Bear is the BIG WINNER!

Trying to keep Bear cool!

Baloo

Decker and Beth

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Bear is the BIG WINNER!

8/9/07-8/12/07- Desi and I took Piper and Lilly to the 4 day circuit in Greensboro, NC. Although Piper showed beautifully, he did not pick up any points. It was a sad weekend, because our Handler (for the past 2 years), Anthony Cantor, has officially retired from dog showing, and this was his last circuit. Well, he went out in style. On Friday, Lilly won Winner's Bitch, Best of Winner's and Best of Opposite Sex for another 2 points. We appreciate all that Anthony has done for us and the Bay Breeze dogs. He helped us finish Onyx, Lucy, and Otis, all of which happened in 2006. Our dogs love him and his fiance, Darcie Beecroft, and we will miss them. We wish him and Darcie the best in their life together, but we have realized that we have to move on. Piper's next show will be in Atlanta, Georgia the end of September.

8/1/07-8/5/07- We went to Roanoke for the 5 day Mountain Valley Cluster Dog Show. This is our 4th year coming here, and although we have never won any points in the past at this circuit, this year was different. Lilly picked up her first 2 points, plus Best of Winner's and Best of Opposite Sex at the Roanoke Kennel Club show on 8/2/07. Four of the 5 days of the circuit, Lilly was pulled for Winner's Bitch. She shows beautifully, and really appears to enjoy the ring, and the attention she gets.

We are so proud of Sarah. She won her third first (with competition) at the James River Kennel Club. She has now moved up to the Open division. She and Otis are having a great time, and we feel blessed to have this pair with us.

6/23/07-6/24/07- Our good friends, Carol Ellia, and Claudia Rosen, had a great weekend in Richmond, Virginia. On Saturday, Carol's dog, Gus, Otis' half-brother, was Winner's Dog, and Best of Winner's. Carol's girl, Karma, was Winner's Bitch, and Best of Opposites. This was Gus and Karma's first points, and they provided a day that their mom will not soon forget. Congratulations, Carol. Piper was Reserve Winner's Dog, and if we had to lose to someone, I am glad that it was to one of our good friends. On Sunday, Claudia's chocolate lab, Ryder, picked up his first point after being awarded Winner's Dog. Congratulations Claudia, Ryder, Carol, Gus and Karma!!! Our Jr. Handler, Sarah, picked up her 2nd win with competition on Saturday. She is doing such a wonderful job, and appears to be having a great time. She is going to make a wonderful handler one day!!!

Not to be outdone, our Jr. Handler, Meghan, won Winner's Bitch, Best of Winner's and Best of Opposites with her Golden Retriever, Charm. It was a great win, and we were so happy to be able to be there to cheer them on.

6/8/07-6/11/07- Fishersville/Harrisonburg, Virginia- Otis was the only one taken for this Circuit. He did well, and performed beautifully. He was shown expertly by our good friend, and Irish Setter owner, Lynne Harley. Otis won Best of  Breed on the first day of the Circuit, and made the cut in Group.

5/25/07-5/28/07- Memorial Day Circuit in Hampton, Virginia- It was a good time for us. Piper was Winner's Dog and Best of Winner's on the first day, and our "Cousin Charlie" was Winner's Dog on the last day for his first 2 points. Also, our newest Jr. Handler, my niece, Sarah, won her first class with competition on the last day of the Circuit.

                                      

                                          Piper                                                                                                                                                                                                          Charlie

3/20/07-3/25/07- Tarheel Circuit in Raleigh, NC- Piper did well, and was very consistent...we didn't place at all! However, we had professional handlers come up to us and tell us how nice Piper is, and that made everything else OK. We had a great time with our friends.

OK, OK, I have been rather remiss is keeping this section up to date. Just to get you up to speed, Piper picked up 1 point as Winner's Dog at the show in Salisbury, Maryland in October, 1 point as Winner's Dog at the Tidewater Kennel Club show in December, and 2 points as Winner's Dog at the Hendersonville Kennel Club show in Greenville, SC in February. Now look for Piper at the Tarheel Circuit in Raleigh, NC at the end of March. Lilly will make her debut at the Chesapeake Dog Fancier's show in April.

11/18/06-11/19/06- Ocala, Florida- Well, Otis was actually registered to show on 11/16/06 and 11/17/06, but those were not major shows, so we waited until the Saturday show to put him in. Desi and I left for Florida at 7pm on the 16th, and arrived on the show grounds at 6:15am on the 17th. We found a great parking spot, took Otis out for a walk, and then we fell asleep for a few hours. I can't imagine the thoughts going through those who walked past the van and seeing us with our mouths wide open and our eyes closed. But you know what...I don't care. That was the best nap ever. One of our handlers, Anthony, was at an Irish Setter Specialty in Jacksonville, so we helped his girlfriend, Darcie, get her dogs to the ring on time. As long as we kept moving, we were fine. However, if we sat too long, we were gone! We stayed with Desi's mother and stepfather, and we had a great time. They were so hospitable, and welcomed me into their home as if they had known me forever.

