TWO SHOWS IN ONE DAY

GCH CH Ansa Mo Caoimhin Modigliani CGC 

Before we start with today’s results we want to talk about the new practice of hosting two all-breed shows in the same venue on the same day. At first introduction we were skeptical. We are, after all, pretty traditional. We already think that some dogs spend too much time in crates going to and from shows and while at the shows. 

However, after more consideration we see at least two advantages. The two shows in a day venue keeps exhibitors on the show grounds longer. That will give them more time to visit with their fellow fanciers, giving them more time to learn about their breed and the sport from their more experienced competitors. It also gives them more time to build relationships with other exhibitors, making for a more harmonious show experience. 

CH Solstice Karylyn Amelie 

 It also means that the public will get more of an opportunity to see the breed they love. The Bulldog is one of the most popular breeds in the US. However, the average spectator will never get to see a Bulldog in the ring because they are always shown at 8:00 AM and the average spectator is not going to get to the show until much later. With a two show venue the show going public will get a chance to see all the breeds at the second show. Sadly, too many of our community do not care about the show going public. However, and we can’t emphasize this enough, OUR SPORT CAN NOT EXIST UNLESS WE WIN THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE PUBLIC! Just about every societal entity demeans and diminishes our sport. The school system pushes an animal rights agenda. The Environmental Protection Agency thinks that Polar Bears, which number in the tens of thousands in the Artic, are endangered, but that Sealyham Terriers, of which there are only a few hundred in the world, are not worth protecting. It’s at the shows that we get a chance to tell the public the real story. 

GCH CH Mystery’s Question Mark 

This past weekend in Marquette MI, the hometown kennel club hosted four shows, including two on Saturday. We told you that the Rottweiler, GCH CH Gamegards I’ll Have Another V Braeside, was judge Joe Gregory’s BIS on Friday. The Saturday AM final was called by judge James Frederiksen. The seven getting the early call were the English Springer Spaniel, GCH CH Hil-N-Don & Canyonwood Seemore Of Me, the Irish Wolfhound, GCH CH Ansa Mo Caoimhin Modigliani CGC, the aforementioned Rottweiler, Indy, the Russell Terrier, CH Baylock Heart of Fire, the Papillon, GCH CH Mystery’s Question Mark, the Bichon Frise, GCH CH Cher Ami’s Toast With Remy Martin, and the Shetland Sheepdog, CH Solstice Karylyn Amelie. His Best was the Wolfhound, Dig, and his Reserve was the Sheltie, Amelie. It was the second BIS of the year for Dig and breeder/owner/handler Ashley Schaffer. 

CH Baylock Heart of Fire 

(photo by Mark Ulrich)

Dig would be back for the PM edition along with the same Russell, Papillon, and Sheltie. Joining them in judge Barbara Dempsey-Alderman’s final were the Golden Retriever, GCH CH Summits Back By Popular Demand, the Giant Schnauzer, GCH CH Nightline Viking at Tanglewood, and the Miniature Poodle, CH Horizon’s Absolutely Me. Taking the BIS was the Papillon, Brody. Grabbing the RBIS was the Russell, Phoenix. It was the first BIS of the year for Brody. Our congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Jenny Widing. 

GCH CH Trumpet’s You Could Be Mine

The MKC was back to a more leisurely pace on Sunday with just one show. The seven that stayed to the end to see Dr Steve Keating were the now familiar Golden, Rottweiler, Russell, & Papillon, and the Afghan Hound, GCH CH Elmo’s Martian Chronicles CGC, the Keeshond, GCH CH Trumpet’s You Could Be Mine, & the Bearded Collie, CH Wildwood Kinikia Hear Me Roar. Takin home the set’s last big rosette was the Kees, Keeper, while the Golden, Brodie, packed up the reserve ribbon. Our congratulations to breeder/owner/handler Beth Blakenship and handler Carissa Boetcher on Kepper’s first BIS of 2014.