NEWS FROM SOCAL

We’ve just had a very comprehensive report from a visitor to the San Fernando Kennel Club show in Ventura CA. Marcia Goldstein tells us yesterday’s winner, the Affenpinscher, CH Tamarin Tug, was waylaid in the Toy Group by the Papillion, CH Arkeno's Ear's to You. “Cobb”, winner of the 2008 Papillion National Specialty, is a Phalene, the drop eared version of the butterfly dog.

CH Arkeno's Ear's to You

Joining him in Judge Margaret Reed’s final were the English Setter, CH Artizoe High Caliber, the Bloodhound, CH Quiet Creek's Mi Amor, the Rottweiler CH Eryx of Olympus-walk, the Airedale, CH Huntwood's Wildest Performance, Chow Chow CH Charming Rockefella, and the Bouvier des Flandres, Donlee Man O'War. Running away with the BIS was the English Setter, Hector. It’s shaping up to be quite a weekend for the him.

Our thanks to Marcia for keeping us up to date.

NINE IN A ROW

We’re not sure that this is a modern record, but we do know that the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, is on a highly unusual run of BIS wins. Today’s BIS at the second day show of the Carroll County Kennel Club in West Friendship MD was number nine in a row.

CH Honore’s Lily-Belle

Judge Linda Robey joined the large group of judges who have contributed to making Holly the top winning Sporting Dog in history. Getting lost in the excitement around this phenomenal run of wins are several really good dogs. Back today to challenge Holly for the top prize were the the Basenji, CH Reveille Push Button, the Akita, CH Wicca's-CR Lethal Weapon, and the Italian Greyhound, CH Honore’s Lily-Belle. Also trying to break the winning streak were the West Highland White Terrier, CH Lite ‘N Lively’s Special Delivery, the Miniature Poodle, CH Surrey’s Sweet Spice, and the Rough Collie, CH Kelso’s Mood Dancin’ PT.

All of these dogs are experienced dogs with dozens of Group wins. At least two are all breed BIS winners. They are just up against one of the best show dogs ever.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DOG SHOWS

The Florida Classic II cluster continues to be an Equal Opportunity dog show circuit. Today two of Judge Robert Forsyth’s final seven had been in the BIS ring the day before, the Airedale Terrier, CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke, and the King Charles & Ruby English Toy Spaniel, CH Southdown Nonetheless. The Irish Wolfhound, CH Dun Myrica Speaker Of Eagle, had been there two days earlier.

CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible

Only the Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible, had won a BIS this year. The Tibetan Terrier, CH Araki Tinckle Winckle of Dialynne, had a Group One back on 5 January, but it was the first Group First this year for the Labrador Retriever, CH Casbar’s Heart To Heart. The Doberman Pinscher, CH Phillmar Sobe Monster, had been battling a super competitive group of Dobies for the last two weeks including yesterday’s BIS winner. He had finished BOS several times in the last week, but this was his first breed win in the last eight shows.

CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke

So, we were likely to see a dog win his/her first BIS this year and we did. The Airedale, CH Stirling Cool Hand Luke, collected his first BIS of 2009. “Lucas”, bred by Shirley R Good & Susan S Rodgers, owned by Frank Pulice, and handled by Ernesto Lara, finished 2008 as the number one Airedale, with four BIS and 22 Group Firsts. Congratulations to Lucas and his whole team.

WE LOVE OUR READERS!

Easily the best thing about writing this blog are all the nice people we meet. Yesterday we had a few holes in our reporting. We asked for some assistance and our readers have come through as they always do.

CH Tamarin Tug

The mystery Affenpinshcer who went Best In Show at Yesterdays Simi Valley KC event was our old buddy CH Tamarin Tug, 2008 number three dog. We suspected as much, but there were two other specials entered and we didn't want to appear presumptuous.

