Gidget got her first point yesterday in Jordan, MN! Yea!! :)
1 down - 14 to go!
Showing posts with label Show News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Show News. Show all posts
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Monday, May 11, 2015
Gidget Goes To Las Vegas
Last week was an exciting week! Gidget and I went to Las Vegas for the Shih Tzu National! For a couple of months Gidget has been learnig to walk on a lead and also learning about being groomed and stacking herself on a table for exam. All of this "training" was nothing short of amateur - we didn't go to any classes - we just worked here at home. Fast forward to last Tuesday - Gidget gets swept up by her handler Greg at 8am and by 11am she's been put into her first show groom, has a lead around her neck with someone new at the other end, is standing on this stuff called carpeting on which she has never stepped foot, and she's in this great big ring with all of these other dogs that look a lot like her but in various colors. Needless to say - day one didn't go so well.
Fast forward 24 hours and here she is:
By day four she was in the ribbons in what was deemed the most competitive class by Judge Filburn! What a good girl! And thank you Greg for your wonderful work!
Gidget will be spot shown by Greg Larson in the Midwest this Spring/Summer.
Look for more pictures soon!
Fast forward 24 hours and here she is:
By day four she was in the ribbons in what was deemed the most competitive class by Judge Filburn! What a good girl! And thank you Greg for your wonderful work!
Gidget will be spot shown by Greg Larson in the Midwest this Spring/Summer.
Look for more pictures soon!
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Champion Velvet
Last fall when I started to slipped into chronic pain, I had a little girl in coat who had three points. As my ability to sit for long periods of time diminished, I was only able to brush this girl for shorter and shorter periods of time. Couple that with the fact that she wasn't exactly a "coat factory", well I was ready to cut her down. I called Greg and asked if he wanted to take Velvet, and I warned him that her coat was in terrible shape.
I always tell Greg when I send him a dog to be honest with me when he gets the dog and he does his evaluation. If the dog isn't worthy, I'd rather the dog come home than be an embarrassment to both of us. I stressed that this time. If he found her to be structurally sound, I told him to sit her out for a long period of time to grow coat. I expected the worst.
Greg entered Velvet for shows immediately.
And so Velvet's show career began . . . with winning.
I had second hand reports from people who knew others that saw her. Velvet's coat was in bad shape they would say. I always stressed to anyone with whom I discussed Velvet, that her coat condition was thanks to ME and MY inability to care for it. Greg did a fabulous job with what he had.
It didn't hurt that Velvet loved to go into the ring and wag her tail at everyone that would look at her. Someone told me Velvet was a big flirt with the judges. That made me laugh because I remembered her first weekend I took her into the ring. She WAS a flirt.
Once she singled out, again I asked Greg if he wanted to sit her out to grow some more coat before attempting majors. He said no. The next weekend that he showed her, I almost wrecked my car when he sent me a text telling me Velvet got a 4 point major.
During one of our last phone conversations, Greg said to me "Imagine how well she would have done with hair!" I can't imagine because she won almost every weekend she was on a lead with Greg. I think the only weekend Velvet didn't get a point was during their two days in Chicago. How on earth could I be disappointed with that??
Velvet is my 10th overall champion, my 8th home bred champion, her mother Violet's 4th champion kid and her father Magic's 2nd champion kid.
I am blessed.
Thank you Greg for your hard work, the magic you work with a brush and comb as well the kindness you show my dogs in your care. You continue to do the impossible. You have no idea how grateful I am for all you have done with my dogs over the past few years.
I always tell Greg when I send him a dog to be honest with me when he gets the dog and he does his evaluation. If the dog isn't worthy, I'd rather the dog come home than be an embarrassment to both of us. I stressed that this time. If he found her to be structurally sound, I told him to sit her out for a long period of time to grow coat. I expected the worst.
Greg entered Velvet for shows immediately.
And so Velvet's show career began . . . with winning.
I had second hand reports from people who knew others that saw her. Velvet's coat was in bad shape they would say. I always stressed to anyone with whom I discussed Velvet, that her coat condition was thanks to ME and MY inability to care for it. Greg did a fabulous job with what he had.
It didn't hurt that Velvet loved to go into the ring and wag her tail at everyone that would look at her. Someone told me Velvet was a big flirt with the judges. That made me laugh because I remembered her first weekend I took her into the ring. She WAS a flirt.
