Love that fact that I get too see my out of town peeps up here though. Big time bonus to these shows. Of course, even better when you get to doit with our hometown friends too! And getting to spend more time with Grizzly – Every second is a true gift!

Tipsy earning her very first point!!!!! SOOOOO EXCITED!!!! I can go home now 😉

Ok just kidding – can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Duper is still rocking’ the ring and took WD and BOW for another point – YAHOO!!! Tipsy got first and no love beyond but it’s ok – she’s sill a baby! We got a long way to got with her 🙂

I got to handle so may fun dogs today!! A beagle, ridgeback and a Pomeranian. But what made today extra special? Getting to watch a dear friend get a Group 1 in owner-handled and then cheer her on in Best in Show! Congrats Stephanie!!!!!!

Today’s “other breed” was Pomeranian! Love me some Poms for sure. That and when the Java truck is at the show because that’s when I can actually stick to my diet, eat protein shakes yummy tuna salad. It inspired me to find the Ocala Planet Fitness! Not as far away as the Brooksville one – Thank GOODNESS!!!

That and Tipsy got first and Reserve! Great day at the dog show. Plus I got to handle some other fun breeds. A Pug, and an Italian Greyhound! Add the fact that I got to hang with some of my bestest friends out there? WINNING!!!!

The temperatures dropped further and further today – so much so that I was bundled the majority of the day and stayed as close to the portable heaters as possible!

While Tipsy went Reserve (so proud) Stella got Winner Bitch for the points!!! Go Stella! So unbelievably proud of her. She has comes such a long way!

We had another day of successful walking around the ring with no competition but today the temperatures started to drop and there was a definite nip in the air. I didn’t stay cold for too long though. Parker wanted to hang with Auntie James (that’s what she calls me) and I can tell you that she keeps me young for sure!

I was running and running and RUNNING and then I ran some more when I finally found the closest Planet Fitness. Unfortunately it happens to be over 30 minutes away! Well worth the drive though – I got in a double workout!

Georgie and Duper came along for socialization and support! I thought life on the road would a bit easier to handle with his new bestest buddy Georgie. Duper took to it almost instantly – I don’t think we are going to have a problem there at all.

And with all of the show accomplishment excitement aside, we also had the local news doing interviews in the grooming area where Darius and Dolly were able to make cameos in the segment. Gonna have to keep an eye out for it on News 13!

It started with the fact that today is the CCA Regional Specialty as well as the AKC National Owner-Handler Series Finals. I got to wear my orange Saint John Knit suit that I felt empowered in! Of course the timing of the two events clashed and I had to leave during the smooth coat competition to participate in the finals so over to the main rings several of us ran to compete. Tino was ranked number 7 owner-handled in the country. Michelle and Hotrod – ranked number 1 not only in breed but in owner handler, were there to participate as well. Again, I was just so honored to be invited and that is exactly how I walked into the rain. Rooting for Michelle and Hotrod was always my intent and that is exactly what I did! They are amazing to watch together!

When the AKC television crew asked to record Hotrrod while he was in the ring, I could not help but laugh. There’s nothing like putting a big flag on the dog that is supposed to win. Others were upset, even Michelle kind of shrugged with an apologetic look. But it is what it is. He’s an amazing dog and deserves the spotlight – and the win! What was amazing to me was that the judge made it very clear that she liked Tino. Very clear! It was hands down my proudest moment! In the big ring… The ring I worked so hard to get into this year… and the judge definitely loved my dog! We’re totally in for trying again for next year for sure!

We ran back to specialty ring, just in time to make it to watch Darius in with Stella and then for us to go in for breed. Again never really thought I had a shot so I walked in just wanting to have fun with him. I was still on cloud nine from the finals! Tino actually showed spectacular! The more I don’t think about it the better he does when I’m on the lead! I need to STOP THINKING!!!

We didn’t place but the judge spent a lot of time looking at him. It was when I came out of the rain when Myrle, one of the most respected breeders in Chihuahua’s sought me out to ask me about Tino and tell me that she really loved him! That he is an amazing Special that I need to take out more. I was floored! And beyond honored. You can guarantee that we will be out in 2018!

The amazing experiences of the day did not end there! We needed to have a Ring Stewart for Specialty and Sandy agreed to step in. When the Stewart they had for their specialty canceled they asked if I would step in. I’ve never stewarded at show in my life! Let alone a National Club Specialty. I said I would do it as long as I receive some help and guidance. I’m so glad that I agreed to do it because oh my word was it a lot of fun. If I ever wish to be a judge – LOL – I just met one of the requirements. Plus I got to witness the best part of the day! Duncan and Darius took Best-of-Breed at the Specialty! I was so happy for everybody! I love that dog so much and to watch Darius and Sandy was a true gift! What a perfect way to end the week! Now I can’t wait for the weekend at the Meet the Breed booth!