Shortly after returning from the trip to NYC, I was off again traveling to San Diego to judge sweepstakes at the Bichon Frise Club of San Diego’s annual Specialty. Being the judge inside the ring is certainly a different feeling than being on the lead as an exhibitor. I had a nice collection of beautiful bichons to judge ranging from just above 6 months to over 9 years of age. Below are my two ultimate winners for Sweepstakes and Veteran Sweepstakes. Jack and Holly, both from Hollyhock Bichons in California.
Thank you again to the San Diego club for this wonderful honor!
I had the distinct honor and pleasure of being asked to show a friend and fellow competitors dog at the Westminster Kennel Club show this past February. Kathy Martin, Dina Taylor and myself traveled to the Big Apple for the show. This was my first time in the ring at Westminster although my 4th time actually at the show.
Tia and I were still pulled out for the short list of dogs for further consideration. Although we finished out of the ribbons, just getting pulled is a great acknowledgement.
For those of you in the dog show world, or even if you are just a lover of dogs, you owe it to yourself to go to this show at least once in your lifetime. It’s a great experience. You can cheer us on while we are there!
Not to be outdone by Chandler, the Big Burrito also got his first point. Both of the boys did really well in the ring after they got over their nerves and excitement. It will be interesting to see which boy becomes the front runner. Do I see an inhouse rivalry developing?
Emoji was Winners both days as well as Best Opposite to add to her championship points. Ch Kevlar added points to her Grand Champion title and Oliver was Best of Breed on Sunday.
A nice weekend for team Absolutely.
Chewie really knows how to celebrate. Happy one year birthday, little guy!
Oliver and I recently traveled to the Bichon Frise Club of America’s National Specialty near Orlando, FL. Karen and Sue were not able to attend. As you can see from the blogposts…puppies. But our friend Dina Taylor traveled with me. It’s amazing the gear that is required for one little white show dog. Dina helped me out with all of that and more, all the while maintaining an online presence with her employer Amazon. Dinas help was invaluable.
So Oliver won the Grand Champion Dog class in the Bred By Exhibitor Special Attraction judged by breeder judge Mayno Blanding. He also made the “cut” in the main event. Oliver received so much positive attendion from fellow breeders, exhibitors and other judges that we really felt like big winners.
Since we only see the vast majority of these people once a year, you never know how your young dogs will be received. Let’s just say that Oliver has many, many fans.
Here is our win photo. All other photos are by Dina, even the cool artisitic one in the hallway.
In other news: I have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for our National Club. This is truly an honor.
Another HUGE honor is that I have been voted by the membership to judge the Bred By Exhibitor Special Attraction competition at Nationals, 2021 in Chicago. That is going to be really fun and a highlight in my bichon career.
I am really excited!!!
I’d like to introduce Stephany Gale and Simon. Stephany is a groomer in the Olympia area who recently decided to test her skills in the Competative Grooming Arena. Since Simon is retired and was in need of a haircut, he volunteered to help her out. You know how he loves the attention.
Stephany placed first in her class at the Northwest Grooming Show winning the First Timer Award. We are so happy for her and can’t wait to see how she progresses in the competative grooming world. Simon is willing to help out again if ever needed.