BAD COMPUTERS !!!

HI ALL,
I am typing this at Darlene's request.  It was supposed to go up last week when her computers went to the Computer Doctor.  Yes, I said computerS!  Laptop went blue screen, New Laptop wouldn't connect to the internet, and Desktop would go to sleep and not wake up unless she unplugged it and plugged it back in.  NOT GOOD.  
She hoped to be able to get online at the hotel where Nationals was being held, but the price that they were charging for use of the computers and connection to the internet was outside of her budget. 
Anyway, for those of you who have emailed and received no response or checked the blog and wondered why there were no updates from Nationals, that is the reason. 
I will try to make additional posts with the information from the HCA Regional and HCA National.  
Darlene is heading over to the local library today to try to get online.  With the extreme heat and school being out, there was a 3 hour wait for a computer last week.  She is expecting the same today.  
Thanks for your patience. 
VB for Darlene

Sedalia Kennel Club, July 8

HAVANESE
SELENA - BEST OF BREED 
ZEUS - BEST OF OPPOSITE


THANK YOU JUDGE PAMELA BRUCE


BICHONS 
SPARKLE - WINNERS BITCH, BEST OF WINNERS 4 POINT MAJOR !!!


THANK YOU JUDGE THOMAS NESBITT

Jefferson City Kennel Club, July 8

SELENA - BEST OF BREED, made the cut in a tough group.


ZEUS - BEST OF OPPOSITE


THANK YOU BREED AND GROUP JUDGE JAMES FREDERIKSEN


It will be really nice if they get the air conditioning working in the show building for tomorrow.  104 degrees in the shade is a bit much for anyone to tolerate.  The only ones that didn't mind were the old lady ring stewards who go to the shows and sleep in their un-airconditioned vans with their dogs, year round.  The judges, the exhibitors, and most importantly THE DOGS, were not remotely comfortable.  I was just glad that we thought ahead to bring the cool pads and fan for our dogs. 

Jefferson City Kennel Club, July 7

SELENA - HER FIRST GROUP PLACEMENT !!!!
BEST OF BREED AND A GROUP 4
GCH THAT'S ADORABULL'S DREAMING OF YOU

ZEUS - BEST OF OPPOSITE
GCH MENDOTA'S ADORABULL GREEK LEGEND


THANK YOU BREED JUDGE MR. BILL CUNNINGHAM


THANK YOU GROUP JUDGE MRS. JEAN FOURNIER

Happy Birthday Rich Dolack!

Happy Birthday to a wonderful brother-in-law, Rich Dolack.
Remember teaching me to drive...or have you blocked that out?

Hope you had a wonderful 4th (Birthday Eve Celebration).
Big Hugs all around.  Hope to see you soon.
Love ya,
Darlene, Dave, & Tim

Photo removed at the request of my sister.  I guess it's OK to have crap all over facebook but one photo attached to a birthday wish is just too much for them. 

Happy Independence Day !!!

Remember:  


Those who go forth with a fifth on the 4th,
may not live to go forth on the 5th!


Have fun, Be Safe.

Oklahoma City Kennel Club, July 1

HAVANESE

Piper   - That's Her Serene Highness - DSL X Gracie

             - Winners Bitch & Best of Winners - MAJOR! 

Selena  - Best Of Opposite

Desi  - BEST OF BREED
Thank You Judge Catherine Bell

WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFONS

DJ        - Winners Dog
Thank You Judge Nikki Riggsbee 

Oklahoma City Kennel Club, June 30

HAVANESE

Piper   - That's Her Serene Highness - DSL X Gracie

             - Winners Bitch & Best of Winners - MAJOR! 

Selena  - Best Of Opposite

Zeus    - Select

Thank you Judge Nikki Riggsbee

WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFONS

DJ        - Winners Dog & Best of Winners & BEST OF BREED
Thank you Judge Donna Buxton 

Mid-Del Tinker Kennel Club, June 29

HAVANESE

Piper   - That's Her Serene Highness - DSL X Gracie

             - Winners Bitch & Best of Winners - MAJOR!  First time in the ring!!!
             - GROUP 1 - Bred By Exhibitor Group - Thank You Judge Donna Buxton

Selena  - Best of Opposite

Naughty - GCH That's So Adorabull - Just Spank Me - SELECT

Desi     - BEST OF BREED

Desi & Selena - BEST OF BREED BRACE
Thank You Judge Norm Kenney 

DESI & SELENA

BEST BRACE IN SHOW !!!

