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Friday evening we met up with Pam and her wonderful mother Alta at the motel we all typically stay. (I love Pam's mom.) On the agenda was final pre-show grooming for the Bullet Man. Pam brought her grooming table into our room and she and Julie worked expertly on his abundant and beautiful furnishings. The AKC Breed Standard specifies that less is preferable to more. As standing on my feet is difficult at best lately, I sat on the bed and supervised offering a hand now and then. When they were finished with him the look was WOW! Paris came through and visited and played for awhile before everyone called it a day. Saturday morning came bright and early and I was especially excited to see Miss Pippin who had been away for a few weeks. When we arrived at the show site I found where she was and approached carefully. Pippin was up on the table being groomed by our friend Dawn. She caught sight of me and her eyes instantly bugged out of her head! My eyes were filling with tears because I'd really missed her. The full effect of our reunion seemed to last throughout the day as she was one happy puppy in the ring with Dawn. She handled beautifully. I was thrilled because each day she was in the ribbons! In my heart of hearts of course I had hoped this may be the weekend she finished her championship but I was not disappointed with how well she did do. There is always tough competition at a Specialty show so to defeat any number of dogs is something to be proud of. On Saturday Dawn expertly handled her to 3rd place out of 10 and on Sunday Pippin was 4th out of 10. Paris, who is already finished in the ring, was shown in Best of Breed in a group of this areas most beautiful and amazing Brittanys. In a large group of Brittanys the judge will usually make a 'cut' where they dismiss half of the exhibitors and their dogs from the ring to finish judging those they consider to be the best. Pam and Paris made the final cut as the judge made her final decisions. Congratulations were in order there too. As mentioned earlier, Bullet and Julie had an especially enjoyable time at the weekend show! I was also so happy to be able to spend so much time ringside visiting with some very special people who have come into our lives recently. Marilyn and Roger were there returning some of Pippin's 'luggage' with their daughter Megan joining them. Megan spent a lot of time ringside taking pictures and I already have enjoyed a brief glimpse of a couple of them - (thank you so much!!!!) Another highlight of my weekend was sitting ringside as Chevy took Best of Breed on Saturday. We have a vested interest in this handsome Brittany otherwise known as CH Tonan-Hopes R U Kiddin Me. What I really really appreciated this weekend too were those exhibitors who took the time to show their support for the Brittany when Bullet was representing the breed in the Best Gun Dog group ring. Any group ring is intimidating to those of us who have little to none experience in it. Ringside applause is always music to the ears of both handler and dog. I noticed how Bullet really turned it on with the applause given to him. Mostly I guess I want to say thank you to Nancy Morabito. Nancy had a big job of her own ahead in preparing Chevy for the Best in Show competition immediately following the Gun Dog group but made time to sit ringside with Pam and her mom, Julies sister and niece, me and a few others to applaud them.
Dawn handled not only Pippin this weekend but also Miss Morgen and Flash. Miss Morgen really turned it on like she usually does with her happy demeanor and constantly wagging tail as she went on to win Best Veteran on both days! In all honesty I have yet to see a happier Brittany in the ring than the beautiful liver and white Brittany who finished her own championship last year at this same show with Dawn at the other end of the lead. I'm so thankful for the friendship that has evolved over time between Dawn and I and it was so nice to be able to hang out together this weekend. Speaking of hanging out, I was also so happy to get a chance to be loved on by a certain little Brittany puppy named "Moxie", previously known as Jan out of Treasure and Gibson's litter. Moxie is not quite 10 weeks old and although one of her young owners was there showing their beautiful older Brittany, Miss Moxie remained in the family's van. It's not worth it to take chances with young puppies under 6 months old into the actual show itself. Some do. We don't. Moxie has grown so much and is so outgoing, loveable, confident, and beautiful! She has an older surrogate 'sister' who is a beautiful Brittany often handled in the ring by her young owner Katie... speaking of whom, I'd like to wish an early Happy Birthday too.
Saturday night Pam, her mom, Julie, and I enjoyed a relaxing and delicious dinner at nearby Applebees. (Thank you Sam!!!) It was so nice to have the opportunity to do so - and our dinner also was a casual celebration of Paris receiving an OFA Excellent regarding her hip clearance - it does not get ANY better than that.
The weekend came and went so quickly, it was so nice to spend moments in time with other Brittany friends and acquaintances. There is often something new and wonderful to celebrate with the wins and achievements of those we compete with in the ring. And sadly there are those times of sharing sorrows with them too. Learning of the death of loved ones, both canine and human alike, are reasons to hold another person close for a brief moment, offer a hug and share their tears of sorrow. In some ways I have to agree with another friend who equates being at a dog show with being in Junior High. And I can also agree with others who say it is like being part of a big extended family. Well, I never did like Junior High and all the cliques but I have always loved my family!
It has been snowing heavily all day today. John was going to travel to Augusta for a public hearing regarding some legislation with potential to really limit hunting dogs owners and where they can hunt. We listened to it over the Internet, it's not good but I'll save that for the Maine Hunting and Sporting Dog Owners blog. Last week we took care of all our dog training, hunting, transport of birds, licenses and permits. As a side note, last year Maine law was passed requiring ANYONE in ANY PLACE in Maine training a hunting dog to buy a hunting license - regardless of whether or not they even hunt. We've not yet been successful with overturning that and it doesn't look like that will happen for another year. Even though John does the training - if I am with him I have to have the same training with birds permit and hunting license. (I would have one any way but maybe not everyone else would.)
Well, you do know I get excited about dog vomit for very particular reasons. But you also know if you've been following long enough I am also very hesitant and cautious about announcing certain and particular things regarding our breeding program. Let's connect the dots though, just for fun. You know we breed occassionally and typically plan well in advance for 2 litters of pups a year, sometimes 3. You also know we only like to breed when we have a full waiting list. So lets say there are people who are willing to wait well into the fall of 2012 for a puppy. From this blog you've learned Pippin was 'away' for a few weeks. John called me while I was in Fitchburg to happily announce Molly had been sick to her stomach. And that is all she wrote! Take care and God Bless You Always... John, Ann and a very snowy All things Brittany!
PS Oh! At the show there was a raffle gift offered featuring a special 2 volume hard cover edition of James Herriots wonderful series that include All Things Bright and Beautiful. As our 'logo' for All Things Brittany is based upon the hymn from which the Herriot books written about life as a country veterinarian were named after I decided to try my chance at winning the gift basket. Guess what? There now is a new book added to my library.
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