ATB: Best of Breed, Best Opposite Sex

WOW! Woot Woot! BRAGGING RIGHTS!!! 

CH J&A's Sisters of the Heart JH "THISTLE" (above and below, left with Julie)

J&A's Magnificent Obsession of Acton JH "HEMI" (below, right with Ann)

Sire: GCH CH Tonan-Hopes RU Kidin' Me "CHEVY"

Dam: CH J&A's Heartfelt Legend of Acton "PIPPIN"

Breeders: John & Ann Short

Owners of Thistle: Julie Harris & Ann Short

Owners of Hemi: John & Ann Short



Littermates DOB: May 10, 2011

 The judge was not aware that the two Brittanys she selected to be her top winners of the day were brother and sister, full littermates. I showed Hemi in Bred By Exhibitor, winning his class. The next class for him to compete in was where all the other winning dogs from their respective classes  were shown in hopes of being selected as the Winners Dog, the dog who gets the points.  As Hemi and I moved together in the ring with the other class winners I worried (as I always do) that my handling may hold him back.  That judge knew exactly what she was looking for and I felt certain in my heart that Hemi was the dog that had it. "Ma'm, move to the front of the line and take them around one more time."  I turned to the handler behind me and asked "are you ready?" She said she was and off we went. Hemi held his head high and proud as he led the dogs in competition around the ring. As we finished our go around, the judge stepped forward, pointed to us, and said "WINNERS DOG!"  Woo hoo hoo!! I reached down and scratched Hemikins neck and told him what a good boy he was knowing this win brings him to the threshold, leaving us knocking on the door of his AKC Championship title. Yet more was to come this day.

 

We watched ringside as the competition for 'Winners Bitch' entered the ring. The judge made her selection and then it was time for the next level of competition. Working through the 'classes' the animals competing in the 'breed ring' are the winners dog and bitch  ('class dogs') and those who are already finished as champions ('specials').  From the 'breed ring' the judge determines her Best of Breed, Best Opposite Sex to Best of Breed, and Best of Winners.  It is here that she will also choose her 'Select Dog/Select Bitch", these are champions who earn points towards their Grand Champion title, points that every champion in the ring has a chance to earn. 

 

The awesome part of this all is that this meant Hemi and Thistle would be in the breed ring together at the same time. It's a proud moment for this bird dog breeder to compete at this level in the show ring that is for sure! It was a ring with beautiful dogs all deserving of the win. As we went around together I was determined to keep my focus on Hemi, to maintain my 'game face' to the end despite what I believe in my heart was about to happen. That's the thing about showing. You have to go in BELIEVING you will win. You can't look at the competition and shrug, giving up. Anything can happen. Showing is not always a pleasant experience for many reasons which don't need to mentioned here. Surely you lose more than you win. What is going on in your head communicates down through the lead to your dog. I always like to have a mint in my mouth to conceal the pheromone that stress, intimidation, and nervousness can give off!

The group went around the ring with precision. As a breeder, it was quite a moment in time. As owner and breeder of the mother of the two dogs it was even more special to me. Handling Hemi to the best of my ability I was aware that our judge quickly, intently, and without hesitation pointed to Julie and Thistle. Her instructions were clear  to move to the the front of the line.  Then, with equal deliberation she  pointed to Hemi and me, instructing us to move right up behind them.  Deep within me I could feel a burst of extreme happiness, joy, and pride rising up to take my game face over with a great big huge GRIN!!! You never really can be certain of what a judge is going to do so you work your dog right through to the end, regardless of the direction you feel it's going. Anything can happen in those final seconds before final judgement is made.

 

Our judge scooted down low and bent over to closely observe the movement of Thistle and Hemi together as we moved around the ring together. What is also amazing to me is that she had no way of knowing she was judging sister and brother, full littermates.  Clearly, both Thistle and Hemi showed our judge what she wanted to see that day because Miss Thistle won Best of Breed and Hemi? He not only won Best of Winners, but also Best Opposite Sex! This brother and sister team were just impressive.  Julie and I took one look at each other and both of our eyes were misting with tears. Sisters of the Heart indeed... that's not just Thistle's name, it's our friendship through the years.

 

After the judging and pictures taken the judge learned that her two winners were brother and sister. I can only imagine what kind of affirmation that is for any judge when that happens as to the consistency in selection. We're not out there showing every weekend, our dogs are not show dogs. Truly Thistle is ever unpredictable in the ring and lives up to her nickname of Thistle the Pistol. She is a delight and John and I enjoy sharing this special girl with Julie who has done so well by her.  And Hemi. His personality is a complete contrast to his sister. I liken him to little Lord Fauntleroy, he is very mellow and laid back, just happy go lucky. He is such a 'boy.'  He too knows he is not a show dog but what is amazing about him in the ring is he will actually adjust his movement and speed to accommodate me. I worry I will mess him up due to unstable gait. Piece of cake to Hemi. I love both of these dogs. And am so very very proud.

 

Julie and I really had a blast that day with the pups. It was fun to call John from the show and say 'guess what honey?'  We don't show a lot. But we always have fun when we do. Thank you to our judge, Ms. Debra Davis and to the Southern Maine Coastal Classic cluster committee. This breeder is still walking on Cloud 9, to God be the glory.  Take care and God bless, John, Ann and All Things Brittany