Well, we didn't do too bad but nothing great either. Khan and Stormy both won first place in their class all three days but nothing more. They only technically beat 1 - 3 dogs in their class so nothing spectacular. :( Oh well.
Andrew and Katrina did much better. Andrew is the new champion finishing in grand style. He took home Best of Breed Sunday for this Championship, beating probably about 9 adult champions on top of all the other dogs and bitches in the show. Great job Sarah and Andrew! That's a spectacular win!!
Soon the Washington Specialty. Perhaps Khan will finish next!!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Dixon, CA
Well, my entries might not make it in time. If I enter online, I could get double charged. I can't afford that. Seems to me there are plenty of signs saying not to go. Besides, I asked a virtual online 8 ball and it kept telling me not to go, consistently. Well, if my entries make it I'll be there. If not then it's just me and my pups camping the Oregon Coast and Crater Lake. That is still a Win, Win for me. :)
***UPDATE**
My entries made it in after all. Dixon, here we come!
***UPDATE**
My entries made it in after all. Dixon, here we come!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Another Point!
Just got back from the Shelton shows. Khan won another point. YAY! 6 Points and 1 Major. Almost halfway to champion! I really, really want and need another Major. I can't wait to win again!!
Pics from the Shelton weekend will be up soon. I'm beat. I left around 2pm and just got to the house after 5pm. I just now walked in the door and I am plum tuckered out. It was slowwww going on I-5 for a couple of hours. I wanted to take naps between the stops in traffic. Seriously, it was that bad. Glad I didnt' fall asleep. Glad to be home.
Pups are happy and fed. Nadia, my cat is purring in my arms while I type on the lap top. I think she's happy we are all home. It's a perfect time for a power nap but knowing me, it will just throw off my schedule. Ehh, oh well. I'm super tired. I'm gonna sleep and unload the car later.
Pics from the Shelton weekend will be up soon. I'm beat. I left around 2pm and just got to the house after 5pm. I just now walked in the door and I am plum tuckered out. It was slowwww going on I-5 for a couple of hours. I wanted to take naps between the stops in traffic. Seriously, it was that bad. Glad I didnt' fall asleep. Glad to be home.
Pups are happy and fed. Nadia, my cat is purring in my arms while I type on the lap top. I think she's happy we are all home. It's a perfect time for a power nap but knowing me, it will just throw off my schedule. Ehh, oh well. I'm super tired. I'm gonna sleep and unload the car later.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Mt Vernon Wins
First day with Judge Judy A. Harrington.
Finally we win something. It's been a while. I hope we keep on winning. In this show Khan was very excited. He got to see Seven and Blitz and it's been so long since he's seen them. He was just so excited. Stormy was just being a total flirt to Blitz. Just shameless, I tell ya. She was a cutie patutie pie. They all did really well and Khan took the prize for Winner's dog and also Best of Opposite to the Best of Breed. Woo hoo!
The odd thing was Destiny didn't get the breed and she was the only special. (The only CH). Winner's Bitch got the Best of Breed. That was a shock. That bitch that won doesn't even have any points yet. She could have been started late but still. Stormy has her beat with a Major and it frustrates me that she loses to that dog. I should probably look at the dog more closely. I don't even know if it's a nice dog. Must be since she keeps winning over Stormy. Ok, it's happened like 4 times but still. I can't wait to beat bitches with Stormy. I think Stormy is pretty awesome in her elegant way and she moves sooo nice.
Second day with Judge Walter Pinsker.
On this day we showed by ourselves. I was nervous because I didn't have a second handler in case Stormy and Khan both went up for Best of Winners. Luckily, Randy Shepherd was there and he was nice enough to have one of his kids or assistants on hand in case I needed help. That was really awesome. He's such an nice guy. If I ever want a pro handler for any of my dogs, there's no question I would chose him. He's the nicest guy and his daughter the top junior handler and I think he has a son and they all do so well.
Someday I actually do hope I will need to have him handle one or more of my dogs, for a Major Crazy Special Show or something. :) For now, I'm really excited about doing it all on my own, learning the ropes. It sooo helps I have some of the best dogs in the country too.
