Today is the Specialty day up here at the after three straight days of all breed hows it’s nice to have a slower pace today. It was also nice to be reminded how great friends make life so much sweeter. First, Jane and Paul’s came down to Florida to spend some time at the show, showing support for myself and Alexis at the specialty. Of course they also took in the fun of the National Championships. Also, oh Wednesday, I happened to run into Jen, who came down from New York and she was able to save the day! When it comes to luck and junior dogs, Alexis has none! Yet again the dog she has entered to show in Juniors has come into season. Jen and John happened to bring Harry on their trip and since Alexis is still a registered owner, she gets to show him instead of Stella! Yahoo

Initially we were told that Alexis would be the only junior showing today. The other registered Junior had a ring conflict. She even pre-congratulated Alexis on winning Best Junior handler. A few moments before the rain time the Junior returned to say she was able to squeeze the entry in and did in fact show. She is a rather experienced and well known handler so for her to win instead of Alexis was rather predictable. I will say I was very proud of Alexis for handling the situation with such class and grace. This was her last official Specialty as a Junior. She was very proud to just be able to participate. Adding in all of the dog swapping and such, I would say she is the coolest chick I know!

 

The next cool thing that happened was Stella and her trip around the ring. Clearly all of my socialization prep work paid off because she was as comfortable as ever walking around that ring. Tail up, not an ounce of fear, and she stayed focused on me, and not what was going on around her. She did fabulous on the table, Even been in season, and let the judge go over her without issue. We do need to work on keeping her tail up when we are standing still. I had to keep her moving the entire time. Looking down and moving in circles got me a tad dizzy, But the results were well worth it.

Entered in the Open Bitch class, there were more than four entered and competing. To receive a fourth-place ribbon was beyond exciting! Seriously! Our former ball of nerves actually placed at our national club’s specialty! And I was not the only one that noticed her amazing improvements. Many friends and acquaintances approached to say how amazed they were that this was the same dog I showed in Ocala just one month ago. I am so unbelievably proud! 2017 is going to be an awesome year!

 

 

 

 

 

Final Day of Prepping
Another Fantastic Meet The Breed