Once she singled out, again I asked Greg if he wanted to sit her out to grow some more coat before attempting majors. He said no. The next weekend that he showed her, I almost wrecked my car when he sent me a text telling me Velvet got a 4 point major.
The following weekend Velvet finished with her second 4 point major.
During one of our last phone conversations, Greg said to me "Imagine how well she would have done with hair!" I can't imagine because she won almost every weekend she was on a lead with Greg. I think the only weekend Velvet didn't get a point was during their two days in Chicago. How on earth could I be disappointed with that??
Velvet is my 10th overall champion, my 8th home bred champion, her mother Violet's 4th champion kid and her father Magic's 2nd champion kid.
I am blessed.
Thank you Greg for your hard work, the magic you work with a brush and comb as well the kindness you show my dogs in your care. You continue to do the impossible. You have no idea how grateful I am for all you have done with my dogs over the past few years.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Velvet Wins Again!
We spent last weekend in the north country of Arizona. Up north is always cooler (thankfully) and the pines are wonderful. The drive up the mountain was uneventful and we made it to Show Low in about three hours. The temperature was about 25 degrees cooler too during the day and in the 50s at night which was awesome sleeping weather!
After unloading a small amount of gear at the show site we made our way to visit friends Cindy and Larry who were gracious enough to offer Velvet and myself a place to bunk for the weekend. We spent the evening catching up and I then had the task to groom out Velvet before bed. Loved sleeping with the window wide open and enjoyed that cool, fresh mountain air!
The next day we had lots of help from the Boy Scouts at the show site who unloaded my gear from my SUV, got it all tied down to my show cart and got us to our set-up. What an awesome service they provided! I was sure to make a donation to the troop leader as I could never have made it over the terrain by myself.
The wind of course kicked up a bit as we got ready to show but Velvet did great and she won the Breed on Saturday. Sunday the wind was awful! It was hard enough to groom in it, but to show at 6,600 ft ASL with 30 mph winds - well - we didn't fare well. Sorry to say poor Velvet was windblown and didn't move to the judge's expectations - on her down and specifically her back - and we went Reserve. Oh well - there is always next time. With her win on Saturday, Velvet now has three points towards her title.
After getting Velvet back in maintenance bands, we loaded up and had a smooth drive home. Boy was I glad to see all my kids! Velvet was glad to be home too!
My thanks to again, the Boy Scouts for all of their help, to Cindy and Larry for their generous hospitality and also to Carol and Gail Page for allowing us to share their set-up. Extra kudos to Carol and Gail for helping me with my gear on Friday and also on Sunday getting everything back to my SUV. I've been having some trouble with my back most recently and actually did this show against my better judgement health wise. I paid for it this past week in spades. Thankfully, visits to my chiropractor along with extra rest have helped me get past a good portion of the back and leg pain. I am hoping I can push through this lower back and leg pain that kicked up back in July and get back to showing my little one soon.
After unloading a small amount of gear at the show site we made our way to visit friends Cindy and Larry who were gracious enough to offer Velvet and myself a place to bunk for the weekend. We spent the evening catching up and I then had the task to groom out Velvet before bed. Loved sleeping with the window wide open and enjoyed that cool, fresh mountain air!
The next day we had lots of help from the Boy Scouts at the show site who unloaded my gear from my SUV, got it all tied down to my show cart and got us to our set-up. What an awesome service they provided! I was sure to make a donation to the troop leader as I could never have made it over the terrain by myself.
The wind of course kicked up a bit as we got ready to show but Velvet did great and she won the Breed on Saturday. Sunday the wind was awful! It was hard enough to groom in it, but to show at 6,600 ft ASL with 30 mph winds - well - we didn't fare well. Sorry to say poor Velvet was windblown and didn't move to the judge's expectations - on her down and specifically her back - and we went Reserve. Oh well - there is always next time. With her win on Saturday, Velvet now has three points towards her title.
After getting Velvet back in maintenance bands, we loaded up and had a smooth drive home. Boy was I glad to see all my kids! Velvet was glad to be home too!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Champion Kiki!
