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!

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!

Tino did not show so well. Honestly, I think he’s getting tired. And I don’t blame them! We took on the handler by default with our best opposite sex. Again Issue definitely three because she was for sure the best dog in the ring today! We didn’t do anything in owner handler because he definitely didn’t deserve anything. He’s just very distracted lately. Since there is no major, I have made the decision to go home tomorrow morning after a good night’s sleep. They’r Tipsy is entered and there is no owner handler competition tomorrow soooo…. Maybe it’s time to head home and enjoy some family time?

Now on to the Team Figgy front…Stella ROCKED it today with Darius and totally earned her WInner’s Bitch ribbon! One more point for our sweet girl! YAHOOOOOOOO!!! All she needs is a major and two singles – They way she has been showing lately that shouldn’t be too hard to finish her. We just need to fin the majors!

Side note, I got to show some other breeds this afternoon, including a hairless puppy for Brandy , a Havanese and a Pomeranian! I also got to socialize the pups to small humans hands – Thank you Parker!! You are so awesome with puppies!!

I packed up and headed back to the hotel after groups – I am so excited to be able to SLEEP IN TOMORROW!!! I never get to sleep and it shows! I’m usually living on two or three hours sleep. So the chance to have the entire bed to myself is dreamy! I’m sleeping in until 10 so I can check out by 11. It’s time to spoil me a little bit.

I got to see our sweet Stella today too. She is looking so fabulous and should really be winning based on what has been in the ring lately. I am shocked that she didn’t get any points this weekend  – Maybe next? In the meantime, my sweetie totally missed me! I cannot wait until she is finished and can come home!

Waiting for the Lakeland’s to show I had a lot of downtime. So while I waited I got to hold a lot of leads. Mastiffs, Ridgebacks, Pomeranians and even a Pug. And as I mentioned yesterday, I will create an entirely separate post on the Lakelands. SO deserving of it’s own spotlight. OMG!

The pups have done fantastic with all of the changes and commotion of show life. Tipsy did more walking today and both puppies got extra loving today. Mario and Myriam drove over to Ocala to catch the show and root us on in the ring. It was so awesome to catch up and visit.

We are half way there! One three point major and five singles is all that she needs! I am placing bets that we will be there by the end of the year 🙂

The entries today were less in number but no less impressive. Stella was a tad spooked in the ring today – probably tired – but Darius was able to help her pull it together. She apparently has the new Reserve Queen title – you guessed it! Reserve three days in a row! TIno on the other hand was a rockstar! Pranced around the ring like he owned it, great on the table, fabulous on his down and back – So much so that it was on his back that the judge said, “And there you have it – BREED!” His first Best of Breed as a Champion! And his second Major towards his Grand Champion Title! He also took Best Owner Handler but because of our agreement,  we had to skip both Group rings. He still earned his 5 Owner-Handler points – I can’t wait to see if this weekend has him anywhere on the ranking list!

We didn’t pull out of the show site parking lot until almost 3:20 pm and the drive back to Florida took every bit of 10 hours with the stops. Of course we took advantage of the record breaking Powerball and purchased tickets in each State. I dropped Darius off and then started the trek to my house. I knew my body had hit it’s limit about 30 minutes into the final stretch and the Days Inn in Ocala called my name. Tino, Style (yes, she is coming back to the FIggy house for the next couple of weeks) and I have cuddled up the king size bed here at our old Ocala show hotel spot, with a late check out – I am sleeping in!!!!!!

I had to show Stella in Open Bitch, earning her second Reserve for the weekend. Tino was a tad frazzled by my rush but eventually settled, allowing me to settle and then voila! He got his Best Opposite Sex again! We also earned Best Owner-Handler for the second day in a row. I think the rest I received and the several hour break TIno earned, may have been a large help because we were much more relaxed in the ring this afternoon. The judge clearly noted this because WE GOT A GROUP 4!!! I was beyond thrilled! Not only for the wins but because I got to share it with such great friends who were also at the show! Rayna and Normandy are here for the weekend and Pug Specialty – I got the spend the entire day with my Pup and Pug Peeps! YAHOOOOOOOO!!

All in all it was a great first day in North Carolina – A full day as we stayed for Groups but will CRASH early to rest up for tomorrow! And we have a full house too! Havanese, Staffies and Chihuahuas – All perfect travel and hotel buddies.