Jackson's Show Debut

  Jackson had his show debut and what a great experience that was!  I didn't expect anything to come of the five days of shows, just experience for him and me.  His very first show in Fredericksburg, at the Northern Neck Kennel Club show, Jackson was Reserve Winners Dog!  The next day, at the same show, he was Winners for his very first point!  What a thrill for me to put the first point on him.
  The next two days (as blogged earlier!) didn't go as well but I was pleased with how Jackson was learning the routine and how well he adapted to new experiences.
  The Collie Club of Maryland specialty was another good day.  Jackson finished fourth in the Sweeps (earning six dollars in prize money!!!) and he continued to gain confidence each time he went into the ring.    After Sweeps, a highly regarded handler and a specialty judge came over to see Jackson.  She said she couldn't understand what the judges were missing that he wasn't placing higher.  The judge told me that Jackson has a real ring presence, then they both gave me some tips and assistance with my grooming.  A good friend who is a long time breeder also saw Jackson for the first time.  She told me he is the best we've produced so far.  It felt so good to have people appreciate our boy!  We haven't completely decided on a show schedule for Jackson, but I'm sure this will be an exciting journey as he works towards his championship!

Here we are at the Mason Dixon Specialty

Judge Mary Benjamin examines Jackson

Collie Club of Maryland Specialty

Sweeps Judging

Judge Mike Esch goes over Jackson

Some Show Pictures

Sweepstakes at Mason Dixon Collie Club show.  Judge Judy Porter made sure she was right on the proper level to see the expression!

Dixie showing for conformation class judge, Mary Benedict

Dixie at the Collie Club of Maryland show with judge Joan Kefeli

Back to the Ring

Dixie's break is over--she'll be back in the show ring starting this Saturday.  She has two collie specialties this week-end at Point of Rocks, MD,  three full days of showing next week-end at Howard County fairgrounds and at the end of the month, another collie specialty in the Virginia Beach area.

The Mason Dixon show on Saturday will begin with Rally at 8:00 a.m.  Dixie will be in the ring about 10:30 in the Sweeps before her regular class after the Junior Showmanship.  For the Collie Club of Maryland show on Sunday, Sweepstakes begins at 10:00.

Specialties are always fun!  Meet new people, see old friends and always learn something new!  Can't wait for the week-end!

Week-end of Mixed Results

We had a very fun week-end, although it didn't end on the high note we had hoped for. Ellen stayed with us for the Mason Dixon Collie Club and Collie Club of MD shows. We had a good time, we talked dogs and we got to meet Danny, CH Travlers Greased Lightning, owned by Cathy Keefer. Ellen suggested he might be a good match for Phoebe, and we had to whole heartedly agree! I went to the Mason Dixon show with Ellen on Saturday and got to know Cathy and Robert, plus spend time with Danny. And, I won the fleece vest I really wanted at the raffle! After the show, we relaxed at our house with chili and football. Before it got dark, Ellen, Cathy and Robert got a tour of the kennel and met the dogs. Ellen thought both Cyclone and Twister have matured so nicely, that they belong in the show ring! David got home from a basketball game in time for a lively conversation on names for the boys. Twister will keep his call name, but will be registered as Hillcroft Rock the House. Cyclone has been re-christened as Gibson and will be registered as Hillcroft Hard Rock. At this point, the boys are still available, but to serious show homes so they can pursue their championshiops. Gibson will start his show career at the end of the month in NJ.
On Sunday, Claire was entered in the CCMD show, hoping she would finish. She's in a beautiful, bloomy coat and went to the show with lots of attitude, very showy and with that "look-at-me" stance. I thought nothing could go wrong and today would be our day! Unfortunately, as Claire went into the ring, things didn't go as hoped. For whatever reason--in heat hormones, too long a break from the ring, unable to maintain her attitude--she didn't win her class. So, we'll try again next week-end. Dog shows really demonstrate the saying--"hope springs eternal"!