Thank You Group Judge Michele Billings

Thank You BIS Judge Robert Slay

WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFONS

DJ        - Winners Dog & Best of Winners
Thank You Judge Jose Luis Payro

Mid-Del Tinker Kennel Club, June 28

HAVANESE

Pure    - Winners Bitch & Best of Winners - MAJOR!

Selena - Best of Opposite

Roché - SELECT
Thank you Judge Mildred Bryant

WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFONS

DJ        - Winners Dog & Best of Winners
Thank you Judge Robert Slay 

VINCE VESELING IS 60

Happy 60th Birthday to my OLDER brother, Vince.
Perpetually young in all of our minds and hearts, Vince got old!
He doesn't look it or act it though.
Vince will always be that cool, older brother (sorry Bud & Darrell).
As always, wishing you the very best brother dear.
Big Hugs.
Hope to see you soon.
Love, 
Darlene

Vince and Betty Veseling

IABCA, June 24, 2012

Show 3:
GVGB - Dudley - 1st in Baby Puppy Class
Havanese - Desi - Best of Breed, Group 2, Best of Breed Veteran, Reserve BEST VETERAN IN SHOW !!!

Show 4:
Dudley - 1st in Baby Puppy Class
Desi - Best of Breed, Group 1, Best of Veteran

BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER PUPPIES

Our fabulous BRT, Rozie:  CH That's Rozalia Liliya Vita, gave birth to 2 beautiful baby boys.  
Momma and Babies are doing great!

Check back soon for more photos and updates. 

IABCA June 23, 2012

Show 1:
GVGB - Dudley - Best of Breed Puppy, Puppy Group 1
Havanese - Desi - Best of Breed, Group 2, Best of Breed Veteran, BEST VETERAN IN SHOW !!!

Show 2:
Dudley - Best of Breed Puppy - Puppy Group 1 - BEST PUPPY IN SHOW !!!
            (all dogs up to 18 months of age)
Desi - Best of Breed, Group 3, Best of Breed Veteran, Reserve BEST VETERAN IN SHOW !!!

HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY ED & BARB VESELING

Holy Crap!  They are old!
Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to my eldest brother Bub (Ed) and his lovely wife Barb.
It is wonderful to see such a great couple still together after all of these years.
They have raised a lovely family and have great kids and grandkids.
I am sorry that I could not make it to the celebration but hope to see them very soon.
Wishing you many, many, more!
Love,
Darlene

Ed and Barb Veseling - Happy 50th Anniversary !

My GBGV - Dudley

DUDLEY'S FIRST GROUP PLACEMENT !!!!!

A GROUP 2

WATCH ALL OF THE ACTION OF THE HOUND GROUP AT THE TEXARKANA FUN MATCH:

Texarkana Fun Match June 16, 2012 GBGV & Hound Group

Kennel Club of Texarkana, June 17, 2012

HAVANESE - JUDGE MURREL PURKHISER

Desi - Best of Breed

Selena - Best of Opposite

Roché - Select

Pure - Winners Bitch

WIRE HAIRED POINTING GRIFFONS

DJ - Winner's Dog

Kennel Club of Texarkana, AR June 16, 2012

HAVANESE - JUDGE STEVE KEATING

Selena - Best of Breed

Desi - Best of Opposite

Zeus - Select

Rembrandt - Winner Dog - New Champion

Pure - Reserve Winners Bitch

WIRE HAIRED POINTING GRIFFONS

DJ - Best of Breed from the classes over a Specials Dog!

GRAND BASSET GRIFFON VENDEÉN

Dudley - Best of Breed - Group 2

Metro Mile Hi Toy Specialty

Desi and his kids take Colorado by Storm

            (and a Roché kid too!)