On Saturday Otis found himself in a difficult Open Black class. He had to win this class in order to move on to Winner's. He did very well, but we really felt that the Judge had someone else in mind. However, that shows you how difficult it is to read the Judge's mind, because Otis came out victorious from the class. After the Open Yellow class, all of the class winners returned for Winner's Dog. There were six or seven dogs who returned for this class, and our stomachs were in knots. The Judge took a long time to make her decision, and then she pointed to Otis. We were so happy and proud of our boy. Our third champion this year. What a great accomplishment.

Although Otis was finished, and could have been moved up to Best of Breed, we chose to keep him in the classes so that the major would not be broken. It is so hard to find shows where the entries are sufficient enough to be a major, and we did not want to be the reason for it breaking. However, the plan of course is for Otis not to do well, because we didn't need any more points. So, Anthony tells me to show him. I don't mind showing, but usually I am more prepared. On this occasion, I was not planning to show, and was wearing jeans, tennis shoes and and my Probation Officer sweatshirt. Everyone else was dressed in suits. Boy did I feel out of place. It is very hard to show Otis badly. Every time you stop him, he stacks perfectly. Well, I guess, I was one of the few people with the ability to show Otis badly, as we did not place in the class. I wasn't disappointed. Heck we had already done what we had set out to do. I just hated that people I didn't know would not think that Otis was very nice given the Judge's placement. That wasn't the case. We had several people tell us how nice he was, and that they were thankful that he was finished, so he would not be in the classes any longer. We had people thank us for sticking around and not breaking the major. Well now we have to concentrate on Piper!!! 

11/10/06-11/12/06- Salisbury, Maryland... Although we only had Piper to show, we also took Otis and Reva so they could play. We have never done this before, but we ended up camping in the Civic Center parking lot with a bunch of other people. Although is was a little tight, we had plenty of room, and a great time was had by all, including the dogs. Our great Jr. Handler, Meghan, showed Piper all three days, and she did a wonderful job. We are so fortunate to have come across Meghan and her mother, Kimberly. Not only is Meghan a very talented handler, she is sweet, well mannered, respectful, cares deeply for the animals, and a great sport. These qualities are not something that you find in a lot of the young people nowadays (is that really a word?). Meghan won Winner's Dog with Piper on Friday, and Winner's Bitch with her Golden Retriever, Charm, on the same day. None of our dogs seemed to place quite as well on Saturday and Sunday, but at least we came away from there with something. Meghan's Golden Retrievers, Waggoner and Charm, did beautifully on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Waggoner placed 2nd in a very difficult Open class on Friday. Piper is still acting like the puppy that he is (don't let the size fool you!), and Meghan had her hands full on Sunday. 

11/4/06-11/5/06- Jamestown, Virginia... Well we only had Piper to show, and it seems really odd not to have any females out in the ring. Piper did not behave well in his go around on Saturday, and he really made Meghan work in their class. Surprisingly enough, he won his class (which he probably should not have), but did not go any further. He behaved better on Sunday, and even though he lost to "Cousin Charlie," we were much happier with the way he behaved. We brought Otis with us on Saturday. He was registered, but did not show because this was not a "major," and that is what he needs to finish. However, we had a lot of people come up to us and show interest in him. It is easy to fall in love with Otis. He is special, sweet, kind, and "nice to old people." Right, Desi?

10/20/06-10/22/06- Catano, Puerto Rico... Otis left Atlanta with his handlers, Anthony Cantor, and Darcie Beecroft, on a new adventure. He went to Puerto Rico for a 3-day dog show circuit. Otis did well and picked up one of his required two major wins. He also won a Group 2 placement and we are very proud of him. Otis gets to come home now and wait for another "major" show, and Desi can't wait to get her hands on her Boy!!

9/1/06-9/4/06- Raleigh, North Carolina... Otis has been staying with our handlers, Anthony Cantor, and Darcie Beecroft, for conditioning in South Carolina since August 13, 2006. What a difference this has made in his showing attitude. Otis won six points during this circuit, capturing Winner's Dog, and Best of Winner's all four days. In addition, he was Best of Breed over Specials three of the four days, and won a Group 3 placement on Friday, and made the Group cut on Saturday and Sunday. Otis now has nine points, and is off to Atlanta, and Florida where we hope he will continue his roll, and pick up those illusive major wins.

Piper did well also. He is still in training, and has been moved up to Open Yellow where he is competing against dogs who are years older than him. He received decent placements, and was Reserve Winner's Dog on Saturday. You go, Guys!