CH Aritzoe High Caliber

Yet another reader has told us that it was the English Settter, CH Aritzoe High Caliber, who won the Sporting Group. And from a Terrier fan we hear that DOG2WATCH, the Welsh Terrier, CH Sanherpinc Paisa , took the Terrier Group.

CH Sanherpinc Paisa

We also went to bed not knowing who the Toy Group w inner at the DFA of Oregon was. Now we know that it was the Miniature Pinscher, CH Kimro's Soldier Boy.

CH Kimro's Soldier Boy

Our thanks to all our intrepid reporters.

PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER

We have been told that an Affenpinscher (yet to be identified) has won today's Simi Valley Kennel Club show in Ventura CA. Can anyone out there put a name to this mystery dog?

WHO'S ON FIRST? YES? NO, SPIRIT.

Terri Erickson, of Paragon Siberians, has been busy texting away and providing us with updates from Portland and the DFA of Oregon show. She and I had an Abbott and Costello moment when after three messages, I realized that when she typed, “…yes lost the breed to a class bitch.“ she did not mean that her Siberian Husky, CH Paragon’s Red Red Wine, had lost the breed to a class bitch, but that last year’s number four dog, the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation, had lost the breed to a class bitch.

CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit and Handler, Taffe McFadden

The eventual winner of the Non-Sporting group was the Bichon Frise, CH Paray's Rime Time, who joined the Irish Setter, CH Ashton Peaceful Easy Feeling, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Pupukearidge Ikaika O Sprngvly, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, and the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot in the final. While I can’t tell you who the Toy Group and Herding Group winners were, I can tell you that Spirit has won her third BIS in a row, adding another “giant” show to her number one tally.

This is shaping up to be a quite a memorable January.

JUST IN FROM PORTLAND

After a conspicuous absence since grabbing the BIS titles at the two mammoth Palm Springs Kennel Club shows back on the first weekend of January, the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, has reappeared at today’s Dog Fanciers Association Of Oregon show in Portland OR. The show is still going on, but Spirit has already reserved her spot in the final seven, winning Judge Norman Kenney’s Working Group. Also on BIS Judge Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine’s dance card is the Scottish Terrier, CH Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot. Stay tuned. We will be back with updates.

THE MORE, THE MARYLAND

As we reported earlier, the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, took another BIS today. Let’s not to get complacent. After all, we watch Michael Phelps win eight in a row and still maintained a national hysteria. We now have the rest of today’s final seven from the Carrol Kennel Club show today in West Friendship MD.

CH Laurelwood's Noah's Ark Av JNKR

They were the Basenji, CH Reveille Push Button. the Akita, CH Wicca's-CR Lethal Weapon, the Bedlington Terrier, CH Velvety Angels Eyes, the Italian Greyhound, CH Honores Lily-Belle, the Chow Chow, CH Liontamer’s Dial 1-800 Hotstuff, the Swedish Vallhund, CH Laurelwood's Noah's Ark Av JNKR. Congratulations to them all.

MIXING IT UP

If things seem to be repetitive in Maryland, the crowd in Brooksville FL seems intent on mixing things up. The German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek s Sangria V Barick, was the only dog from yesterday’s final to make it back to the BIS ring at the Tampa Bay Kennel Club event. Also presenting themselves to Judge Robert Indeglia for consideration were the Black Cocker Spaniel, CH Bracon’s Leaping Lily Pads, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Adili's American Idol , the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton, the Airedale Terrier, CH Stirling’s Cool Hand Luke, the King Charles & Ruby English Toy Spaniel, CH Southdown Nonetheless, and the Lhasa Apso CH Rushmar’s Charmer.

CH Allure Blazing Star Alisaton
and Handler, Carissa DeMilta Shimpeno

Keeping with the spread the wealth theme, the three year old Dobie bitch walked off with the BIS, her first. Bred by Carmen Pitts and Gwen DeMilta, and owned by Carmen, Nancy Bosley, and Julie Porter, she is handled by Gwen’s daughter, Carissa DeMilta Shimpeno.