So for this show, I really enjoyed the judge. I'm not sure where he is from but he had an accent and a certain flair and style. I liked him. He was fun. I'm really glad he chose Khan for Best of Winners for the point and for the picture. I think he is pretty cool.
Finally we win something. It's been a while. I hope we keep on winning. In this show Khan was very excited. He got to see Seven and Blitz and it's been so long since he's seen them. He was just so excited. Stormy was just being a total flirt to Blitz. Just shameless, I tell ya. She was a cutie patutie pie. They all did really well and Khan took the prize for Winner's dog and also Best of Opposite to the Best of Breed. Woo hoo! The odd thing was Destiny didn't get the breed and she was the only special. (The only CH). Winner's Bitch got the Best of Breed. That was a shock. That bitch that won doesn't even have any points yet. She could have been started late but still. Stormy has her beat with a Major and it frustrates me that she loses to that dog. I should probably look at the dog more closely. I don't even know if it's a nice dog. Must be since she keeps winning over Stormy. Ok, it's happened like 4 times but still. I can't wait to beat bitches with Stormy. I think Stormy is pretty awesome in her elegant way and she moves sooo nice.
Second day with Judge Walter Pinsker.
On this day we showed by ourselves. I was nervous because I didn't have a second handler in case Stormy and Khan both went up for Best of Winners. Luckily, Randy Shepherd was there and he was nice enough to have one of his kids or assistants on hand in case I needed help. That was really awesome. He's such an nice guy. If I ever want a pro handler for any of my dogs, there's no question I would chose him. He's the nicest guy and his daughter the top junior handler and I think he has a son and they all do so well.Someday I actually do hope I will need to have him handle one or more of my dogs, for a Major Crazy Special Show or something. :) For now, I'm really excited about doing it all on my own, learning the ropes. It sooo helps I have some of the best dogs in the country too.
So for this show, I really enjoyed the judge. I'm not sure where he is from but he had an accent and a certain flair and style. I liked him. He was fun. I'm really glad he chose Khan for Best of Winners for the point and for the picture. I think he is pretty cool.
Can you identify these puppies?
I see Stormy in the Mix. There seems to be 7 pups in this pile. I believe Khan and Seven are out of the pen, so they are not in this pic. Can you identify each pup?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Puzzle Toys Update
Angela is right. Once these guys get their mind set on something, they are pretty determined. My pups, only at 7 months, has managed to damage half of the seemingly indestructible puzzle toys I've been using, and it's only been about a week. The ones that have survived without much complaint has been the Kongs. I'll just stick with those for now and do toy destructibility testing just once in a while. :)
I've mixed peanut butter and senior kibble inside the Kongs for the pups. Hank gets his treats and puzzles with the less indestructible toys. ;)
Speaking of puzzle toys and trying to keep the pups busy, I'm having a hard time finding raw hide type chews that are made in the US at an affordable price. I mean, they are not crazy expensive but compared to the ones made outside of the country they are double to triple to higher on the price. How does that work? I mean it's made here and it's excess parts but it's more spendy???
Sarah pointed out that treats from Costco are usually from other countries so I checked and dang it, she's right. After the whole meat issue with other countries I'm now also a bit hesitant in buying treats outside of the country. I'm sure it's ok but it set me on a search and I'm really surprised US made raw hide is not as easy to find and once you do find it, they aren't cheap. Where does all that stuff go? I mean, isn't it excess? Does it really cost that much more to make money of off excess meat parts? I know US eats a large share of meats, so where are the inexpensive yet safe US raw hide chews?
There's a vendor that will be at the Sequim show that carries US made hard chew type treats. I'll have to get a few from her. Actually, the hard chews from her store are from cows that are naturally raised or something. I'll have to get details. I don't think it was organic or anything but there was something good about it. I really enjoy her store too. She has the most toys and lots of interesting ones. Nice leads too. Wish I wasn't so broke. :/
I've mixed peanut butter and senior kibble inside the Kongs for the pups. Hank gets his treats and puzzles with the less indestructible toys. ;)
Speaking of puzzle toys and trying to keep the pups busy, I'm having a hard time finding raw hide type chews that are made in the US at an affordable price. I mean, they are not crazy expensive but compared to the ones made outside of the country they are double to triple to higher on the price. How does that work? I mean it's made here and it's excess parts but it's more spendy???
