My First Dog Show

I knew it was going to be a fun day when I saw world champion dogs playing in the rain with their handlers as we drove to the parking lot. "They're allowed to get muddy paws?" You betcha!

This was my first visit to an AKC dog show and the end to my perception that purebreds and their handlers are "stuffy."

Newfoundlands having a meeting

 It was an all-breed show, which meant that every breed was being judged. With over 160 breeds, there was more going on then you could see in the course of one day.

Labs just wanna have fun. Their tails never stop wagging.

There were six rings of different breeds being judged, two agility courses and, meanwhile, dogs mingling with the crowd as they got ready for their red carpet walk.

This was my Rottweiler buddy.
He'd lean hard against you if you stopped petting
(and he weighed a LOT)
He also gave me a kiss. sweeeeet.

Do they enjoy being pampered? YES! Their tails were wagging
and they got lots of pets, hugs and attention.

 You could also walk through the bath and grooming area.



"I look good coming and going, dahling!"

The dogs were in their element as they greeted everyone. I was a little surprised at how accessible the dogs were to us. You need to ask the handler if you can pet them, but every one of them obliged and were pleased that we wanted to.

We met champions face to face. Some of the parent dogs of those champions were there, too.



 We also got to meet puppies at their first AKC show. Cute! It was nice to see the handlers being so patient and kind. Unlike the more dignified veterans, the youngsters would jump up on the handler to play or get praised at the very end of their debut walk. I guess puppies will be puppies even if they are future champions!

It was clear that these are pets, first and foremost, that just happen to also be show dogs. Each dog was a ham; grinning, wagging and proud to have their turn in the spotlight.

 I think the AKC is doing a great service for us and dogs. We would probably see most of these breeds gone if it wasn't for this organization. Their strict guidelines for breeding ensure the health and welfare of the dogs. If you have a chance to go to a show, please do, and take the kids! Whether you have a mixed breed shelter dog (as have been all of mine,) a purebred or have never owned a dog, I know that you will have a fun time.

  Everyone, especially the dogs, loved the agility course!

Go With the Flow

First...if you want some uplifting, fun music to accompany you while you read this, click on the pink music player to the right for "It's a Marshmallow World in the Winter."

Well, I finally finished that tabletop quilt to match the Christmas dishes. I knew if I put it away unfinished that it would forever stay tucked in the back of the cupboard just that way, so I forced myself to get it done before starting another project.

"The Lord blesses his people with peace"
quilt with embroidery and applique

Now I get to go shopping for some fun Easter fabric this weekend!

I'm not the only one that procrastinated over the holidays. I just got my sister's Christmas "newsletter" on MLK day! Always nice to hear from her, though.

Then, there is my Amaryllis that just didn't want to bloom at Christmas. Still, it is nice to have bright red blooms during this dreary January weather.

Back yard snowgardeners

And oh, I can't forget the snow! We always get snow by Christmas, but, you guessed it; not this year! Our first snowflakes fell on Sunday and just now are melting away from the incoming Pineapple Express rainmaker. My husband got to stay home (there goes my work schedule!) due to snowy/icy roads. Pleading with him to stop bugging me so that I could get some work done, he emailed me from his new Ipad from the next room, "Look out the window." Now, how could I get mad when I saw this?

the rain is melting my heart!

You know, I think I like a little slower pace. That old "type A" personality gets me into too many stressed situations as I force everything and everyone to conform to my schedule. OK, I now pronounce 2012 as the year of going with the flow.
I plan to

Take time to enjoy life!