REPEATING OURSELVES

If we are repetitive, It’s because some of our featured dogs are so insistent on winning. The Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, extended her winning streak to eight in a row, today adding the Carroll Kennel Club show to the 2009 edition of her resume. We shall have a full report from West Friendship MD soon.

FLORIDA, DAY TWO OF FIVE

On day two of the Florida Classic II 1324 dogs gathered to compete at the Inverness Florida Kennel Club show in Brooksville FL. We are in the second week of this Florida marathon and we are starting to look on the participants as traveling companions on the long voyage of the 2009 campaign season.

CH Alpha's Road Warrior

Several of the exhibitors in Judge Kent Delaney’s ring must have been thinking, “Haven’t we met before?“ Six of the seven finalists had already made the trip to a final at the Florida Classic Park during the last week. The Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice, the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick, had all already been there in the final ring during the last week. Today the Irish Setter, CH Vinyard's Bad Boy, the Irish Wolfhound, CH Dun Myrica Speaker Of Eagle, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Alpha's Road Warrior, and the Keeshonden, CH Sprookje Lunar Appellation, also were asking for the big rosette.

CH Sprookje Lunar Appellation

Once again, the Sealie, Charmin, showed us why he’s one of the winningest dogs in history, taking home one more BIS, and there are still three more Florida shows to go this weekend.

NO REST FOR DOG FANCIERS OR BLOGGERS

We know, we’ve been taking a breather too, but there are show results to report and surprises aplenty. No sooner do we start talking about old friends when new dogs start showing up.

CH Efbe’s Merci Pour Le Poivre

The first we’ve seen before. Back in December the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Merci Pour Le Poivre, won a surprising Group First at the Eukanuba National Championship, with his brother, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice, the 2008 winner, sitting on the sidelines. Today, he came out of a tough group to join three dogs who have already won BIS this year, the Golden Retriever, CH Toasty’s Treasure Island, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Rokeena’s Carte Blanche, and the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu.

Also looking for a BIS in Judge Chris Walkowicz’ ring, were the Alaskan Malamute, CH Sno Klassic Play The Game, the Standard Poodle, CH Bar-None Travelin’ Man, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick. The GSD, a two year old bitch, had to beat the last year’s number 20 all breed dog and number one GSD, CH Woodside Pacino, to get into the group.

CH Shoal Creek’s Sangria V Barick

Not content with leaving Jimmy Moses and Tony behind in the breed, she went on to top the BIS winning Rough Collie, CH Sylvan Argent Simply Irresistible , in the Herding Group, and figured why stop there, becoming this week’s first BIS winner. Bred by Giovanni Middei, who co-owns her with Edward Farrell, Barbara Stamper, and Lee Jewel, she is handled by Scott Yergin. Congratulations to the lot of them.

IAMS HITS ONE MILLION ADOPTIONS

Bev over at My Fire Hydrant is celebrating the very successful end of the 2008 Iams Home 4 The Holdiays program. For those you unfamiliar with this project, the H4TH does a focused adoption campaign from 1 October to 2 January each year.


In 2007 they found homes for nearly 500,000 pets during the holiday campaign . In 2008 they set the very ambitious goal of one million adoptions. They just closed the 2008 books and the final tally was an amazing 1,202,751 animals. Visit the H4TH site here to learn more about this worthwhile program.

SHOWS EAST AND WEST

We just caught up on the past week’s shows and suddenly we are off again. The folks down in Brooksville FL are takin a two day breather before they begin the second leg of the Florida Classic tomorrow. This run will stretch from Wednesday to Sunday with shows hosted by the Manatee, Inverness Florida, Tampa Bay, Clearwater, and Pasco Florida kennel clubs. Once again these will be sizable entries with 1650, 1679, 1923, 2236, and 2223 dogs entered.

