MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We have lots of Christmas traditions here in the Wheeler household. One is allowing the dogs to participate in opening presents on Christmas morning.

A Favorite Vintage Christmas Ad

It is the only time all year that our four canine children are allowed in the living room. The older three have a cautious reverence for the occasion, sitting and watching intently as the humans open presents. However, our youngest, our 18 month old Cairn, DeeDee, in typical Terrier fashion, grabs each discarded ribbon and streaks about the room until the next impromptu chew toy appears.

Showing characteristic Scottie seriousness of purpose, our five year old Bernie will begin to fidget nervously, should we take too much time between presents. Our four year old Toy Poodle, Fannie, has a smug, self satisfied look, certain that her position tucked into Brenda’s robe is the best seat in the house. Meanwhile, the old guy, our 15 year old Toy Poodle, Scooter, takes up a secure position out of the way of the others, just content to be included one more time.

The climax of the morning comes when the dogs open their presents. This year the stuffed animals that each have their own voices are the big hits. The plush wolf that howls is the clear favorite as Dee Dee steals it every time Bernie turns his back. Before the morning is over, Fannie will have carted all of her stuffed servants to some secret hiding place where they will remain until she tires of them.

Oh, the humans liked their presents too, but it will be this year’s Christmas memories that will be the real keepsakes for us. We hope you have collected some cherished memories as well. Merry Christmas to you all!

LAST SHOWS OF 2009

Our last show weekend of 2009 begins a little later than normal. You can spend Saturday returning that awful Christmas sweater that your cousin Lucy gave you and still make the opener Sunday in San Mateo CA. The San Mateo Kennel Club will kick of a four day stop at the San Mateo Expo Center just south of the San Francisco airport. The Kennel Club Of Salinas, the Santa Cruz Kennel Club, and the Oakland Kennel Club will host the follow ups.

The San Mateo Bridge, less glamorous than
her sisters, the Bay Bridge & Golden Gate

Last year’s “Cluster By The Bay” was the site of the final show down between the country’s top ranked dogs and decided the national title. There will be no such drama this year, but there will be plenty of beautiful dogs to see. San Mateo County is notorious as the home of the country’s first (1991) mandatory spay & neuter law. It is also the best example of why these laws do not work. Since 1991 euthanizations have increased 126 percent and dog licensing has decreased 35 percent. So, please, if you live in the Bay Area visit one of the four shows and show your support for our breeders and the AKC pure bred dog.

BULLDOG BIS

Our lone report today is from the Chicago neighboring Rosemont IL and day two of the Skokie Valley Kennel Club.

CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle

Judith Daniels' final included the Irish Setter, CH Vineyard’s Bad Boy, the Whippet, CH Starline Chanel, the Doberman Pinscher, CH Baystar’s Get Smart, the Smooth Fox Terrier, CH J’Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice, the Pekingese, CH Franshaw Hear Me Roar, the Bulldog, CH Kepley’s Showbiz Razzle Dazzle, and the Sheltland Sheepdog, CH Cirque Du Soleil.

BIS went to the nation’s number one Non-Sporting Dog, The Bulldog, Uli. It’s Uli’s 24th career BIS, her 20th this year, and may be good enough to put her in the number ten spot all breeds. Check back with us later in the week for an update.