Next week Leroy is entered in his first show as a champion. Thus, our journey with a dog as a special in the show ring begins. It’s a journey that I am ready to take, but not READY to take, know what I mean?
I am tired of sitting back and watching the shows happen, watching who is winning and who is not, however, I am a bit discouraged at how many Newf specials are out there right now. In the past few years there has been 2-3 specials out each year. This year the average in our area is 6-10. There are, in most cases this year, more specials then class dogs entered. Of course it would be this way THIS year. We’re specialing a dog and so is everyone else that shows a Newf.
A “Special” means that the dog has already earned their AKC championship and they are competing for ranking points. Specials only compete at Best of Breed and above level (Group and Best in Show)
We are moving in the right direction with Leroy as far as getting him ready to special. I like what I see, but we are already well behind the other specials that are out now since they have been showing since January and we still have more work that needs to be done, but it’s either take the plunge now or wait to start the journey until next year. I don’t want to wait another 10 months. I want to get back in the ring. I haven’t seen Leroy show since November.
He’s come along way since then. I’ve come a long way since then. We still have further to go.
Over the last few months I have been doing a lot of thinking. (imagine that, me over thinking things) Thinking about what I would like us to accomplish this year. At 3 1/2, Leroy is still pretty young, so we don’t have to rush anything. This year I would like to pick up a few select points towards his grand championship title. I am not looking to win Best of Breed, although one time would be fine with me. I would like to compete in the working group at least once this year. That would awesome. Then next year, in 2013, if all goes decent in 2012, we will go out stronger, with more goals.
Only time will tell where this journey will take us.
To my totally awesome readers, I know that some of you have had issues trying to comment on my posts which is why I tried to change my comment form the other day. Well…..for about 30 seconds I was back to the old blogger comment form and then all of a sudden there was no place to comment. After working on this for hours last night, I am sorry to say that I had to stay with my previous comment form. I hope you understand:))) If you do not see a place for comments try clicking on the post title and that should bring up the comment form.