Sarah pointed out that treats from Costco are usually from other countries so I checked and dang it, she's right. After the whole meat issue with other countries I'm now also a bit hesitant in buying treats outside of the country. I'm sure it's ok but it set me on a search and I'm really surprised US made raw hide is not as easy to find and once you do find it, they aren't cheap. Where does all that stuff go? I mean, isn't it excess? Does it really cost that much more to make money of off excess meat parts? I know US eats a large share of meats, so where are the inexpensive yet safe US raw hide chews?
There's a vendor that will be at the Sequim show that carries US made hard chew type treats. I'll have to get a few from her. Actually, the hard chews from her store are from cows that are naturally raised or something. I'll have to get details. I don't think it was organic or anything but there was something good about it. I really enjoy her store too. She has the most toys and lots of interesting ones. Nice leads too. Wish I wasn't so broke. :/
Monday, July 6, 2009
To Dixon or Not To Dixon...
That is the question. It's spendy, a little risky, scary.. well, also exciting and new and a challenge. I wouldn't say the competition is completely easy. I mean, you just never really know what the outcome will be. Hmm... but I still think I should go for it. I mean, the more I show the pups the more chances they have to take points home. It will also help me gain more confidence for upcoming shows whether we win in Dixon or not. I think they might even have a best in show puppy competition that weekend too.
This show will most likely be a Major. They both need to win another Major in order to be titled champions. I know there are plenty of major shows coming up but I only have until November 17th for them to make champion in order to qualify for Eukanuba next year. Hmm... well, let's see.. there's the Portland shows, the Enumclaw shows, and there's a set in Idaho in October that I have to rearrange my schedule for but then that's it for all the chances to win a major. Argh...I thought they also had Ridgefield but that's on Dec 5th, way after their 1st birthday. That show will be too late to qualify them for Eukanuba. AHHH!!! That means I really should go. I need all the chances I can get and I believe my pups really have a good chance to take the points! God, I hope my car does ok for this long trip.
First we do the Sequim show and visit Lake Crescent in the Olympic Peninsula. After that weekend we head down to the Oregon Coast Monday and spend a couple of nights camping in Cape Lookout State Park. We have the option to stay till Friday or head down to Crater Lake and camp there a night or two. Then, Friday we head for Dixon. I'd like to stay in a hotel Friday, Saturday and Sunday then travel back Monday. It's a 12 hour drive so it's probably best to have the whole day traveling. Sounds like a nice trip, now to find the funds for it. YAY! TO DIXON!
This show will most likely be a Major. They both need to win another Major in order to be titled champions. I know there are plenty of major shows coming up but I only have until November 17th for them to make champion in order to qualify for Eukanuba next year. Hmm... well, let's see.. there's the Portland shows, the Enumclaw shows, and there's a set in Idaho in October that I have to rearrange my schedule for but then that's it for all the chances to win a major. Argh...I thought they also had Ridgefield but that's on Dec 5th, way after their 1st birthday. That show will be too late to qualify them for Eukanuba. AHHH!!! That means I really should go. I need all the chances I can get and I believe my pups really have a good chance to take the points! God, I hope my car does ok for this long trip.
First we do the Sequim show and visit Lake Crescent in the Olympic Peninsula. After that weekend we head down to the Oregon Coast Monday and spend a couple of nights camping in Cape Lookout State Park. We have the option to stay till Friday or head down to Crater Lake and camp there a night or two. Then, Friday we head for Dixon. I'd like to stay in a hotel Friday, Saturday and Sunday then travel back Monday. It's a 12 hour drive so it's probably best to have the whole day traveling. Sounds like a nice trip, now to find the funds for it. YAY! TO DIXON!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Some old Khan flicks
These are some of my favorite vids of Khan:
Khan and the Turkey
Hank and Khan playing tug of war.
Hank and Khan
Hank and Khan with rawhide
Khan and the Turkey
Hank and Khan playing tug of war.