WoTeH'sin Shih Tzu has a new champion! Kiki is now CH WoTeH'sin Island Style. Kiki is my 9th champion overall and my 7th home bred champion. My thanks to Greg Larson for his patience, perseverance and expert presentation. But also, thank you to the whole "Team Kiki" of which I will write more later.
Kiki's story is important and it will be told here in detail in the coming weeks. But before I publish it for the public, I have an important letter to present to The American Kennel Club. You see, Kiki's story thankfully has a happy ending, but it could have ended much differently.
More to come . . .
Kiki's story is important and it will be told here in detail in the coming weeks. But before I publish it for the public, I have an important letter to present to The American Kennel Club. You see, Kiki's story thankfully has a happy ending, but it could have ended much differently.
More to come . . .
Monday, June 11, 2012
Velvet's Debut In Flagstaff
I'm always nervous when I bring out a new puppy in the show ring. But especially now - after an incident last fall which I've not shared yet on this blog because that story is still unfolding.
I only worked Velvet a little bit before we went to Flagstaff and I was hoping it was enough for her to have a good experience in the ring. We only had the opportunity to observe one handling class and work on the sidelines a couple of weeks ago before I came down with bronchitis that set me back for 2 weeks. This class was really Velvet's first time on a lead and she begrudgingly walked a few down and backs, kind of unsure of herself and the grass beneath her paws (our yard is all rock - no grass). From there we spent about 30 minutes in PetSmart one evening once I was well enough to make the trip. Velvet met some young children in the store who thought she was adorable. Luckily the mom of the brood had taught her children well and they held out their hands gently and let Velvet come to them instead of abruptly approaching her. As it turned out Velvet walked nicely in the aisles for me, although still a little unsure. But when I brought out the squeaky, her ears perked up and the tail wagged. All good stuff. Then the friendly check out girl gave Velvet a little treat as I paid for a couple of new toys and some yummy training treats. A successful trip! From there the following week we worked in the cul de sac after sundown - something we hadn't been able to do because, not only had I been sick but the only streetlight out there had been burned out for weeks - until I contacted the city for a fix. Luckily the city responded and we did about 10 minutes out there a couple of nights before the big debut. Along the way we did table work after grooming, playing dog show and stacking for 5 or 10 seconds to get a treat.
I say a prayer each morning when I leave the house asking for a safe return to my babies at the end of the day. Saturday when leaving for Flagstaff it was no different - the first prayer was asking that we make it to our destination and back - safe and sound. I had some addendums on Saturday - the second prayer was that Velvet just have an enjoyable experience. I added a small prayer for a friend that is in need to the end of my request followed by a humble thank you to my maker, put the car in drive and we were off to the show!
It's about a 2 hour drive to Flagstaff and as you hit about 5000 or 6000 ft elevation the pines begin to emerge as you continue your climb up the mountain. The temperatures drop to a pleasant 60 or 70 degrees in the early June morning hours and you can smell the pines - bringing back memories of northern Michigan. I really enjoy the Flagstaff shows just because it reminds me of driving up north back home.
Once in Flagstaff I unloaded everything and got set up. Velvet was doing great. Happy and still engaged every time I got out the squeaky toy. I spent about 90 minutes grooming and Velvet got her very first topknot!
Off to the ring we went. We had a bit of a wait and Velvet gained a few admirers. Several pictures were snapped. I wanted her to stay happy - but I also wanted her to stay neat and presentable! Everyone always wants to touch a Shih Tzu's coat. I always say no prior to ring time when asked but offer unlimited time to pet and love after we are done in the ring. Soon we were called to the ring. I carried my girl over, put her down just outside the ring, smoothed down her coat, called her name and squeaked her little toy and up came her tail - wagging away. Talk about relief! We walked into the ring behind the other entry and my girl was animated and darn happy to be there! I knew she had made a good first impression because the judge smiled and looked at Velvet just long enough for me to know he liked what he saw. Velvet just had to work it. We moved out and there was my girl by my side - tail up, head up and I loosened the lead by dropping my arm down towards my side giving plenty of slack to the lead. Velvet kept moving. All good stuff! When it was Velvet's turn on the table I encouraged her and kept telling her she was a good girl. She did fine for her first exam. The judge could tell she was new to this and I confirmed it was her first show. He instructed us to do our down and back and Velvet was doing great. We barely made it back to the judge when he pointed to me and said "You're number one!" I let out I'm sure a sigh of relief. What a great day in the ring! Thank you to judge Fredrick Stephens!
