DOGGY LEAP FROG

The dog show weekend started yesterday with all breed events in Massachusetts and Alabama with five top ten dogs getting major awards. In Fitchburg MA the temperature was an unseasonably temperate 58 degrees while Judge Christine E. Pollender-Calcinari gave the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, another Best In Show. The Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice, took a Group 1 at the same Cheshire KC event.

CH Rokeena Carte Blanche

Another top ten dog would fail to make the final seven. In a show with only 53 hounds competing, Hound Group Judge Marjorie Martorella found four she deemed better than the Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition. One can't quibble with her Group winner, the Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeens, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche. CeeJay, an Australian import, is the 2008 PBGVCA National Specialty Winner and a multiple BIS winner in Australia and the USA. This brilliant mover was bred by Robin Wallis of Gisborne, Australia, and is owned by Robin and her, husband, Russell, and Jose, Yvonee, & Christina Herrera of Thonotosassa, FL. See him and handler Jane Myers before he returns to Australia after Westminster 2009.

Down south in Priceville AL it was a perfect 68 degrees for three top ten dogs. The country’s two top Toy dogs squared off in the Group and it was the Brussels Griffon, CH Cilleine Masquerade who was left holding the second place rosette and watching the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug advance to Judge Norm Patton’s final seven. Also at the last dance was the country’s number one dog, the Giant Schnauzer, Galilee's Pure Of Spirit. However, it was Taser’s day, as the little monkey faced dog took home the title of 2008 Decatur Alabama Kennel Club Best In Show winner. Taser and Lincoln have been playing a game of canine leap frog, swapping turns as the nation’s number one Toy Dog. This win puts Taser back in the top spot, if only for a day.