Yesterday (Oct 10) there was a an all breed match held by York County Kennel Club in Saco, MAINE.Since this is only 15 minutes or so from the house, we thought it was a great time to get Cash acquainted with showing, and for Fiona , a reminder of ring work. She hasn't been in the ring since the Canadian National in August!
They were also doing Rally in the morning and I have been wanting to try Traveler in Rally. We attended a couple of classes a couple years ago and just haven't been able to get back into it. Karen said she would take him in(since she has more rally time then I do) and I said "why not!"
So...Traveler in Rally in the morning and then 3 month old Cash and big sis Fee in conformation in the afternoon. No problem. Baths for the younger two, and a ..somewhat grooming for Trav. (he has been used as Cash's chew toy, so don't feel too closely -BG) Cash jumped out of the tub after the initial "wetting" but once back in the tub, stood stoically through the rest of the bath.Since he air dried, he was done.
Fee gave me the eye roll during her bath, but made it through without any permanent damage. (she SLEEPS in the tub....but add water to that and it's a punishment)
Sunday was chilly but sunny and we set out with just Traveler, leaving the others chill out at home till needed. He LOVED seeing everyone and couldn't understand why he couldn't just run and play with all the dogs. He knew he wasn't showing, so figured it must be a bounce! He did settle after a while( which was good. And we got to watch the advanced classes) and soon it was his turn in the Rally ring.
I was a bit nervous, watching, hoping he would at least make it through. We have worked a bit at home, but nothing serious. Plus, no bait in the ring! Anyway, he and Karen started off pretty good. He did just about everything she wanted, and it was fun to watch. At the end, he started looking for me, but she got to repeat a sign, and he did better. He made it through, got a score of 87 and Q'ed with a third place! Guess we start trying to save up for Rally classes. He had fun and since he is semi-retired from showing, it gives him a reason to go out. We were thrilled.
Thank you Karen!!
Pat ran Trav home, loaded up Fee and Cash (I guess the next one will have to be "Check" or "Fin") and back to the show site. We had a bit of a wait, so there was plenty of time to get Cash used to everything. Boy does he love people! He and Fee even did some therapy work with an elderly woman in a walker/chair. She couldn't get enough of them. She kept asking for Cash to jump up so she could pat him and when he moved on to the rest of the crowd, Fee would lean against her and she would just stroke Fee's head. I think Fee would make a great therapy dog.Meanwhile Cash was going down the line of people in a mass kissing contest. Both of them had tons of pictures taken[lol]
So, ok, finally ring time. Cash did pretty good moving on the lead(he loves food so that helps) Stacking and holding still?...yeah right. The judge got her share of kisses. Next Fee went in. They were the only Beardies, so it was quick.
Now they both have to wait again, Cash for Puppy Group and Fee for the adult.
Cash did more "people surfing" and had a romp outside.Fee waited like a Princess.
So Puppy Group time....now he has to go in the ring with other dogs. Thankfully, the hot dog kept him busy and helped when he noticed..."hey there's a dog behind me"! Again he didn't hold still much, but Pat got a few really nice free stacks out of him. They had a moment also, when the shepherd in front of him turned and hit the gate by accident. It clanged, and Cash jumped. Pat said he recovered ok, but was worried for a minute. Cash ended up with a Third, and the judge said she just loved him. For him, and excellent adventure.
Now , finally the end of a long day, it's Fee's turn again. We go in when called and start doing our thing. I know the judge teaches handling and also handles herself, so I am doing my best. I get some nice free stacks from Herself, we go around nicely and I try to keep Fee happy while making sure she looks good. I truly have no idea how the other dogs did, as my focus was on her the whole time.
So the final line-up, the judge comes out with the ribbons, and compliments everyone. Then (my favorite part) she says ..."but I HAVE to give it to the Bearded Collie!"
OMG, that was so exciting! I felt like jumping up and down.."WE WON, WE WON" Silly I know, it was only a match, but we have never won one before.
So it was a fantastic day for the Avalon gang
And Fee was the Best Damn Dog There[LOL}
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