Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Peninsula Dog Fancier's Show update

Yes, Kenji won BOB both days, Trixie won BOS for another point on Saturday. But the big news... and the dog that really deserves the spotlight because he just doesn't get enough recognition in a house full of shibas...is that Timber, my australian shepherd, qualified both days in Rally-O. On Sunday, he not only qualified, but won a 4th place ribbon with a 97 out of 100 score. I'm so proud of my boy!!! And by the way, it's his third birthday today, so he gets extra hugs and kisses and a nice big chewy.

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Not to overshadow Timber's success on his birthday, but here is Kenji's photo winning his championship in Arizona. Finally got the photos.
Champion Kenji

Friday, March 12, 2010

Growing up and moving on...

Sometimes there is a puppy in a litter that just tears at your heart. In this litter it was Edge - the fat faced, calm demeanor, cuddler of the bunch. A friend of mine visited us a couple weeks ago and fell in love with Edge, too. And today Edge jumped a plane and took off for Arizona to an amazing home and a great future. We'll miss him terribly, but I know he has the best home any puppy could ask for.

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Don Juan and Edge
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Timber and Edge
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Tama and Edge
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

A dream come true.

Just got home from the Fiesta Cluster in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Before I left for Arizona, I joked about sweeping the show with the three littermates that were in attendance. "Wouldn't it be nice if Kona won breed, Trixie won winner's bitch and Kenji won best of winners?" But to do that at a major show with some hefty competition, the stars would really have to align.

They did.

On Saturday, during the Arizona Shiba Inu Association's (ASIA) sponsored event, that is exactly what took place. (And we all have beautifully engraved plates to prove it! Thank you ASIA) It was a major in the girls to boot, and Kenji, by taking Best of Winner's also won a major that day.

We almost did it again on Sunday, Trixie won WB, Kenji took BW, both receiving 3 point majors and finishing Kenji's championship. An exhibitor called for the wicket in the Best of Breed class, so all the champions competing for Best of Breed and the WB and BW were measured to make sure they were within the height range. It took a really long time to wicket the 8 dogs in the ring - all while standing in the rain. Kona was pulled out against one other male dog for consideration but the win ended up going to the other, also well-deserving, special.

We were keeping our finger's crossed for more points for Trixie on Monday. She currently has 11 points with both majors. But the stars unaligned, the clouds rolled in, it rained, it poured and the show grounds flooded. The show on Monday was canceled.

Here is a photo of the show grounds on Monday morning when we went to collect all of our belongings from our little set up.

Fiesta Cluster showgrounds rained out

Never the less, Lennie/Tama puppies kicked some butt this weekend... Kenji finished his championship, Trixie is almost there, and Kona racked up his 6th Best of Breed Win.

Thank you John for his showing expertise, and to both John and Carol for everything you did! Thank you Valerie for letting Trixie and I invade your house for the week. I already miss you, Jeff, Kona and Pet-Kai. Hugs to all my Arizona friends. I can't begin to tell you how much I miss all of you already! You make dog shows loads of fun. Can't wait until Nationals to see all of you again.

Kona
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Trixie
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Kenji
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And when the dogs weren't showing, they got to enjoy time out at the pool.
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