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!

This all after a very rather lengthy drive up to Georgia with Darius last night! As with all my trips with my partner in crime, we didn’t start until almost 10 PM but packed up to the roof with gear and dogs, up I-75 we drove. This trip was our first with the tailgate storage pice. It worked wonderfully actually. It allowed out us for more room for dogs in the rear end of the car! Grizzly got a lot more room. But of course Duncan got the best seat in the house – as always!

The trip itself was eventless and the few hours of sleep we were able to get were cherished! A mad dash to bathe Havanese and then back to the hotel to try to catch up on all that lost sleep. Another day to show tomorrow!

The smoke detector i our room needs a new battery and while Darius seems to have no problem sleeping through the noise I am not having as good of a time. Apparently they don’t have new batteries at the front desk so… I can tell you I’ll be picking one up tomorrow, that is for sure. Too tired to worry about it now!

I ran over to the Breed ring with Tino and with him going against issue again, there was no way for breed! We took Owner-Handler as well as Best Opposite Sex! After that win I ran over to the puppy rings to watch the dynamic-duo! OMG Tipsy looked adorable! It was so darn cold this morning so I cannot imagine how it felt to have her little tiny feet on the Frost covered grass. She hopped her way around the ring, cute as ever! When they went in for groups it was later in the morning so perhaps the ground had thawed a bit. A lot less hopping, Tipsy proudly made her way around the ring, showing her little butt off. So much so that she got herself a Group Three! What more could we ask for her debut in the shower ring? Plus Anna I getting to show her? I’m so proud of both the girls! What a great way to start the Tipsy’s show career!

Oh and by the way – I got to watch and cheer on Darius and Duncan get a Group 2! Oh yeah! You know that was way too cool!

While I managed the infamous Team Valor spot at the show site, a ring conflict prevented me from having to help show Havanese but also mad eye have to show Lakeland Terriers which turned out to be beyond entertaining! Curtis and Roadster are staying with me in my room this weekend and we have had troubles getting “# 2’s” so the fact that we didn’t have THAT happen in the ring was a miracle but everything else that DID happen will require a separate post!

In the Figgy world, the news is great! First, Tipsy actually walked a bit in the grass today. That’s a huge accomplishment because the temps are less than warm in the mornings up here (she shows next weekend at 8 am!!!) Both pups did great chillin ringside and the big boys of course were their regular awesome selves. Now Tino was being a MAJOR pistol in the ring though. I don’t know what has gotten into him. A COMPLETE PISTOL! The moment we start walking he starts fiddling and jumping around. His Select was a gift and I am very thankful we were the only entry for Onwer-Handler! It was a miracle he actually held it together in the OH Group Ring because…. He got a Group Four!!!!  Ohhh yeah!!!! Great way to end day one!

This little guy has done such such amazing things in such a short period of time and with rather limited showing, I could not be more proud of him! And he isn’t even a year and a half old! Imagine what he can accomplish once he is older anymore mature? It’s a good thing I got those new suits aye??? Now which one should I wear???

I brought Tipsy AND Hurricane today to the show – helping the little guy with socialization and her with more show training. Kat was there today and he was excited to have a chance to see the puppies again. He still says Tipsy is the pick of the litter! Billie was at my setup first thing in the morning, wondering if Tipsy was with me. Yes – Off the two went again to explore and be social.  By the end of the day Billie had her lead broken and walking. Granted it wasn’t pretty but she was walking!  I owe her a huge debt of gratitude! I offered to enter her in the puppy classes in Ocala as a thank you. What Junior could turn down an opportunity to show yet another dog? Let alone another puppy?

We were done with chihuahuas fairly early so we had to wait for Havanese to finish. Tino did very well and I actually got a Select in addition to it owner handler. Needless to say I chose to NOT stay for groups! Instead, I decided to go shopping for St. John’s Knit suits well Darius show to Hav’s’! Holly has some of the most beautiful suits collected and offers them for sale on Facebook but also at shows. I purchased two beautiful suits, hoping to wear one the AKC National Championships in Orlando and the other in New York for Westminster. I’ve lost so much weight my butt will finally looked decent and such a beautiful fabric. Now for the price I paid for the suckers I better not lose too much more weight!

At the last might. Dolly asked if we could stay long enough to help her in Pomeranians. She has a new male to show – Kelly! He’s quite awesome actually – It will be fun to see what she does with him. But as SOON as Poms were done we ran out the door – Picked up Zaxby’s at the first exit out of town and then bam – we were on our way to Florida!

Tino and I took owner handler for the third day in a row – Go Team Tino! We are racking up points for next year! We didn’t place it OH groups but it is apparent that I really need to work on keeping him occupied in the ring better. I am loosing his attention about halfway into the group. Perhaps I should get on the ground with him? I am not sure but I will start playing with different techniques tomorrow.

And while his weekend has been a success in the owner handler arena, little Miss Tipsy came along this weekend as well her starting show dog training! She will be coming to shows with me for the next couple months to get her ready for her debut in January. Traveling and being away from home is such a huge part of the training. She’s doing fabulous! Learning to potty on the raised sea breeze pen is actually a big step and today she mastered it! So proud!

I knew it would be a good day when Duncan met me with kisses early this morning when I woke up. What better a way to start the day!?! Man he is such an awesome dog! I got to pick him up from Sandy on the way to Darius’ last night – He is the perfect Shotgun companion!

Dolly and I are always up to something when we are together and this weekend was no exception. Hanging with Hiram again and being his little Minions is always good for a few laughs. I was so proud to be able to help see both my friends get group placements in the Toy Group! Go Hiram and Dollly!

In Team Figgy, I entered Georgie for a junior to show this weekend but she want able to attend after all so I got to show him. He is out of shop condition and hasn’t been in the ring in almost a year but that didn’t stop him from doing his thing! We had fun today in the ring just like the good ol’ days. Tino on the other hand was a complete pistol and didn’t want to cooperate. He played with the lead the entire time we moved and he simply wasn’t going to give control to ANYONE! We got Select which was a gift based on his behavior! I’ll take it the single GC point!

I also got to watch Emma and Breezy again in Juniors – They really have done so well together. I cannot wait to see them grow even more! So proud!