The largest entries this weekend will be at the Portland OR shows sponsored by the Dog Fanciers Association Of Oregon and the Tualatin Kennel Club. Starting Thursday with a whopping 2712 entries, there are 2988, 3034, and 2356 the following three days. Beginning on Friday another four day cluster will kick off in West Friendship MD, presented by the Carroll and Annapolis kennel clubs. Respectable entries of 975, 1483, 1400, and 792 have been logged.

Back on the West Coast a three day cluster is slated for beautiful Ventura CA, held by the Simi Valley & San Fernando KCs and the Ventura County DFA. They have drawn 970, 1170, and 1169 dogs starting on Friday. We also have traditional Saturday and Sunday events in Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Mississippi, and Texas. The largest of these are the Oakland County KC shows in Detroit MI with 1192 and 1195 entries. The Central Iowa KC shows in Des Moines will come in at around 1000 dogs and the Fort Bend KC events in Rosenberg TX, will turn out about 700. The boutique shows will be the West Oahu and Greenville MS KCs with around 300 dogs.

So if you are in one of these locations stop in and see why we here are addicted to the AKC dog show.

BRRrrrr!

That’s how AKC rep Robert Fisher described Hamburg NY this weekend. The weather may have been cold, but 2008’s number four Herding Dog and top Old English Sheep Dog, CH Lambluv`s Daydream Believer, was hot, winning back to back BIS. As reported here previously the latest came at the Ashtabula Kennel Club on Sunday.

CH Lambluv`s Daydream Believer

Now we have the Group winners. They were the Golden Retriever, CH Waynewood`s Play It Again Sam, the 15” Beagle, CH Torquey Be Nice To Me, the Samoyed, CH Gilara`s Court Jester, the Irish Terrier, CH Breezy`s X-Tra Top Priorty, 2008’s number eight Toy Dog and best Shih Tzu, CH Hallmark Jolei Surfer Girl, and last year’s number eight Non-Sporting Dog and number two Standard Poodle, CH Hillwood Dassin De-Lovely.

ANNOUNCING WORKING AND HERDING DOG DIGEST

One of our most reliable resources for show results is Terri Erickson of Paragon Siberians. Terri tells us that Working Dog Digest is undergoing some exciting changes and will soon be reborn as Working and Herding Dog Digest. You can visit Working Dog Digest here. And you can contact Terri either at 253-334-0499 or workingdogdigest@hotmail.com for more details

MORE TOP TEN UPDATES

We have updated our top ten dogs and we have a new number one. It took seven straight BIS for the Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, to catch the Giant Schnauzer, CH Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, whose two BIS at the two humongous Palm Spring Kennel Club shows had kept her in first place on both the traditional and Dog Show Poop top ten. It’s a bit like eating elephant sandwiches. Sooner or later you’re going to run out of elephant.

We also have our two old friends, the Standard Poodle, Yes and the Sealyham Terrier, Charmin, making their debut on our list after very successful weekends. Also coming into our top ten is the dog that tried all 2008 to crack the traditional top ten, the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu. And rounding out our top ten is 2008’s top Old English Sheepdog, CH Lambluv's Daydream Believer. “Winston”, bred by Ron Szekeres & Kathy McBride, is owned by Jere Marder & Kay Richardson, and handled by Jere.

If any of you out there know Jere or Kay, let them know we need a photo of their boy for our top ten list.

NEW RESULTS AND OLD FRIENDS

NOW, we have the final show of the weekend in and the dog that barely missed the 2008 top ten, the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu, closed the week with the BIS from Judge Ricardo Saldana at the Merrimack Valley Kennel Club Show in Fitchburg MA. “Boo” finished 2008 with 16 BIS and 67 Group Firsts.

CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu

Joining him to toast goodbye to New England were the Flat Coat Retriever, CH Light-Foot’s Sugar On Snow, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, CH Of Afrikka Spring Valley Dorian Gray JC, the Akita, CH Gran Slam’s Citation Regalia, the Wire Fox Terrier, CH Tamedale Orinoco, the French Bulldog, CH Shore Lookin’ Good, and the German Shepherd Dog, Miller Time’s American Gypsy.