So lots of firsts on Saturday - first topknot, first show, first Best Of Breed win and first point!
Sunday we were blessed with another wonderful experience under judge Dr. John Reeve-Newson. He was so gentle and such a pleasure to show to. He asked me about Velvet's background and as it ended up he knows my dear friend Marg Brown of Shente Shih Tzu - who's top winning dogs happen to be part of the basis of my line. We had a lovely conversation after he gave me Velvet's winning ribbons. He knew his Shih Tzu. When a judge asks about pedigree - they know the breed!
We had a wonderful weekend in Flagstaff! Now we wait for the weather to cool here in the Valley. We'll be back at the shows in the Fall!
I only worked Velvet a little bit before we went to Flagstaff and I was hoping it was enough for her to have a good experience in the ring. We only had the opportunity to observe one handling class and work on the sidelines a couple of weeks ago before I came down with bronchitis that set me back for 2 weeks. This class was really Velvet's first time on a lead and she begrudgingly walked a few down and backs, kind of unsure of herself and the grass beneath her paws (our yard is all rock - no grass). From there we spent about 30 minutes in PetSmart one evening once I was well enough to make the trip. Velvet met some young children in the store who thought she was adorable. Luckily the mom of the brood had taught her children well and they held out their hands gently and let Velvet come to them instead of abruptly approaching her. As it turned out Velvet walked nicely in the aisles for me, although still a little unsure. But when I brought out the squeaky, her ears perked up and the tail wagged. All good stuff. Then the friendly check out girl gave Velvet a little treat as I paid for a couple of new toys and some yummy training treats. A successful trip! From there the following week we worked in the cul de sac after sundown - something we hadn't been able to do because, not only had I been sick but the only streetlight out there had been burned out for weeks - until I contacted the city for a fix. Luckily the city responded and we did about 10 minutes out there a couple of nights before the big debut. Along the way we did table work after grooming, playing dog show and stacking for 5 or 10 seconds to get a treat.
I say a prayer each morning when I leave the house asking for a safe return to my babies at the end of the day. Saturday when leaving for Flagstaff it was no different - the first prayer was asking that we make it to our destination and back - safe and sound. I had some addendums on Saturday - the second prayer was that Velvet just have an enjoyable experience. I added a small prayer for a friend that is in need to the end of my request followed by a humble thank you to my maker, put the car in drive and we were off to the show!
It's about a 2 hour drive to Flagstaff and as you hit about 5000 or 6000 ft elevation the pines begin to emerge as you continue your climb up the mountain. The temperatures drop to a pleasant 60 or 70 degrees in the early June morning hours and you can smell the pines - bringing back memories of northern Michigan. I really enjoy the Flagstaff shows just because it reminds me of driving up north back home.
Once in Flagstaff I unloaded everything and got set up. Velvet was doing great. Happy and still engaged every time I got out the squeaky toy. I spent about 90 minutes grooming and Velvet got her very first topknot!
I know I'm adorable!
Off to the ring we went. We had a bit of a wait and Velvet gained a few admirers. Several pictures were snapped. I wanted her to stay happy - but I also wanted her to stay neat and presentable! Everyone always wants to touch a Shih Tzu's coat. I always say no prior to ring time when asked but offer unlimited time to pet and love after we are done in the ring. Soon we were called to the ring. I carried my girl over, put her down just outside the ring, smoothed down her coat, called her name and squeaked her little toy and up came her tail - wagging away. Talk about relief! We walked into the ring behind the other entry and my girl was animated and darn happy to be there! I knew she had made a good first impression because the judge smiled and looked at Velvet just long enough for me to know he liked what he saw. Velvet just had to work it. We moved out and there was my girl by my side - tail up, head up and I loosened the lead by dropping my arm down towards my side giving plenty of slack to the lead. Velvet kept moving. All good stuff! When it was Velvet's turn on the table I encouraged her and kept telling her she was a good girl. She did fine for her first exam. The judge could tell she was new to this and I confirmed it was her first show. He instructed us to do our down and back and Velvet was doing great. We barely made it back to the judge when he pointed to me and said "You're number one!" I let out I'm sure a sigh of relief. What a great day in the ring! Thank you to judge Fredrick Stephens!