     Thank You Judge Anne Katona

Back Row: Judge Anne Katona, Jim Midyett, Joyce Standish, Pat Foose, WB- "Pure", David Scheiris

Front Row: Desi-Select, Luke-RWD, Zeus-BOB, Selena-BOS, Rembrandt-WD & BOW

Owned and Loved by Dr Stephen & Mrs. Patricia Lucas:

Desi - BIS MBISS AM GCH CAN CH Gingerbred Yukon Jack Desiderio

Zeus - GCH Mendota's Adorabull Greek Legend

Selena - GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You

Pure - That's Mendota's Pure Unadulterated Evil

Owned and Loved by Jim and Kathy Midyett

Luke - That's Luke of Summerhawk

Owned and Loved by Dr. Judith Campbell:

Rembrandt - Angelheart's Return of the Prodigal Son

Contra Costa County Kennel Club June 10

Congratulations to Joe Chen and Champ 

on their win under Judge Fred Bassett

Champ - Es Ti El Ganador   Desi X Kaili 

Check out his Woofstock photo of Joe and Champ.  

I think when Joe had that headband on in the '60s there was some hair under it.  

Love you Joe!

More Havanese Puppies !!!

         Black and White Boy                                 

Chocolate and White Girl

Way cute.  Top winning parents.  Call if you want more info!!!

HAVANESE PUPPIES !!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO Ruth Floyd on her latest litter of beautiful Havanese puppies.
Born on the first weekend of May to Panda - CH That is Nirvana's Panda, sired by Matthew - CH That's White Hot in Atlanta.  3 boys, 3 girls.  All are doing great!
See their pedigree here:
http://www.havanesegallery.hu/pair_en.php?id1=20162&id2=31984&fav=1 

See Panda and Matthew's OFA's here:

Panda:  http://www.offa.org/display.html?appnum=1296762#animal

Matthew:  http://www.offa.org/display.html?appnum=1238574#animal

WATCH FOR MORE PHOTOS SOON!!!

Mason's First Group Placement!!!!

Congratulations to Connie Rousch and Mason 

CH That's The Notorious Defender 

on a great Best of Breed win and his first group placement...a GROUP 2!!!!

Thank you Breed and Group Judge Tammy K Jackson

Flatirons Kennel Club, June 3

HAVANESE

Zeus             - Select  

Selena     - Best of Opposite

Rembrandt        - 1st/W/BW MAJOR!!!

Luke                          - 2nd/R          

Pure                         - 1st  

Cera                         - 1st/R 
THANK YOU Breed and Group  JUDGE Melinda Lyon

BICHONS

Sparkle      -  1st  
THANK YOU Breedand Group   JUDGE Roy Prado

Flatirons Kennel Club, June 2

HAVANESE

Selena     - Best of Opposite

Desi      -  Select  

Luke      - 1st/R         

Cera         1st/W - MAJOR !!!
Congratulations to Owner/Handler Patricia Foose

Thank You Breed  JUDGE Helen Lee James

BICHONS

Sparkle      - That's Chilleykings Shining Star - 1st/W 2pts


THANK YOU Breed   JUDGE Michael Dougherty

Judge Changes

When a judge has to withdraw from an assignment, what do the clubs look at when hiring a replacement?
If it is a last minute thing (illness, family emergency, etc) then yes, they have to get whomever they can, and fast. But if it is a change made prior to the judging program being published, shouldn't they look at a few more factors?  One being "How many times has this judge judges this breed at our show over the past few years?"
Just a thought.  When a judge judges the same breed 3 out of 4 years, do I want to enter again next year under the published judges, only to find there has been a change to that judge again?  Even if it is a judge who one consistently wins under, then it gets to look suspicious anyway.  "We all KNOW who's going to win.  Right."  No fun for anyone after a while.  It doesn't bother some people, but unfortunately, I still have a conscience - most of the time.  Oh, I guess I could double and triple enter, just in case, like so many can afford to do, but I can't.  Yes we can get a refund on the entries for that day, but there are a lot of factors to consider.  Maybe the AKC should consider allowing the dogs that are affected by a judge change to enter a different show if it is less than one week prior to the show date?  Or maybe we should be able to withdraw all entries, regardless of breed, if they are entered with the same owner, or handler?  Wouldn't that throw everyone into a fit?
Have a fabulous day!

Metro Mile-Hi Kennel Club

Toy Specialty  -  IT WAS GOOD!  

