It is such an honor to be able to share the Chihuahua breed with so many people! From the small children that are afraid of our tiny little “ankle biter’s” to the adults that feel the same way. Giving them a positive experience, with friendly Chihuahua’s is such an amazing gift! Tino and Tipsy were perfect examples of our amazing breed, making their way into many Photo Booth Photos! With so many friends from years past stopping by as well as guests and families that come each year to see our dogs. What an honor! Honestly this is my most favorite event of the year and I’m so proud of being able to be a part of it!

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!

We had the rest of the afternoon to unwind and and take in the sights! Heading to Sugarfire Smoke House – another St. Louis MUST was the perfect way to fill bellies with food for a travel day and laugher with friends. With most people heading home today, there were a lot of good-byes and farewells. Suzanne headed out before Dolly and I so I hung out with Dolly and Han until we headed out to the airport. OMG Han is a riot! I taught him all about Snapchat! WATCH OUT WORLD!!!!!!!

Our flight home was easy-breezy. A stop at the Chili’s in the airport for a snack and a cocktail (or two) was what the Doctor ordered and for the flight itself, Issue and Tino were perfect angels. I can tell you Tino was about done when we landed in Orlando tough. I think we are all ready to be home and get some rest from an exciting weekend of fun and memories!

Since we wrapped up fairly early today (no sweepstakes and less of the variety generally entered)  we decided to be tourists and leave campus! Suzanne and I gathered a crew of fellow wanna-be tourists and off to the St. Louis Arch we went! It was a fabulous afternoon of laughs, adventure and of more laughs. A great time had by all with company like no other. Kathy and her sister had me in stitches the entire time and Bev is just the kindest person ever. So thoughtful. I enjoy ANY time shared with Suzanne! Another sister from another mister.

Seeing the arch is a bucket list item for sure but to any future arch adventurers I suggest you prepare for the close quarters on the ride up and down – it’s a short trip but still, make sure you showered and smell nice first!!! At a minimum, be sure to LIKE who you are traveling with!!

We got back to the hotel just in time to primp and pretty up for the CCA Top 20 event this evening. I ave to say that this years committee did a fabulous job putting the event together! The ambiance was perfect and the room looked beautiful! The centerpieces were to-die-for and were auctioned off to some very lucky people at the end of the evening. Of course, the dogs were stellar! I loved the fact that they brought back past Top 20 Winners, including the club’s first ever winner, Rocco!

Getting to hang with friends – old and new – made the evening a Top 20 for the memory books as well. It really was a fabulous night and so glad I got to be Suzanne’s date! LOL!! There’s no-one else I would have wanted to tackle tonight with – Besides, the cocktails were on the weak side 😉

The dog show world has been rocked by this canine flu the numbers have been drastically low. Absent and canceled entries are leaving shows at one-third the normal  headcount. I worry about the clubs being able to financially rebound for these hits! Look at the photos my husband took of the show sight! It’s virtually empty!

The entires were at a record low for our club but that didn’t stop the excitement! For the first time we had an International entry (From Greece!) and he happened to win both varieties AND of course, breed! Very exciting to watch- both were very nice dogs! Major congrats to Apostolos & Georgios!

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!

First, Alexis and the other Juniors kick off the day with an 8am ring time. Mikki and Alexis did AWESOME! For only their second time on the ring together, he wasn’t as attentive to her baiting but Alexis remained calm and cool, and Mikki looked fabulous when moving with her. Not exactly sure what the judge saw – or didn’t see – But we were all very proud of Alexis and how she handled Mikki!

The rest of the afternoon was a whirlwind of excitement. First, after lunch, Alexis was asked to handle a long coat for the best of variety completion. I have been saying there is an insane number of entries here so here is some proof. Look at the photo of today’s Specials below… It’s like a “Where’s Waldo” picture. Can you find Alexis?

While the show ring kept the majority of my attention I shared it with the Photo Booth, which got a LOT of activity. Once everyone figured out how to work it during the Regional, people were able to manage it on their own and the proof of the fun had was left in the iPad Photos gallery!

After the show was over, we finished up with the 50/50 raffle and all of the auction items. The truth be told, on Thursday morning, I purchased a grand total of $30.00 worth of tickets – $10.00 (3 tickets) for the largest items and then 20 of the tickets for the tables of smaller items.  I NEVER win anything – so in my mind it was a donation to the club and with no intention of actually winning my wishful-thinking ticket selections were as follows….

Of the bigger items, I really wanted the stack of CCA handbooks – that got two of my special tickets. I was totally taken by the Double Decker Mini Best in Show Trolley because Alexis could use our current one and the Mini Double Decker could be mine for the Chihuahuas. The odds of me winning with one single ticket was slim to none but I tried!

Of the smaller items my favorite was the Blingy Chihuahua bank and the Chris Christensen Ring Side Tote. We won the purple version at the TBCC Specialty with Georgie’s win, but this one was yellow and Alexis would love it. This two items got the majority of my tickets while I also tossed a few in for some gift baskets and statues. I totally forgot about the auction and was out  running the photos boot when a friend came running out to me to let me know I won not only the ring side tote but also the Best In Show Trolley!!! Kim with Dogs Day Out was so fabulous! I am almost 1000 miles away from home and getting the trolly home on the flight tomorrow would be difficult. Kim offered me a chance to pick the color I want and have it shipped directly to my house! SO WORTH IT!! A teal sparkle Double Decker Mini Best in Show Trolley with the matching skirt should be at my front door just in time for the Ocala shows. BEYOND PUMPED!!! Thank you so much Kim – You’re the best!

I am sad that we only have one more day of the show  so we are soaking up as much time with the dogs and awesome friends as possible. We stayed close to the Holiday Inn all day, enjoying lunch at the Steak and Shake across the parking lot, allowing us to run back over to watch the rest of the Speciality. We also had club business to attend to this evening, bringing the evening to a close at the hotel restaurant  –  Oh yeah! Another steak dinner!  – The Twisted Tree Steakhouse had the best steak of the trip, hands down. Also the most expensive. YIKERS! Looks like Mikki will be getting so top of the line steak as bait!

Following our club’s general membership meeting we got to go an pick up Stella for her first night with us.  She’s a tad apprehensive but I see her bonding pretty quickly 🙂

Today ends the Regional Specialty – With the Sweepstakes and Long Coats exhibiting yesterday and today the Smooth Coats. This morning bright and early, the Juniors kicked off day two of the Specialty. Alexis showed Mikki for the first time and for being their debut they did AWESOME! Some world renowned completion was there!! Very proud to share that they earned a 2nd! They worked for it!

We ended the great day with a fantasy dinner with some fantastic friends! A delicious dinner at Texas Roadhouse was the perfect way to celebrate the year’s accomplishments. Lots of fun and laughter shared with some of the most amazing people ever!