Busy week: Toronto and Syracuse

Pete and I spent Tuesday to Thursday in Toronto. I have more snaps here.

On Friday I did an airport run, bathed five dogs and Pete had six meetings (both of us were exhausted by end of day) and on Saturday morning LuAnne, Pete and I went to the Marriott in downtown Ottawa to give a presentation on Shelties to the Canadian Judges Study Group.

Right after the presentation we went home and packed up Emma, Miley, Mayer and Cocoa and headed to Syracuse. It was a gorgeous sunny day with temperature around 18 C. The pups had a good outing. Miley and Mayer turned 6 months old the day of the show and had a wonderful debut.
Our good friend Brenda Campbell (Anamchara Shelties) drove down from London and was a huge help; we couldn't have gotten them all done up without her. Brenda also handled Miley to BOS in Sweeps!
Mayer waiting to go in the ring...I'm looking worn out from all the travelling.

Little squirt - actually Mayer is a nice size of 14 inches at 6 months of age.

With the big boys for Winners Dog. I managed to embarrass myself by going for my bait and flipping all the contents of my pocket onto the floor. I think I was surprised as everyone else what I had in there...tons of kibbles and bits of liver. Mayer thought he'd won the jackpot! Despite his handler, he pulled off a 4 point major reserve!

Miley from ringside

Showing her beautiful angles to the judge.

Miley won her class and was one of the three pulled for winners!

Cocoa won the Open Sable class and went on to Reserve WB! Emma won both her sweeps and regular class...so it was a very successful outing for our guys - four dogs entered, 7 class firsts, BOS in Sweeps and two Reserves.

Long Weekend

I went two days to the show in Cornwall with young Emma (Laureate Embelish) as well as Barbie and the Paris pups along for the ride.

After 18 years of driving a minivan, we sold our Odyssey last week and this was the first show in our new car. Pete helped me pack, and it couldn't have worked out better. Two 200 size crates fit in perfectly in the back on top of the x-pen. The grooming table was behind them, and then the Poodle crate fits in sideways with my tack box, extra supplies, clothes etc. beside that. There was room for luggage on top of the crates if need be. Since this is about the maximum I ever bring to a show, the new car should work out perfectly. I'm very happy. The show grounds at Farran Park are very lovely I'm not sure how long the Cornwall show has been held there, but the last time we exhibited at that show it was at the Civic Centre which was always memorable as it was downwind from the Dupont plant (and the sulphur smell). I found a great spot with shade close to the rings. Emma took reserve WB the first day and 2 points on Monday. Monday evening we were treated with a visit from Brenda Campbell (Anamchara Shelties). We had a very nice visit. We walked puppies in town for socializing. went to a movie (Julie and Julia...loved it) and then last evening and this morning took the dogs out back in the fields for a run.
Mayer able to keep up with the rest
We have recently had the back fields mowed, so the dogs had lots more area to run. The downside was the drainage ditch between the fields was easier to access and right away they made a dash for the water (and mud).
Barbie and her new sidekick Mayer

Our "show dog"...miss Emma

Not sure if it is possible for them to have a better time, or to be dirtier...

Our Visitors

Rui Alves Monteiro (Casa Mont'Alves) and his beautiful family spent several days with us. We toured Ottawa, went to the National Gallery, an Imax film at the Museum of Civilization and a fireworks display hosted by their country, Portugal. On Friday I entered our cute, but very immature girl "Emma", so Rui could experience one of our shows. We groom a bit differently, so I showed him how I do them up.
We had a great parking spot with a nice shady spot where we could watch the show.

Rui looking so professional.

In the ring.
We had hot weather for the first time all summer. We went for a walk nonetheless.
In the back field with the gang.

Taking a break and getting hydrated!

Little Stormy gets a smooch...

The old gal's LuAnne and Gabi needed a lift back. It was too hot for them.

LuAnne loving being hugged and kissed.

Rui and the gang. Most of our guys are out of coat; something that was a surprise to him. Apparently they don't blow coat as badly in Portugal, nor do they grow as dense a coat; an interesting difference between the countries.
Big smile!

Paris being cheeky!

With Gabi and LuAnne

Paula and Rui going for a test drive.

We were delighted to meet Rui, Paula, Henrique and Isabella. A lovely family who we hope to see again one day. Visit their blog to view the photos of their trip. They spent 10 days with friends in the Toronto area before coming here...I was envious, they had such a great time. I just got a note from Rui, they have just arrived back home and no doubt have plenty of stories to share with their friends.

Cocoa-Bean and Coconut Cupcakes

It is the third day of a three day show weekend and I’m exhausted. I’m out of practice going to shows and waiting around for the group judging. I drove home after a long day yesterday and then had a party to go to. Then this morning I’m preparing dinner for my Mom’s Birthday party tonight. So far I’ve made The Barefoot Contessa’s coconut cupcakes (which if you haven’t tried, are to die for) and I’ve prepared the roast. (So Mom if you’re reading this…surprise!!!) All Pete has to do is put it in the oven while I’m at the show. I went to bring in Cocoa after being out in the yard for half an hour and she was wet and muddy. So she’s been bathed and blown dry. Writing the blog is my way of relaxing a bit before I have to hit the road.

Little "Cocoa-Bean" has been terrific. This is her first time at a show, and she is a natural. She uses her ears non-stop and moves out beautifully. She is a lot of fun. She has won her class of 5-6 both days and taken reserve to a lovely mature tri girl. She also took best puppy both days. She reminds me most of our Gabrielle, who was this way as a baby…confident, happy and game for whatever you ask of her.

I brought Bunny along for the ride yesterday. I wanted her to get used to the noise of a dog show, and I also wanted some grooming advice from the Poodle handlers. She was fine with the noise and trotted beside me confidently and wanted to meet everyone. She was a hit with my Sheltie friends, who can relate to her beauty. I got some really great grooming tips and one of the handlers did a great trim on her…on one side! She said, now I have to make it match on the other side! The transformation is amazing…she looks like a show puppy. I had her in a nice rounded out “pet” look, and now she is angular and dramatic. Pictures of both Bunny and Cocoa will have to wait until the sun is out.

PART TWO

This is for Rui! Wish you were here...too much food for us to eat. My Mom took a "doggie bag" home with cupcakes and icing.

Had a successful day at the show today. Cocoa once again won her class and went on to win WB/BW and Best Puppy in Group. Great prizes today, we won $50 worth of gas cards and a Tim's card. What a fun little puppy, shows non stop, not worried about the noise or all the shenanigans that were going on behind her in the puppy class. We had a LOT of compliments from non-Sheltie people, which makes me think we're on the right track with soundness. Also compliments from Sheltie breeders, so that feels good as well. Cocoa enjoyed a cupcake when she got home!