So lots of firsts on Saturday - first topknot, first show, first Best Of Breed win and first point!
Sunday we were blessed with another wonderful experience under judge Dr. John Reeve-Newson. He was so gentle and such a pleasure to show to. He asked me about Velvet's background and as it ended up he knows my dear friend Marg Brown of Shente Shih Tzu - who's top winning dogs happen to be part of the basis of my line. We had a lovely conversation after he gave me Velvet's winning ribbons. He knew his Shih Tzu. When a judge asks about pedigree - they know the breed!
We had a wonderful weekend in Flagstaff! Now we wait for the weather to cool here in the Valley. We'll be back at the shows in the Fall!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Someone Got A Haircut!
A few weeks ago, I took Samantha to Tucson for the IABCA Shows. Her very last topknots. And in three shows she became American International Champion WoTeH'sin Do U Believe In Magic! She did well after not being shown since last JUNE! At first she was tentative but then she remembered exactly what to do. She got a couple of group placements in the Bred By Group as well. Judges' comments were awesome. They loved her head, her outline, her coat, good reach & drive - all good stuff.
Since that weekend I've been promising Sam a haircut. But I just hadn't gotten around to it. First this then that. But tonight was the night! And she is the spittin' image of her daddy! Love that face!
Next stop - bein' a momma dog. Hoping there are babies bakin' in there!
Since that weekend I've been promising Sam a haircut. But I just hadn't gotten around to it. First this then that. But tonight was the night! And she is the spittin' image of her daddy! Love that face!
Next stop - bein' a momma dog. Hoping there are babies bakin' in there!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Show News
Kiki continues to do well in the show ring. Last weekend after winning the breed, she placed third in the group at the AZ Toy Dog Fanciers puppy match. This weekend she won the breed on Friday at the Canada del Oro Kennel Club show in Tucson. Here she is resting after her win.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Kiki's First Win Picture
Here is Kiki's win picture from the AZ White Mountain KC show.
WoTeH'sin Island Style
"Kiki"
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Kiki Takes Best Of Breed
Last weekend we travelled to Show Low, AZ to show at the AZ White Mountain Kennel Club Show. I had never been to Show Low, only having been as far as Heber in 2010. The drive from Phoenix is a very pretty drive north up to Show Low which is at a 6,000 foot elevation. All was nice and sunny until we hit Payson, and then the rain started. Not a good sign. It rained most of the remaining drive into Show Low.
After checking in to the hotel there was a slight break in the rain, so we headed to the show site. We met up with Carol and Gail Page, who were setting up their grooming area/tent. They were kind enough to let me share their space, saving me the grief of bringing my own tent to set up. By this time it was nearly dark but we decided to play in the rings a bit. I was concerned because Kiki wasn't so thrilled to be on grass and in general she looked like she just wanted to go home. So after a trip around the ring, and a short time on the table, we left and went for dinner. Awesome margaritas! :) After dinner, it was back to the room and it was time for Kiki's bath. THAT was fun! And finally at midnight it felt good to lay down and rest.
Saturday the weather was perfect! In the 70's and sunny. We got to the show site at about 8:45am. I had my coffee in hand and some wonderful boy scouts helped me get my gear to my set up. Carol and Gail followed shortly thereafter and I got busy finishing the grooming I started at 5am on Kiki.
I was still concerned that Kiki would hate her first real show experience, but made the best of the time with her. I made it a priority to keep her happy and I treated her to some of my leftover grilled chicken from dinner - an incentive to keep her tail wagging! When we stepped into the ring, I squeaked her toy and her tail went up over her back and away she went, taking the breed win! I was, and still am, thrilled that she did so well! The grooming didn't stress her (or me for that matter) and she had fun in the ring! Yeah!
We had to wait some time to get a picture taken so here are a couple of candid shots.
This was the first show I had done is a while so my grooming skills need some brushing up! No pun intended! But what is more important than a perfect topknot is that your puppy has fun in the ring!
My thanks to Dr. Lee Anthony Reasin for Kiki's first point. As always sir, it was a pleasure to show to you!
