and as an afterthought he says he is sorting to good, very good and excellent. This place is electric!!
Our hard working stewards Dick and Bob are walking the ring The dogs are coming in.
All have been tabulated and divided in groups. The rest are leaving the ring. The first group is on the move. Sean with Look Ma No Hands of Edan are out there for their individual. Hard being the first one I am sure. Mary Ann just stopped to say hi. Good steady pass with Sean. Greg with Scharo Ark Long Hot Summer now making their pass. Candy Z just stopped by....guess I am taking a puppy to Texas for her. Bill is up with Magic Marker. Evan is on edge am sure but Tedi will take care of that. Now Steve G is up with Debric Caretti's Angelina. Tiff with Millertimes Sweet and Brassy are up...she is out of the numbers for the catalogue. An unknown handler to me, young red headed lady from Portland OR is up with Faithrock Caralon Surfer Girl
Now Christy with Hicliff Sienna Kaleef . Just been told the handler from OR is Lindsay but I don't know her last name. Deb H just said hi and looks busy as always. Dianne B up now with MMM MM good of Edan. So there is 8 in the first group and individuals are done. The first 4 are making a pass, then the next 4 go. Dave is making some notes and taking one more look at the line . Sherre stopped and isn't feeling so well today. First group is out, and the next one is coming in. Shirley Melvin from Tx just stopped and said I don't look like Evan. I tried..
All have been tabulated and divided in groups. The rest are leaving the ring. The first group is on the move. Sean with Look Ma No Hands of Edan are out there for their individual. Hard being the first one I am sure. Mary Ann just stopped to say hi. Good steady pass with Sean. Greg with Scharo Ark Long Hot Summer now making their pass. Candy Z just stopped by....guess I am taking a puppy to Texas for her. Bill is up with Magic Marker. Evan is on edge am sure but Tedi will take care of that. Now Steve G is up with Debric Caretti's Angelina. Tiff with Millertimes Sweet and Brassy are up...she is out of the numbers for the catalogue. An unknown handler to me, young red headed lady from Portland OR is up with Faithrock Caralon Surfer Girl
Now Christy with Hicliff Sienna Kaleef . Just been told the handler from OR is Lindsay but I don't know her last name. Deb H just said hi and looks busy as always. Dianne B up now with MMM MM good of Edan. So there is 8 in the first group and individuals are done. The first 4 are making a pass, then the next 4 go. Dave is making some notes and taking one more look at the line . Sherre stopped and isn't feeling so well today. First group is out, and the next one is coming in. Shirley Melvin from Tx just stopped and said I don't look like Evan. I tried..
The next group is taking its pass. Phillip M is out with Tuthill Abria Temptation. Jeff is out with Hickory Hills Raspberry Beret. Jon Beyer is up with Vici's Windsong . Zoe is now here and giving me a running commentary...she got the name of the handler from OR for me. Ken Tank now there with Liebchen's Boogie Wonderland ..this is be Ken's last national as a handler. He will judging soon if approved. Sergio on board with Enchanted's American Anthem. Tiffany just went by looking great and gave us a smiley good morning. Bill Tank up with Eko Lan N'EJMS Encore. Georgy taking the pass now with Wolf Creek Kallie of Merivern.
The first 4 are making a pass, the last 3 are doing a round, Dave is doing a lot of smiling. A cold breeze just hit us....probably the handlers moving so quick. Dave is giving them all one more pass and makes his notes. Out the go...on the group 3.
Evan L. Ginsburg
Asgard German Shepherds
http://www.asgardgsd.com/
Where Type Movement and Temperament come together
Asgard German Shepherds
http://www.asgardgsd.com/
Where Type Movement and Temperament come together