And as we promised we have the new traditional top ten up. Debuting on the list are old friends, the Sealyham Terrier, Charmin, and the Standard Poodle, Yes. We will continue working on both the traditional list and our top ten through out the evening. So check back for updates.

IT'S NOT OVER YET

Just when we thought we had closed the weekend show report we discover we forgot about today’s shows in Massachsetts and Florida. Here are the results from the Pasco Florida Kennel Club show. After a bit of a stumble last week, the Sealyham Terrier, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo at Goodspice, has found his stride and put another BIS on his very impressive resume. Today’s win comes compliments of Judge Martin Doherty.

CH Bar-None Dawn Travelin’ Man

Staying one more day in the sun with Charmin were the Irish Setter Jewelset Second Attraction, the Norwegian Elkhound, CH Vin-Melca’s Master Card, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Allure Blazing Star Alisation, the Pug, CH Ivanwold Diva At Riversong, the Standard Poodle, CH Bar-None Dawn Travelin’ Man, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Woodside Pacino.

This will definitely put Charmin in the top five of the traditional top ten…which we will have for you just as soon as we get results from today’s Merrimack Kennel Club show in Fitchbur, MA.

LET'S HEAR FROM BUFFALO

There was a fierce snow storm in upstate New York, but it didn’t stop exhibitors in Hamburg NY. Friday, local favorite, the Labrador Retriever, CH Millmar's Truely High Lites, grabbed the BIS from Judge Peter Baines at the Kennel Club of Buffalo. The two year old yellow bitch, bred and owned by June Marie Miller, was piloted by Karen Mammano.

Rounding out the final seven were the Afghan Hound, CH Shenandoah Smoke And Mirrrors, the Siberian Husky, CH Kontoki's A Bend In The Road, the Irish Terrier, CH Breezy's X-Tra Top Priorty, 2008 top Shih Tzu, CH Hallmark Jolei Surfer Girl, the American Eskimo Dog, CH Nuuktok's Atka Inukshuk, and the 2008 top Old English Sheepdog, CH Lambluv's Daydream Believer.

The OES, Winston, bred by Ron Szekeres & Kathy McBride, owned by Jere Marder & Kay Richardson, and handled by OES guru Jere, would dominate the location for the next two days winning both the second day of the KC of Buffalo on Saturday and the Ashtabulas Kennel Club Show. Joining the bobtail on Saturday in Judge Edeltraud Laurin’s BIS ring were the English Setter, CH Editions Good Morning America, the Greyhound, the CH Fairlanes Lorricbrook Lola, Border Terrier, Tretile's No Rest For The Wicked, the Pekingese, CH Fairisle Starr Struck, and the Standard Poodle, CH Hillswood Dassin De-Lovely.

We are still trying to get the rest of Sunday’s results from the frozen north. If you know the group winners from yesterday’s show, please share their names with all of us.

MORE WEEKEND CATCH UP

We have kept you abreast of the incredible win streak of the Pointer, CH CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, who has now logged seven BIS in a row, the latest coming yesterday at the Chesapeake Kennel Club Of Maryland. Joining Holly in Judge Robert Moore’s ring were the reliable Harrier, CH Downhome Family Tradition, the Boxer, CH Hi-Tech’s Southern Belle, the Airedale, CH Stirling Cool hand Luke, the Pekingese, CH Pequest Match Point, the Lhasa Apso, CH My Thai Ta Sen Hallelujah Chorus, and the German Shepherd Dog, CH Stone Ridge Whol Stop T Rain.