Unfortunately on Sunday the rain returned, and I was already feeling a cold coming on, so I picked up my gear from the show site, getting drenched in the process, and we made it home by noon. And even though we cut our weekend short, we had a good time.
First point down, fourteen more to go!
After checking in to the hotel there was a slight break in the rain, so we headed to the show site. We met up with Carol and Gail Page, who were setting up their grooming area/tent. They were kind enough to let me share their space, saving me the grief of bringing my own tent to set up. By this time it was nearly dark but we decided to play in the rings a bit. I was concerned because Kiki wasn't so thrilled to be on grass and in general she looked like she just wanted to go home. So after a trip around the ring, and a short time on the table, we left and went for dinner. Awesome margaritas! :) After dinner, it was back to the room and it was time for Kiki's bath. THAT was fun! And finally at midnight it felt good to lay down and rest.
Saturday the weather was perfect! In the 70's and sunny. We got to the show site at about 8:45am. I had my coffee in hand and some wonderful boy scouts helped me get my gear to my set up. Carol and Gail followed shortly thereafter and I got busy finishing the grooming I started at 5am on Kiki.
I was still concerned that Kiki would hate her first real show experience, but made the best of the time with her. I made it a priority to keep her happy and I treated her to some of my leftover grilled chicken from dinner - an incentive to keep her tail wagging! When we stepped into the ring, I squeaked her toy and her tail went up over her back and away she went, taking the breed win! I was, and still am, thrilled that she did so well! The grooming didn't stress her (or me for that matter) and she had fun in the ring! Yeah!
We had to wait some time to get a picture taken so here are a couple of candid shots.
Admit it - I'm adorable!
When is that photographer guy gonna be ready??
This was the first show I had done is a while so my grooming skills need some brushing up! No pun intended! But what is more important than a perfect topknot is that your puppy has fun in the ring!
My thanks to Dr. Lee Anthony Reasin for Kiki's first point. As always sir, it was a pleasure to show to you!
Unfortunately on Sunday the rain returned, and I was already feeling a cold coming on, so I picked up my gear from the show site, getting drenched in the process, and we made it home by noon. And even though we cut our weekend short, we had a good time.
First point down, fourteen more to go!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Champion Samantha
It's been a while since I posted about Samantha's travels with Greg Larson. Pictures have finally arrived and my schedule has finally given me a day to catch up!
After winning her first weekend out with Greg in late March, Sam consistently won or took reserve at almost every show. Here she is winning her first major with Greg in North Dakota early in June. She went on to win her second major two weeks later in Minnesota and her final point the next week in Illinois I believe. Not sure of all the dates - I can barely remember what day it is today!
Anyway here she is with Greg and judge Paula Hartinger. Thank you Paula for this nice win!
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Many thanks to all of the judges that put Sam up, to Greg Larson for his lovely presentation and to Tiger Allen for flying Sam to and from Minneapolis. She'll finally be home this week!
Samantha will not be bred until 2012. I'm still looking at my options there. Whoever the lucky boy will be - you can rest assured he will be special! ;)
After winning her first weekend out with Greg in late March, Sam consistently won or took reserve at almost every show. Here she is winning her first major with Greg in North Dakota early in June. She went on to win her second major two weeks later in Minnesota and her final point the next week in Illinois I believe. Not sure of all the dates - I can barely remember what day it is today!
Anyway here she is with Greg and judge Paula Hartinger. Thank you Paula for this nice win!
Many thanks to all of the judges that put Sam up, to Greg Larson for his lovely presentation and to Tiger Allen for flying Sam to and from Minneapolis. She'll finally be home this week!
Samantha will not be bred until 2012. I'm still looking at my options there. Whoever the lucky boy will be - you can rest assured he will be special! ;)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Samantha's Third Point
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Flagstaff Kennel Club
Samantha took WB and BOS both days this weekend at the Flagstaff Kennel Club shows for her first two points! She had a great time and I think she's figured out that everyone who meets her thinks that she is absolutely adorable!
Thank you judges Raymond Bay and Robert Widden for Sam's first two points!
Samantha is on her way!
Monday, November 30, 2009
How was your weekend?
