So, here’s how it went. Chase was first in the ring in the first of the nine groups of Specials, Winners Dog/Bitch, Veterans, and Herding Titled Winners. He looked splendid (honestly). In short order, the judge pulled Chase and one other dog out and sent the others away. I was so surprised (and delighted). When the Champion dog groups were all sorted out, there remained nine males (including Chase). I made sure the folks sitting near me knew CPR.
Powell was also pulled out of his group so for the finals, Sherri handed Chase off to her (recently Junior) handler assistant. Chase loves Lauren, and when everyone went back in the ring, he was adoringly following her directions. Honestly, he looked wonderful — that happy, interested, enthusiastic personality AND his beautiful body. He extended well, ears up. He did not make the last cut — shucks — but I was proud of the handsome little man. We’ve had so many nice comments about him.
There was no sadness because Shelley’s Hunter Daughter Dolly went Best of Winners and Chase’s Mom — ole Alice — was the first Award of Merit Winner. Our ostentatious ribbon display has moved to the realm of obscene. I LOVE IT!
Tonight is the Annual Banquet. Tomorrow is the Three Trails Cardigan Specialty . . . and then I’ll return to the mundane world of being an attorney. I must say, having been on a losing team, and having been (this week) on the winning team — winning is way more fun.
Penni,
This is just too exciting for words! Loved the writeup, and realized I’d stopped breathing about the time you mentioned CPR! Doesn’t really matter where Chase finished in the end. From your description of how he looked and how “on” he was…he was a winner for the C-Myste/Baledwr family today!
I remember having the opportunity to see Juneau looking like that in the ring, with Axel behind him years ago. The judge asked the handlers to take them on a last circle around. It was a big field. When the dogs started to move, No No’s ears went up and the lights came on. Axel took his cue and they finished one-two! Words really can’t describe fully just what that looks like, but when you see it, you know you’ve got a “winner.” Chase is definitely that! Congratulations. I’m just delighted for you all!
Hugs,
Kathy
Congratulations! Whoever said “Winning isn’t everything” obviously didn’t win very often. 😉
Wooo-hoooo Penni! I am so excited for you and your happy boy. Ahhh, isn’t it great? Sometimes it’s not the winning but the company you kept striving for the win. I am sure you have counted by now how many boys Chase “beat” and that will make you smile. Good for you!