March Break

Miley is still smiling even running through the very heavy and granular snow.

I'll be taking a break from blogging for several weeks while I gear up for the ASSA National in Tucson. I am very excited to have an entry of 103 for Futurity, and I can't wait to judge some of our Breeds finest youngsters. But before we leave I have to transform this farm dog and three others into show dogs!

Blast From the Past

I was in the basement looking for a box suitable for shipping when I came across a box of photos I hadn't seen in about twenty years. There were many that made me smile; this was one...my Mom and brother with Dusty, our first Sheltie.

Another shows my first Gordon Setter puppy "Tristan" with my brothers out fishing...so cute.

Westminster: Best In Show

This is a VERY photo intense entry. I will let the pictures tell the story. To view the names of the finalist go to Westminster Best in Show

Before you get the rosette, there is the press to deal with!

I want to thank Pete for his efforts in taking these wonderful photos. It has been fun editing them and reliving the moment from a different vantage point.

Westminster: Working and Terrier Groups

"May we have the Working Group please!" The huge Tibetan mastiff dwarfs a large Bullmastiff coming in the ring.

The judge Mrs Kimberly Meredith-Cavanna made quite a picture with her curls and velvet two piece outfit with a long flowing skirt. I would have tripped over it, but she managed to pull it off.

Alaskan Malamute Ch Sno Klassic Play The Game took Group 4th. This was such a charming dog; his tail was wagging constantly.

The very striking Boxer female Ch Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream

She took group second.

The Akitas are always so lovely to look at. This was Ch Sondaisa Seize The Moment.

Ch Meadow View Officer N A Gentleman in contrast with his handler who looks so polished!

The Komondor is a showstopper but the maintenance of this coat must be a nightmare! I can't imagine how long it takes to wash and dry this dog...

St Bernard Alta Vista's Billion Kilowatt CD

Siberian Husky Ch Paragon's Red Red Wine

The Doberman Ch Allure Blazing Star Alisation was the #2 dog all breeds in the US last year (behind the Scottie) and she was so very showy. "CJ" and her handler had quite a bond. I love this sequence of shots...

Too cute...

On the move...

Final deliberations...

The group goes to the Doberman; an emotional win for the handler.

On to Terriers; Mrs. Loraine Boutwell goes over Bedlington Terrier Ch Boardwalk's Bling Bling

Love this Smooth Fox Terrier; Ch J'Cobe Kemosabe Vigilante Justice (took Group 2).

Irish Terrier Ch Fleet St Fenway Fan

The so very cute Dandie Dinmont Ch Pennywise Hot Pursuit

And the Group winner (America's top dog all breeds last year) Scottish Terrier Ch Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot

Westminster: The Sporting Group

We missed judging of the groups on Monday night due to a dinner reservation. We have a little about that on our travel blog.

After watching some of the breed judging on Tuesday, we had dinner at Madison Square Garden and then got ready to watch Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups in anticipation for Best in Show!

This year was the first time Irish Red and White Setters where shown at Westminster. It got a special mention before judging began...

I love when the announcer welcomes the dogs to the ring. "Can we have the sporting group please!"

Pete stood for all three groups and Best in Show. He jostled with the paparazzi while I had a nice comfy seat with Geoff Browne and the Pedigree crew. I think he got some great pictures...

Judge Dr. Donald Sturz, Jr has a first look at the entries.

Brittany Ch Willowick Talltean and the Pointer Ch Bookstor Inherit The Wind

Pointer on the move...

Welsh Springer Spaniel Ch Heatherstone's Jopa Blue. This is the first Welsh I've seen with an undocked tail. Love this shot; he seems very joyous!

I loved this Gordon Setter (Ch Firethorn And Sandpiper Easy On The Eyes) and it was one of my favorites to win. He placed third in the Group.

Ch Fireside's Spontaneous Combustion was another of my favorites. I don't know anything about Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, but I thought this was a very sound dog with a great attitude. He didn't win either...but I believe he made the cut.

The Irish Red and White Setter, Ch Shireoak Caniscaeli Windsong on the move.

I love this shot too; it is so expressive! Irish Water Spaniel Ch Poole's Ide Got Water RN keeping his eye on his handler. He won Group 2nd.

A lovely Clumber Spaniel female, Ch Clussexx See You Later Alligator

English Setter Ch Reidwood Red Alert

Flat-Coated Retriever Ch Quillquest Etched In Stone waiting to be judged.

Pete took photos of all the Setters. Here is the Irish Ch Greengate Buzz Lightyear.

The crowd favorite, Golden Retriever Ch Toasty's Treasure Island. I was rooting for him too (he didn't even win a group placement)...darn.

This dog won; I didn't get it, but then I wasn't asked to judge! We all do anyway (don't we???), that is the fun of watching Westminster! I'll post the other two groups and BIS another day.