Hank and Khan
Hank and Khan with rawhide
July 4th 2009
On-call for work so I'm at home. I swear this is the second year in a row I'm doing on-call on 4th of July. I'm not doing this again next year. I'm actually also on the phone with Don too. Ha ha, he's in Madison, Wisconsin. It's pretty loud and fun to hear people celebrating outside. All the pets are doing good. The pups aren't freaked out at all. I'm glad about that.
I made pork adobo and cooked up some Quinoa instead of rice. I'm trying to be healthy. :) I actually really like quinoa. It's like having nuttier brown rice. I cooked it in chicken broth so it's extra good.
I'm starting to water the back yard heavily since it's been super dry and hot lately. I filmed Stormy playing in the sprinkler. She's so cute. I had to supervise though so that she wouldn't get carried away and chew the system. The yard looks terrible because it's been so hot and dry but come fall I'd really like to get it green again. I really want to work on it. I think it would be fun so long as it wasn't too expensive. I don't own the house or anything. :)
Here is Stormy playing with the sprinkler. Yes, she's super cute. Also, look how really nice she is when she moves. She has an awesome smooth gait and that steady top line, excellent front. She is really something. I want the judges to see how really great she is. Watch her at play.
Stormy and the Sprinkler
I want to WIN!
I think my dogs really have what it takes to champion by 12 months. I think I have the right amount of determination to do it too, even though I'm such a novice in the ring. We all are, me the pups.. but I really, really, really want to do it. I at least want to try. I'm not rich, I just really want to do it.
I've been trying to study the different judges but it's not like it would stop me from showing. I have to get the confidence anyway and loosing really teaches you something. I try to visualize each step of the way in order to calm my nerves. Arriving early at the shows and running through the routine with the pups has really helped calm me down. Actually, being able to set up with two high energy pups has given me a real boost in confidence.
Shelton is the next show. I reserved camping so that I could be with-in 15 miles of the show ring instead of driving 110 miles from my house each way. At first it was going to be fine, 2 dogs, hair in a bun. Well, I cut my hair and now require a blow dryer and straightener. Hmm.. what am I to do? Also, my housemate is out of town so I have to bring Hank. Hmm.. why does the universe hate me so much?
Well, at least I can get Hank his microchip. They have a vet that can microchip dogs. If I can bring all of my dogs, set them up and do well, or at least get through the show, I will gain a lot of confidence. I think this might be a good thing. It also helps me prepare for California shows since I'm seriously considering camping for them. I even researched the weather from last year to visualize my time there.
What do I do about my hair? Hmm... I should try putting it in curlers and see if that looks cute in a pony. Bleah, I don't want to do a pony tail. I want to look like my hair is nice and prepared.
I've been trying to study the different judges but it's not like it would stop me from showing. I have to get the confidence anyway and loosing really teaches you something. I try to visualize each step of the way in order to calm my nerves. Arriving early at the shows and running through the routine with the pups has really helped calm me down. Actually, being able to set up with two high energy pups has given me a real boost in confidence.
Shelton is the next show. I reserved camping so that I could be with-in 15 miles of the show ring instead of driving 110 miles from my house each way. At first it was going to be fine, 2 dogs, hair in a bun. Well, I cut my hair and now require a blow dryer and straightener. Hmm.. what am I to do? Also, my housemate is out of town so I have to bring Hank. Hmm.. why does the universe hate me so much?
Well, at least I can get Hank his microchip. They have a vet that can microchip dogs. If I can bring all of my dogs, set them up and do well, or at least get through the show, I will gain a lot of confidence. I think this might be a good thing. It also helps me prepare for California shows since I'm seriously considering camping for them. I even researched the weather from last year to visualize my time there.
What do I do about my hair? Hmm... I should try putting it in curlers and see if that looks cute in a pony. Bleah, I don't want to do a pony tail. I want to look like my hair is nice and prepared.
God I love puzzle toys..
I love watching the pups keep busy with puzzle toys and stuffed chew toys. I'm going to have to get good at that keeping them filled with interesting stuff. I just really hate seeing them bored.
I got 3 of those busy buddies and added the extra enticement of freeze dried liver with the kibble. I also found a small Orbie and a Kong and stuffed them with creamy peanut butter. I read about coating the inside walls with a little honey too, in order to make the kibble stick. I'll have to switch it up and find recipies to keep things interesting for me and the pups. I want keep them busy while I'm gone all day.
