It's Done!

WOW! This week has flown by but now the 2009 National Specialty is officially over. What a whirlwind week we have had!! Last night was the Awards Banquet where Cadi got her award for being a Versatility Dog, and the cute twins each got two awards. Molly was tied for the #1 Junior Handler and Megan was fourth, and Megan was #1 for juniors in working events; Molly was #2. Here are the girls picking up their loot...



Our own Terri Z., Zed's mom, was one of the Show Chairs and so she got a lovely thank you gift...


This morning started bright and early. While Kim sang the national anthem again, I was busy giving Asia a bath in preparation for her debut in the Best of Breed ring. What a lovely group of dogs!! Asia made a cut, which means she was pulled out to stay in the ring after the judge went over the large group of girls. This is such a big deal that they hand out special, "I made the cut" pins! I thought Asia did a wonderful job and I was proud to be showing her...




So although it was not the Specialty I planned, it was the Specialty that it was -- and it was a good one in a different way than what I had envisioned. Zoey's success this week is really pretty astounding, and to have Asia make the cut is also wonderful. Cadi is completely back to Cadi-ness, and Maize has had a good week also.

The Kaibab dogs have done well -- I forgot to mention Maddie's (F Litter) Rally Novice leg and also that she earned her HCT-s, which involves herding sheep. Marti and Maverick's first qualifying score in obedience was especially gratifying to see, and how fun that we were able to see Glitterati puppies as well as older Kaibab dogs like Elliott, Moon, and Dillon. Fiona (D Litter) and Molly (age 13) not only placed in their conformation class, but won a high scoring agility award as well! It has been a very good week :)

There is sadness at endings -- I look forward to the Specialty for a year and so to have it over means saying farewell to hopes and dreams, as well as friends that we only see once each year at this show. On the other hand, good-byes bring the opportunity for new beginnings and new dreams -- the next Specialty will be May 10 - 15 in Wisconsin and there is no time like the present to start planning and training :)

Tomorrow morning we will load up the van and head back to Montana -- and real life. I hope your real life is going well!