HAVANESE

Zeus                         - GCH Mendota's Adorabull Greek Legend  BEST OF BREED
                                       Made the cut in Group

Selena     -            GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You - BEST OF OPPOSITE

Desi                 - MBISS BIS AM GCH CAN CH Gingerbred Yukon Jack Desiderio SELECT

Rembrandt        - Angelheart's Return of the Prodigal Son 1st/W/BW/ MAJOR
                                       1st in class in Sweepstakes

Luke                        - That's Luke of Summerhawk          1st/RWD

Pure                         - That's Mendota's Pure Unadulterated Evil 1st/WB/MAJOR

Cera                         - That's No Special Effects Required            1st/RWB

THANK YOU JUDGE ANNE KATONA

The Flying Chip 'n' Dale....

                                                 WHAT A GREAT TEAM !!!!

Congratulations Dale, Cheryl, & Chip

Congratulations to MBIS AM GCH CAN CH Craigdale Chip Off The Rock
and Breeder/Owner/Handler Dale Hunter and Owner Cheryl Blair
BEST STUD DOG at the Bichon Frise Club of America National Specialty 2012

Why Scott Sommer Makes the Big Bucks or...How to finish a big bitch

As observed earlier in the weekend:  two dogs on the table. 

The ensuing conversation:

Which one is the special?  I didn't think his specials dog was that big.

What?  That's a class bitch, not his special?  Holy Crap.  I think she went

winners bitch at nationals?  Really?  You're kidding me?  Nope, she did.

Who showed her?  Scott.  Oh.  Prior to that she had only 7 points under 5 judges.

(As noted on the AKC website points and awards through May 10)

So back to the recipe on how to finish this bitch that did not do better than Reserve the previous three days of the show:

1.         Enter bitch in Open Class

2.         Hire Scott Sommer to show her and make sure he stays on her.

3.         Finally...Winners Bitch, and her 2nd Major, for 15 points. 

            But are we sure she is finished?  Does she needs the breed to finish? 

            No use taking any chances...

4.         Have Scott pull his Specials, (formerly) Number 1 Dog, MBISS, MBIS, Winner of 2 National Specialties

5.         Scott shows her for Best of Breed...and SURPRISE....

            Best of Breed for a 5 point major and NEW CHAMPION

            because obviously, if he is showing the dog, it must be the best. 

Maybe she was.  

But should our bitches, of any breed, be that much bigger than our dogs? 

So that's how you do it folks.  Scott's contact information can be found on the AKC website.

Mid-Continent Kennel Club, May 28, 2012

HAVANESE  -           Judge Paula Hartinger

Pure     -        That's Mendota's Pure Unadulterated Evil            1st BBE Class/Reserve

Selena -        GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You      BEST OF OPPOSITE
Desi  -    BIS MBISS AM GCH CAN CH Gingerbred Yukon Jack Desiderio    SELECT

Mid-Continent Kennel Club of Tulsa - May 27, 2012

HAVANESE  -           Judge Roger Hartinger

Pure       -      That's Mendota's Pure Unadulterated Evil   
                        1st BBE Class/W/Best of Winners/MAJOR/Best Bred-By

Selena    -        GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You      BEST OF OPPOSITE

BICHONS      -           Judge Bill Lee

Betty               -           CH That's Chilleykings Girl Next Door         SELECT

Seminole Kennel Club, May 26, 2012

HAVANESE  -           Judge Wanda Spediacci

Pure              -          That's Mendota's Pure Unadulterated Evil  -    1st BBE Bitch Class/Winners

Selena             -           GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You      Best of Opposite

Zeus                -           GCH Mendota's Adorabull Greek Legend   SELECT

BICHONS      -           Judge Rosie Stienke

Betty               -           CH That's Chilleykings Girl Next Door         SELECT

Seminole Kennel Club of Tulsa, May 25, 2012

HAVANESE  -           Judge Robert Hutton

Pure             -       That's Mendota's Pure Unadulterated Evil - 
                                         1st BBE Bitch Class/W/Best of Winners/MAJOR

Selena             -           GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You      Best of Opposite

Zeus                -           GCH Mendota's Adorabull Greek Legend   BEST OF BREED

TOY GROUP    -           ZEUS    Made the Cut          Thank you Judge Wanda Spediacci

BICHONS      -           Judge Fredrick Stephens

Betty               -           CH That's Chilleykings Girl Next Door         SELECT

