We've had a great month of September. The Frenchie has been doing well and only needs 4 points to finish not bad for one month. The lab now needs 1 point to finish (I always dread that one point)my am. staff is ranked and doing well for a young dog. I've picked up a new (old) Dane client and now am also showing a ranked male special. I've shown Judy's danes off and on since 1991, it's great to get back to old AKC clients that realize how the show's work and work hard and to do what it takes to make their dogs the best.
I stayed here in Grand Junction for the shows this past weekend for some clients that needed singles, I hadn't entered anything since I didn't think I would be here. It was great to not have to worry about getting dogs ready and to get them to and from the show and to be able to go home to my own bed every night. The show was really small this year for the club I hope they can continue having it.
My new Frenchie male is now 6 weeks old so he will be coming home in a few weeks to start his show career. Norman (his father) died while we were in WA. He was my first Frenchie special 10 years ago, he lived with us for 4 years during his show career so it was like loosing one of my own, his owners were devastated when they called me. Norman was 11 1/2 years old, not bad for a frenchie.
Everybody always tells me I shouldn't get so attached to my specials but when they live in your home like one of your own for years I don't know how you can keep from it. I can't anyway.
Mom went with me to the Shelton Washington shows and we had a great time. We took an extra day so we could whale watch and it was worth it. The whales were amazing to see come into the cove and eat and play. I got some great pictures.
Mom got to visit her best friend from high school while I was at the shows, it was great to see them laugh and act like teenagers.
Anita, as always your evaluation of breeders and their dogs is right on. Thanks for the evaluations this weekend. It's always good to hear an opinion from someone with the knowledge, training, expertise and working background like you have. I'm glad to hear my judgment was right. Yes, there are a lot of crazies in this world that shouldn't own a dog let alone be breeding. I look forward to seeing you and finishing our conversation tonight or tomorrow when you get into town for your conferences.
Well I'm off to the Am Staff Natls. tomorrow for 5 days of shows in PA. I'm doing a big working seminar here at the house with a bunch of old clients the following weekend. I love it when we can all get together and work dogs.
I have 3 new client dogs flying in next week to get ready for shows, so I have my work cut out for me.
The puppies are 12 weeks old and I'm very pleased with how they are turning out. They are hell on wheels.