a day at the dog show..

Even though the dog show was (is) just down the street from where we live, Camille and I were up very early this morning. I have three guest dogs staying with us, that all needed their time "out", plus the barn had to be done and the horses set before we took off. Once all the other animals were taken care of, Camille and I hopped into the truck and arrived at the show in about two minutes!!! (I have never lived so close to a show before!!!)

It was a busy day of showing, Cam was entered in two obedience classes, and then Banjo (my grand dog) was entered in one breed class. The first class of the day was with Cam and was for her "CD" (companion dog) title. I didn't have high hopes for this class. It's a mix of on and off lead exercises, and her "off lead" work needs work. But I thought I would give it a go, and at least let her have the experience of it. Her on lead work was very good .. this picture is of the "figure 8" exercise. She was right with me and paying excellent attention....

But when it came to off lead, she got a bit "lost" and lagged behind me. At one point, she thought the judge might be someone nice to visit, and needless to say we "failed" on this exercise. The judge was very nice and had a real "thing" for Camille (I don't know him, but had to wonder if he was a cocker person). He felt so bad having to fail us, but, it is was it is.... and there was no way Camille had done a "passing run". Over all I wasn't disappointed with her work and I now I really know where she needs to be trained on. There will be other shows!!!!

Other than having a day with your dog at a show... it's a wonderful time to catch up with old and dear friends..... I call this photo "the Rally gals"... because all of us (myself included) were sitting outside the ring, waiting for our turns in the Rally Obedience ring!!!! Quite a mix of dogs here... Mary with her Chessie.. me and Camille, Rayleen and her Skye Terrier, and Mary with her Shepherd!!! by the way... all our dogs did great in rally!!!!

So,here is Cam and I in the Rally Obedience ring. In order to earn a title (for those of you who may not know) you must pass three different times. Today was our third time (or leg) in the rally class. Because this particular class is completely on lead work, Camille was very happy and comfortable ... she worked great....

So great in fact... that she placed FIRST!!! and finished up her title. Here we are having a professional photo done with the judge (Kas took this picture over his shoulder)... Camille knew she had done well with this one!!!!

Then it was time to go into the ring with Banjo (Chesapeake Bay Retriever). Kas and Nate really don't have plans of keeping him as a show dog, but I thought it might be fun just to pop him in the ring. He is just seven months old, so he could be shown as a pup and even though I knew he couldn't beat the "big boys", it was fun just to have him there. He actually did very well, stood nicely for the judge and paid good attention to me.

He gaited well, and won his puppy class. So,he even went home with a little blue ribbon. And gave his "parents" some bragging rights.

Camille's breeder was at this show as well. She was pretty pleased when she learned about our new Rally title, and invited me over to her car to "see something".... Oh my!!! the most beautiful puppies!!! If this little chap had been a girl, and brown and white instead of black and white.... I would have had a new baby in the house tonite. He was a darling!!! But, I have a thing for brown and white cockers, and I really want my next pup to be a girl... so I am holding out!!!! holding this little guy... I just can't describe it... I am truly a "cocker person" and there is nothing better than a little pup......

It was a fun... and long day.... the kids came up for supper, Banjo and Camille were very tired. Banjo thought he could take a little snooze in his Mommy's lap.....

"what do you mean we go back again tomorrow and do it all over..... didn't I do good enough today????"