Illinois Valley Kennel Club of Peoria, May 25, 2012

HAVANESE     -           Judge Delores Burkholder

Serena             -           That's A Bewitched Cousin     1st/Reserve

Jefferson County Kennel Club, May 6, 2012

HAVANESE     -           Judge Elizabeth Muthard

Rembrandt     -           Angelheart's Return of the Prodigal Son    1st Open Class/ Winners/MAJOR

Ralph               -           That's When Stars Collide at Geminii             1st BBE Bitch Class

Selena             -           GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You      Select

Roché              -           GCH Adorabull That's Better Than Sex        BEST OF BREED

CH Spellbound's Wild About Harry CD RA

Bichon in Flight!
Harry and Barbara...What a Team!!!

Spirit of The Heartland Kennel Club, May 5, 2012

HAVANESE     -           Judge Elizabeth Muthard

Rembrandt     -           Angelheart's Return of the Prodigal Son    1st Open Class/ Winners/MAJOR

Ralph               -           That's When Stars Collide at Geminii             2nd BBE Bitch Class

Selena             -           GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You      Best of Opposite

St. Louis Dog Breeders Association, May 4, 2012

HAVANESE     -    Judge Janet Allen

Rembrandt     -           Angelheart's Return of the Prodigal Son    1st Open Class/ Winners/MAJOR

Ralph               -           That's When Stars Collide at Geminii               2nd BBE Bitch Class

Selena             -           GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You        Select Bitch

Roché              -          GCH Adorabull That's Better Than Sex        BEST OF BREED

Gateway Toy Dog Fanciers May 3, 2012

HAVANESE     - Judge Michele Billings

Rembrandt      -           Angelheart's Return of the Prodigal Son        1st Open Class/ Reserve

Ralph               -           That's When Stars Collide at Geminii             1st BBE Bitch Class/Reserve

Selena             -           GCH That's Adorabull's Dreaming of You      Select Bitch

Northeast Oklahoma Kennel Club, April 15, 2012

HAVANESE:

Beethoven -   Winners Dog, Best of Winners, Major, NEW CHAMPION

                        CH That's Mendota's Play It Again ( Desi X Panda)

Ralph -            That's When Stars Collide at Geminii  (Chunk X Gracie) AFR

Zeus -              CH That's Mendota's Adorabull Greek Legend (Desi X Boo)

                        Select

Roché -           MBIS AM GCH CAN CH Adorabull That's Better Than Sex (Rio X Boo)

                        Best of Breed

Thank You Breed Judge Carolyn Taylor.

BICHON FRISE:

Betty -             CH That's Chilleykings Girl Next Door  (Foxworthy - Sparkle)

                        Best of Breed

Brandy -         GCH Creme's Brandy Alexandria -

                        Select

Thank You Judge Elizabeth Muthard.

Northeast Oklahoma Kennel Club, April 14, 2012

HAVANESE:

Beethoven -   That's Mendota's Play It Again ( Desi X Panda) RWD

Ralph -            That's When Stars Collide at Geminii  (Chunk X Gracie) 2nd

Zeus -             CH That's Mendota's Adorabull Greek Legend (Desi X Boo)

                        Select

Roché -           MBIS AM GCH CAN CH Adorabull That's Better Than Sex (Rio X Boo)

                        Best Of Breed and Group 4

Thank You Breed Judge Charles Olvis

Thank You Group Judge Carolyn Taylor

BICHON FRISE:

Betty -            CH That's Chilleykings Girl Next Door  (Foxworthy - Sparkle)

                        Best Of Breed

Brandy -          GCH Creme's Brandy Alexandria

                        Select

Thank You Judge Charles Olvis

Bartlesville Kennel Club, April 13, 2012

HAVANESE:

Ralph -            That's When Stars Collide at Geminii  (Chunk X Gracie)

                        1st in her class/Reserve Winners Bitch

Roché -           MBIS AM GCH CAN CH Adorabull That's Better Than Sex (Rio X Boo)

                        BEST OF BREED

Thank You Judge Denny Mounce

Bartlesville Kennel Club, April 12, 2012

HAVANESE:

Zeus -  CH Mendota's Adorabull Greek Legend -  Best Of Breed

            Zeus' 1st Breed Win as a Special, and 2nd Major towards his GCH

Roche - MBIS AM GCH CAN CH Adorabull That's Better Than Sex - Select

            (No Excuses - but he does love the ladies)