For Thanksgiving weekend Magic & I went to Yuma to spend a few days at a dog show. Magic came home proudly with his AKC championship! He finished his title on Sunday with his third major win and many adoring fans ringside. He turns heads wherever he goes it seems. Some of the adjectives this weekend from fans and judges - beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, correct and amazing! Yes, he decided to not just walk, but STRUT his stuff all over the show ring!
Thank you to Sandra "Goose" Allen for awarding a second major to Magic and to Margo Klingler for Magic's third and title-completing major win!
Magic is the first dog I owner/handled completely from the bred by exhibitor class from start to finish and as such I will be awarded a special medallion for this achievement by AKC. This title is very important to me. Magic is my seventh overall finished AKC champion Shih Tzu and my fifth home-bred champion.
Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend - we sure did!
Thank you to Sandra "Goose" Allen for awarding a second major to Magic and to Margo Klingler for Magic's third and title-completing major win!
Magic is the first dog I owner/handled completely from the bred by exhibitor class from start to finish and as such I will be awarded a special medallion for this achievement by AKC. This title is very important to me. Magic is my seventh overall finished AKC champion Shih Tzu and my fifth home-bred champion.
Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend - we sure did!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Speaking of dog shows . . .
Magic continues to creep on towards his championship title, in spite of me! He now has 11 points, and only needs one major to finish. This is the most frustrating part of showing dogs - searching out majors. And who knows - Magic may end up somewhere else in the country sometime this year. :) That's the beauty of owner handling - you can take your time, you can change things up, you can show 'em yourself or you can send them out.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
Keeping my fingers crossed!
The kindness of strangers
A belated post, but none the less from my heart - thank you to those of you that helped me recently at the show in Tucson. You know who you are! If it weren't for your kindness and help, I'm not sure how my weekend would have ended.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Here's Holly!
I know, it's been MONTHS since Holly finished her championship, but I'm just now getting around to getting her picture! Here she is in all her glory, finishing with her third major under Judge Betsy Dale, and handled by my dear friend, Sally Watkeys. Sally did such a wonderful job with Holly - her coat looked FABULOUS. This particular weekend in Traverse City I was so lucky because Holly finished on Saturday and Tuxedo finished on Sunday and I got to see them both finish! What a weekend THAT was!
Holly is an Iris daughter (and Crystal's grand-daughter), and Magic's full litter sister. She is also Tuxedo's Auntie!
So enjoy!
Shown above is Holly - CH WoTeH'sin Breakfast At Sniffanys.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Magic goes Best Of Breed in Tucson!
Well, 9 points and counting! The Magic Man only needs a major and 3 more single points to finish his American Championship!
Magic is pictured here in May of 2007 getting ready for a show in Pomona, CA where we were there filling a major for Lucky - which broke. Magic hadn't quite decided he wanted to be a show dog at that time, and while he looked beautiful, he had a terrible outing that day.
Magic really hasn't been shown much. After the disaster in Pomona he was shown in Flagstaff but didn't get the crossover for the point. Then we went to Michigan where he went BW for four points. We then did the IABCA shows in December, where he finished his title in three shows. Prior to all of this I had only shown him in Vegas as filler for Lucky's last single points, and Magic wouldn't walk at all! It was so frustrating. Every judge just adored him and told me that I must find a way to get him to move.
I found a conformation class FINALLY earlier this year and since then we've been going to class before most upcoming shows. He lost to Garnet in Sierra Vista, but he's won in every other show. I'm very proud of his accomplishments, which include his first AKC major AND his IABCA International Championship. I'm hoping he will be a finished AKC Champion some day.
In the mean time, Magic runs the house and yard freely. His coat is indestructible and the only restriction on his day is that he must sleep in his 2x3 in the bedroom at night (on a satin bed mat) and stay crated when I'm not at home. Magic actually loves his crate. He loves the noise it makes when he hops in! Many nights here you can hear Magic and Garnet running through the house from the dining room, through the kitchen, down the hall and into the bedroom, where you will then hear Magic hop into his crate with Garnet barking at him because he won't let her in! And then they are off again on the chase. It's a nearly a nightly ritual here and it just proves that crates are happy places for dogs when they are given the choice to make it their own special place! In fact, the games are on as I'm writing this!
Magic is a very special boy. He is one of those dogs that is just adorable and so vulnerable. I adore him and whether he finishes his AKC title or not, he will always be a special boy to me.
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