It's in the dogs' natural instinct to search and work for food so this new program is something I'm going to really keep up. Instead of just feeding them, I'll make them work to find their food. I'll have to monitor their food intake. This will keep them and me busy!
Puzzle Toy Fun!
Some helpful online articles:
Making the most of Chew Toys.
Kong Stuffing 101
I got 3 of those busy buddies and added the extra enticement of freeze dried liver with the kibble. I also found a small Orbie and a Kong and stuffed them with creamy peanut butter. I read about coating the inside walls with a little honey too, in order to make the kibble stick. I'll have to switch it up and find recipies to keep things interesting for me and the pups. I want keep them busy while I'm gone all day.
It's in the dogs' natural instinct to search and work for food so this new program is something I'm going to really keep up. Instead of just feeding them, I'll make them work to find their food. I'll have to monitor their food intake. This will keep them and me busy!
Puzzle Toy Fun!
Some helpful online articles:
Making the most of Chew Toys.
Kong Stuffing 101
Friday, July 3, 2009
Dixon, CA
I am gearing up to go. Remember the Canby show? Stormy got Reserve Winner's Bitch with the judge that Saturday and he so happens to be judging the Saturday show in Dixon, CA. Now, that makes it my biggest drive to go. I had the inkling to go for a while for the experience. You know, I mean, if I can head down and show my pups in as far as California then I feel like I can show anywhere. We may or may not win but the experience will make me feel confident. That's almost 1000 miles away from my house!
Anyway, I was eying Dixon because I happen to be on vacation that week and have camping reservation on the Oregon Coast. I'm already a third of the way down. For my vacation I was considering going to Crater lake which, if I do, will make me halfway to Dixon. I mean, c'mon, I really should do it. I think the stars are aligning here. :) Ha ha ha.. well, ok, I wanted to go anyway. I should just do it.
I could technically pack all the dogs, 3 crates, my folding bike, the cart, camping gear including my cot, show clothes, shoes, cleaning supplies, towels, blankets, dog bed.... all in my LEXUS 1995 SC400, SMYLEXS: It'(s-my-Lexus) Ha ha, that's her vanity plate. She is freakin' awesome.
But, eventhough I could technically pack all the dogs, I don't think I should. Hank is much older now and this trip is probably be way too cramp for him. :( I don't want to put him through that. The pups will do fine. They are like play dough. Hank will do much better at home. Don, my housemate, says he will watch him for me and he does a nice job with Hank. Hank is the easy one of the bunch.
YAY! Dixon.. here we come!! I want Stormy to win that MAJOR!! RWAAARRRR!!!! ;)
Anyway, I was eying Dixon because I happen to be on vacation that week and have camping reservation on the Oregon Coast. I'm already a third of the way down. For my vacation I was considering going to Crater lake which, if I do, will make me halfway to Dixon. I mean, c'mon, I really should do it. I think the stars are aligning here. :) Ha ha ha.. well, ok, I wanted to go anyway. I should just do it.
I could technically pack all the dogs, 3 crates, my folding bike, the cart, camping gear including my cot, show clothes, shoes, cleaning supplies, towels, blankets, dog bed.... all in my LEXUS 1995 SC400, SMYLEXS: It'(s-my-Lexus) Ha ha, that's her vanity plate. She is freakin' awesome.
But, eventhough I could technically pack all the dogs, I don't think I should. Hank is much older now and this trip is probably be way too cramp for him. :( I don't want to put him through that. The pups will do fine. They are like play dough. Hank will do much better at home. Don, my housemate, says he will watch him for me and he does a nice job with Hank. Hank is the easy one of the bunch.
YAY! Dixon.. here we come!! I want Stormy to win that MAJOR!! RWAAARRRR!!!! ;)
Stormy Storm
Woo Hoo!!! She hasn't had an accident in her new large kennel since I placed her blanked in it. :) YAY. Soon, once I wash the bedding, she will have a thick fluffy Costco bed like her brothers and maybe I'll just keep her blanket in there too. :) She's my Stormy Storm..... it's a Stormy Storm... it's a Stormy Stormy Storm.. my Stormy Storm..(I'm singing her song).
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