Bongo - 1st in BBE Dog Class - Winners Dog - NEW CHAMPION

            CH That's The Heart of the Cuban Beat

Ralph - 1st in BBE Bitch Class

Thank you Judge Jon Cole

BICHON FRISE:

Betty - That's Chilleykings Girl Next Door -  Major - Best Of Breed

Brandy - GCH Creme's Brandy Alexandria - Select

Wichita Kennel Club, April 9, 2012

Havanese:

Jack - Best of Winners

Ralph - Winners Bitch

Roché - Select :(

Congratulations to BreAnna and Dee on EdDee's Breed win.

Judge Bonnie Linnell Clark

Hutchinson Kennel Club, April 8, 2012

Havanese:

Jack  -  Winners Dog, Best of Winners, 2 points, NEW CHAMPION

Ralph  - 1st in the BBE Bitch Class

Roché  - Best of Breed

Thank You Judge Fred Bassett

Congratulations to Boo and DSL, parents of another ALL CHAMPION Havanese Litter for

Breeders of Merit:   Jane Chavez and Dave & Darlene Scheiris 

CH That's My Adorabull Renesme               Renesme    

CH That's My Sweet River City Blues         Quincy       

CH That's Cuz Ya Gotta Know Jack            Jack 

Border Terriers:

Dave has fallen in Love...with a Red Solo Cup.

Joyce Standish has another gorgeous puppy and Dave has had the pleasure of showing him this weekend...and winning!

Wichita Kennel Club, April 7, 2012

Havanese
Jack - Winners Dog
Ralph - 1st Place BBE Bitches
Roche - Best of Breed and a Group 3
Thank you Breed and Group Judge Dr. Terill Udenberg

Birmingham Kennel Club, April 6, 2012

CONGRATULATIONS TO BLACK RUSSIAN TERRIER - GCH VALKYRIE'S FUNNY GIRL
ZOE got her first Group Placement today with a Group 2.
Thank you Judge Charles Trotter for the Best of Breed win.
Thank you Judge Paula Hartinger for the Group Placement.

Zoe was Best of Opposite at the 2011 BRTCA National Specialty and the 2011 AKC/Eukanuba Classic.
Congratulations to owners Victoria Vest and Bev Sothcott

Salina Kennel Club, April 6, 2012

Not a bad day:
Havanese:
Jack - Winners Dog, Best of Winners, 3 point Major
Ralph - 2nd in BBE Bitch class :(
Roche - Best Of Breed
Thank You Judge Madeline Patterson
Bichons Frises:
Betty - Reserve Winners Bitch
Brandy - Best of Breed - New Grand Champion
Thank You Judge Terill Udenberg

Kansas Toy Dog Club - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Best of Breed for Roche under Judge Sally Vilas.

AKC Judge Judith 'Judy' Goodin

It is with much sadness that I post this news.  Judge Judith Goodin past away yesterday, reportedly from a heart attack.  She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and exhibited to her.  We all looked forward to seeing her at the Kansas City Shows, that start tomorrow.  There will definitely be a sadness at the shows this weekend that will be felt nationwide.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Robert 'Bob' Goodin, and all of their family. 

OK, OK, OK, Alright Already, Geez....

Happy New Year.

Yes, we are still alive, barely.
No, I have not quit the blog.
Yes, I will be updating it.
No, not right now.
Yes, within the next week. sometime!

Hugs all around!

Merry Christmas

Hello all. 
We finally made it home from Orlando.  I will post something soon about our adventures there.  For now, let us celebrate this wonderful occasion and give thanks for our family and friends. 
Dave and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, New Year!!!!

Eukanuba Classic - A Real Pain

The closer it gets to the AKC Eukanuba Classic, the scarier things are getting.  In previous years, if you entered, you got a ticket to get in to both the day time breed and obedience competition, as well as to get into the Group Competition in the evening.  In Long Beach they even moved the Group Competition from another venue to the smaller more intimate setting of the arena adjoining the daytime show grounds.  Even for Best In Show this was never completely full.  THIS YEAR THOUGH>>>we get one ticket per entry for the day time, but if you want to go to group that will cost you an extra $20 per day, and they have been sold out for a while now.  I hate to even imagine how small this arena is.  How many thousands of dollars have we all spent showing our dogs?  How much time and money is it going to cost us to get to Orlando and show our dogs for this show?