CH Torquay Demitrio

In Oshkosh WI, a band of hearty show goers assembled for the Winnegamie and Oshkosh Kennel Club shows. On Saturday Judge Elliot Weiss put the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Torquay Demitrio best over the Golden Retriever, CH Golden Trip Snow Dream, the 2008 best Basset Hound, CH Topsfield-Vision Silever Noodles, the Pekingese, CH ST Aubrey Regent of Elsdon, the Tibetan Terrier, CH Rilees Diamond Heirloom, and the Rough Collie, CH Alaric Bound By The Heart.

On Sunday, Judge Thomas Kilcullen would consider the same Basset and Smooth Fox, along with the Irish Setter, CH Winwood Playing By Heart, the Samoyed, CH Polar Mist X-Asty, the Havanes, Windgfall’s Salsa Dancer, the Keeshonden, CH Dalmier’s Cavair Dreams, and the Puli, Bubbleton Bedazzled. He would also agree that the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH Torquay Demitrio was the best dog of the day.

CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar

Down in our neck of the woods, the Golden Triangle Kennel Club of Mississippi, proved that little shows can draw big names, when the 2008 number five dog, the Brussels Griffon, CH Cilleine Masquerade, showed up to claim BIS from Judge Harry Smith on Saturday. Also in attendance were the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, CH Alibi N'Royals Heiress, the Irish Wolfhound, CH Tenderland Red Moon Over Manasota, the Portuguese Water Dog, CH Amigos Love Me Tender, the Scottish Terrier, CH Obans PD Present Of Jacglen, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Chaoyangs Chick Magnet At Asia, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Copperridges Fire N Bayouland.

CH RJ'S Sierra Edition

And also proving once again that AKC shows are never predictable, Lincoln would be upset in the group on Sunday by the latest of handler Hiram Stewart’s Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar. Joining the Peke in Judge Lee Reasin’s BIS ring were the Brittany, CH RJ'S Sierra Edition, Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen, CH Afterglow Ebeneezer, the Bullmastiff, CH Starrdogs Bridget Bardot, the Scottish Terrier, CH Obans PD Present Of Jacglen, the Chinese Shar-Pei, CH Chaoyangs Chick Magnet At Asia, and the Bearded Collie, CH Brigadoons Just George. BIS went to the Brittany, Quinn, who last month went Group Four at the Eukanuba National Championship.

As we have always maintained, even at a small AKC shows you will see great dogs.

SHE'S BACK

Over the weekend we got reports of a mystery boxer in Puyallup WA. We now have our suspicions confirmed. The dog at the end of the lead of Boxer legend Gary Steele was CH Capri's Magic Maker Of Sassy. “Dante”, bred by Sydney Brown & Kristine Anderson and owned by Richard & Marsha Servetnick & Barbara Bachman, closed out 2008 by beating the top two Boxers of 2008 at the Oakland Kennel Club show on 30 December. We suspect we will see a lot of Dante in these pages this year.

CH Capri's Magic Maker Of Sassy

But Dante was background for the real story of the flood filled Washington weekend, the 2009 debut of the Standard Poodle, CH Randenn Tristar Affirmation. Yes blitzed the competition, taking BIS Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Joining Yes and Dante in Judge Harold Brizee’s BIS ring at Friday’s Tacoma Kennel Club show were the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, CH Zerubbabel Von Herrenhausen, the Afghan Hound, CH Polo’s The Aviator, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, CH Doubloon's Ultimate Player, the Affenpinscher, CH Pramada's Naughty Natalie, ans the Bouvier des Flandres, CH Voodoo Slam Dinks Susants.


On Saturday at the Sammamish Kennel Club event, BIS Judge Zell Von Pohlmann entertained the same Afghan Hound, Affenpinscher, Boxer, and Standard Poodle, along with the Irish Setter, CH Ashton Peaceful Easy Feeling, the Miniature Bull Terrier, CH Samino’s Lucy Lou, and the Australian Shepherd, CH Whidbey's Moonlight Frost.