A large portion of us drive to the show.  Yes, our dogs are clean when we leave the house, but we need to groom when we get there.  With 3 days of all breed shows, followed by the BIG SHOW, I would imagine that over 90% of the dogs will need a bath before the weekend.  They don't want us bathing or grooming in the hotel rooms but what do they provide for us?  Daytime bathing only!  This is causing flashbacks to Philadelphia, where for a winter 4-day show, which we drove 1,900 miles to get to, no bathing facilities were provided, we were told that they should have been clean when we left the house!

Electric costs us $120 but we have never received a confirmation that we have a reservation for it.  If we had booked it later the cost would have been $263!!!  They will reset the electric ONCE!  Last year the only thing we had plugged in to one outlet was a handheld dryer and a fan.  Neither were turned on yet flames started shooting out of our power strip.  By the time AKC and the building people got there nothing had caught fire but it could have been a total disaster.

One more thing...Not all of us are fortunate enough to be able to travel with a partner, friend, or assistant.  Some of us travel alone.  In big bold letters, we have been reminded that someone MUST remain with the vehicle during unloading and loading.  Do we need to rent one of those blow-up dolls like they use in the HOV lanes?

With the thousands of dollars that this show is costing exhibitors, I would think a little more consideration is warranted, after all we are paying for the 'privilege' of helping the AKC promote themselves.  I think that too many of those in charge have forgotten what it is like to be one of the 'little people.'  Without us, you wouldn't have a job!

Provisional Judge Melinda Lyon

Today in Montgomery, Judge Melinda Lyon was judging some terriers, toys, and juniors.  She is still provisional for many breeds.  Good or Bad her choices were her own, and we won't be entering under her again.  There were several other much more worthy dogs in the ring today than what she put up, but that is my (and several others) opinion and she pointed to hers.  That's why we enter, like it or not, we pay for their opinion of our dogs on that day.  Our voices are only heard on this matter in future entries, or lack thereof.  Ms. Lyon's placements today are not the point of this note.  My point is her lack of concern for dogs in the ring.  Many dogs will 'reverse sneeze' in the ring.  We have all seen a dog do it.  Years ago, as an embarrassed beginner, I tried to continue around the ring with my dog doing that and was instructed by a judge to stop, let the dog compose itself, then continue.  That kind judge showed me how to make this happen very quickly.  As I became more aware, I realized that many dogs do this, especially in dusty rings.  From then on, whenever that happened, I would stop, compose the dog, and continue.  On average, this takes less than 30 seconds.  So far today, I have received 3 phone calls complaining about Judge Lyon NOT allowing a handler to stop and get the dog's breathing under control before proceeding.  This handler happened to be showing a dog of our breeding, hence the reason for the calls to us.  That handler is fabulous and is not the type to complain, and it was from others that I heard this story.  You know that a judge's actions have made an impact when a someone sees the occurrence, and makes a point of looking up the dog, it's owners and breeders, and feel the need to immediately inform them of what has happened at the show.  Ms. Lyon moved this team to the front of the line-up then on that final go-round the dog started to 'reverse-sneeze.'  When the handler made an attempt to stop and help the dog, he was instructed to continue.  Well, we all know that it is hard enough for us to walk a straight line when we are sneezing, but our poor dogs, being forced to move and while having difficulty breathing, was just plain wrong.  As a handler we are trained to 'obey' the judge, and sometimes it's just not a great idea.  Occasionally, we are torn between doing what we know is right and what this judge (who we don't want to offend) wants us to do.  This dog was still in the ribbons, but that wasn't the point.  Had it been any dog, of any breed, that people contacted me about, this post would be the same.  What would that 30 seconds delay have meant?  Win or lose, it would have leveled the playing field, and most importantly the dog will not have that memory of what happened in the ring.  Forcing the dog around the ring rather than giving the handler a minute, probably didn't gain you more than a few seconds in the grand scheme of things.  Ms. Melinda Lyon, think about this the next time you judge any breed, and a dog has any sort of issue that might take a minute to get under control.  It is about fairly judging the dogs, not about how quickly you can get them out of your ring.