Sunday, it was a whole new cast of characters with the English Springer Spaniel, CH Oxbows On To Silverado, the Basenji, CH Platinum's Adrenaline Rush. The West Highland White Terrier, CH Camcrest Bebe Queen Of Trouble, the Brussels Griffon, CH Belleterre Shall We Dance, and the Bearded Collie, CH Brigadoons Just George, joining Yes in Judge James Covey’s final at the Puyallup Valley DFA show.

UNO SPEAKS UP

If you saw last year’s Westminster broadcast you know that the BIS winner, the 15” Beagle, CH K-Run's Park Me In First, better known as Uno, can be pretty vocal. Well so can Kathy Weichert, one of Uno’s breeders/owners. We just got a heads up that the LA Times Unleashed column has given Kathy a chance to rebutt PETA’s campaign to ban the Westminster broadcast.

CH K-Run's Park Me In First
2008 Westminster BIS Winner

We were particularly incensed that PETA chose to attack Uno, who has been one of the greatest ambassadors for our fancy. We think Kathy did a pretty good job making the case for all of us. Read it all here.

LET'S START A POOL

We would, but we don't want to jinx her. The Pointer, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, has made it a clean sweep of the Fredericksburg VA shows, winning today's Chesapeake Kennel Club Of Maryland event. That's seven for seven this year. We don't have winning streaks in dog shows like they do in basketball. This is pretty special.

SUNSET IN FLORIDA

The 2009 Florida Classic is now in the record books and it ended as it began with the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, CH Rokeena Carte Blanche, taking BIS at the Tampa Bay Kennel Club show in Brooksville FL.

CH Beaubriar Premiere Event

Judge Francine Schwartz had a couple of the usual suspects in her final ring, the country’s number one Irish Setter, in 2008, CH Beaubriar Premiere Event, the number one Standard Schnauzer in 2008, CH Charisma Utopia Von Rocky, the 2008 top Terrier, the Sealyham, CH Efbe’s Hidalgo At Goodspice, the Pug, CH Ivanwold Diva At Riversong, the Standard Poodle, CH Bar-None Dawin Travelin Man, and the Briard, CH Uniquehengo Des Uns Et Des Autres.

CH Charisma Utopia Von Rocky

A total of 6,243 dogs showed up to compete this weekend in Brooksville FL. Look for some of these winners to enter the traditional top ten.

NO WAITING IN NEW ENGLAND

Once again the first results of the day are in from Fitchburg MA and the Merrimack Valley Kennel Club. Maybe it was the size of the show, 806 dogs competing. Maybe it’s because they have to move fast to keep from freezing, a high of 22 degrees Farenheit, or maybe they just have this show results thing down to a science.

CH Sweetlea’s Follow Me

Dr. Roger Pritchard had the honor to review the seven best of the day, the Golden Retriever, CH Sweetlea’s Follow Me, the Scottish Deerhound, CH Gayleword‘s Tiger Woods, the Rottweiler, CH Ecko Ridges American Justice VVonWilhelms, CH Tamedale Orinoco, Wire Fox Terrier, the Pug, CH Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu, the Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the Bearded Collie, CH Tolkien Raintree Mister Baggins. It was the Golden, bred and owned by Susan Lee & Robert Lee and handled by Karin Fisher, taking hope the BIS. Congratulations to them all.

SHUFFLE BACK TO BUFFALO

It may be raining in Washington State, but it is snowing in upstate New York. However, dog show folk are a hearty lot and I did get this much from a couple of the faithful. The Old English Sheep Dog, CH Lambluv's Daydream Believer, has won BIS at today and yesterday’s shows in Hamburg NY hosted by the Ashtabula Kennel Club and the Kennel Club of Buffalo. The Bob-Tail was bred by Ronald Szekeres & Kathleen McBride and is owned by Szekeres, Jere Marder & Gail Radke. Also winning groups at the KC of Buffalo show on Saturday were the Border Terrier, Tretil's No Rest for the Wicked and the English Setter, CH Editions Good Morning America. No word yet on the Friday show.