8/11/06-8/13/06- Winston-Salem, NC- 3 day circuit- Otis, Piper and Lucy showed and all did well. Otis won his class all three day, and was Reserve Winner's Dog on 8/13/06. Otis has left for training and will be with his handler, Anthony Cantor, for a few weeks. We told him that he was going to summer camp. Piper did not place, but he was in a very large Open Yellow class with dogs who were 2 years or more older than him. He is large and does not fit in the puppy classes. We feel that he will be very competitive once he fills out. Lucy did not show on Friday, because the entries did not constitute the show as a major (22 or more bitches registered and shown), and Lucy needed one more major win to finish. She won her class on Saturday, but went no further. However, on August 13, 2006, Lucy became Bay Breeze Labradors' second Champion. She won her class, and then went on to take Winner's Bitch, Best of Winner's and Best of Breed. We are all very proud of our "Lu-Lu Belle."

7/15/06-7/16/06- Skyline Drive Kennel Club Dog Show- Well, lucky Desi is in Florida visiting her mother, and Richard was unable to get away for this show. So, I took my daughter, Megan, so she could see what the shows were like. We only took Lucy and Onyx. You know, Onyx is finished, but expects to go to all shows. Hey, we did promise her! Lucy showed well, but placed 2nd out of 3 on Saturday, and 3rd out of 4 on Sunday. Looks like we won't be getting any points from this show. It was a nice bonding experience with my daughter. No, I meant Megan, not Onyx!!!

6/30/06-7/3/06- Maryland Crab Cluster- This was a 4 day circuit sponsored by the Southern Maryland and Rock Creek Kennel Clubs. It was a boys weekend with their moms. We only took Otis and Piper, but don't tell Onyx, because she thinks I was away from home on work related business. On the first day, both Otis and Piper won their classes. I know what you are asking yourself..."how many were in their classes?" Well they were the only ones, but they did very well. The second day, Piper was the only one in his class (so he won), but Otis was up against his half-brother, Gus. Otis won on this occasion. However, neither of the boys won the points as the winners were picked from the open classes. On the third day, Otis was 1st out of 3, and Piper was 1st out of one. Still, we did nothing in Winner's. Today, Piper was 1st out of one, and Otis was 2nd out of 3. We were finished and headed on back home. It was a great time to get the boys out and do a little training in the ring. Piper showed the best on the final day. Otis showed well, but it was so hot that he did not have any PIZAZZ to him. I think this is his way of telling us that he prefers to show indoors!!

We took the boys into Washington DC and strolled around the Monument, and the WWII Memorial. The boys had a great time. It was hot, but we all enjoyed our walk in the sunshine.

6/9/06-6/12/06- Skyline and Shenandoah Valley Kennel Clubs- This was a 4 day circuit. Two of the days were in Fishersville, at the Augusta Expoland, and the other two days were in Harrisonburg, Virginia. On the first day of the circuit, Otis won his class. Piper also won his class. This meant that Richard had to enter the show ring for Winners. Those of you who know Richard know what a sacrifice this was for him. When we started showing, Richard has always been supportive, and did all of the cooking when we went out of town. Initially, we could not even get him to the show site. Now we can't keep him away. He loves every minute of it. Well, except for those few minutes that he had to be in the show ring with Piper. He did a great job with Piper.  Otis went on to win Winner's Dog, Best of Winners, and Best of Breed over Specials. Otis showed in Group, but did not make the cut. Lucy won her class, and was Reserve Winner's. On the second day of the circuit, Otis was Winner's Dog, and Best of Opposites. We won't really discuss the third day. We choose to think of it as the day that never happened. Piper also showed in the Puppy Match that was held on Saturday evening. He did well, and was awarded Best Labrador Puppy.

Now comes the most extraordinary news...on the fourth day of the circuit, Otis won his class, and Piper won his class. What a sad person Richard was when he realized that he again had to enter the show ring. He sure was happy when Sue Whaley, a well known professional handler and someone who has welcomed us into the showing circle, came up and asked him if he needed any help. Although Richard had Piper's number on, he did not have to be asked twice, and have that number off and on Sue's arm in the blink of an eye. Sue took in Piper, and I had Otis. There were also two other dogs in the Winner's class. The Judge really liked Piper, and awarded him Winner's Dog for his first point. Now it was Lucy's turn to show. She won her class, and went on to take Winner's. She now has 10 points. Now Piper and Lucy went in for Best of Breed. Again Richard was so happy to see Sue go by and offer her help. He really had no desire to go back into the ring. Well, no matter how it went, it would be great for us. We were so excited when the Judge awarded Piper- Best of Breed, and Best of Winner's. Lucy was awarded Best of Opposites. Piper now has his first championship point, and has won Best of Breed from the Puppy class. That is a great accomplishment. A special "Thank You" goes out to Sue Whaley, who showed Piper beautifully, and certainly kept Richard from the throws of a heart attack!!! Piper then went into the Sporting Dog Group. This is where all of the Best of Breed winners from each of the sporting dog groups join and the Best in Show Sporting Dog is selected. There were 14 sporting dog breeds represented in Group and Piper looked like a pro. Our wonderful Jr. Handler, Meghan Brinkley, showed him in Group and they did a great job. Although Piper did not place in Group, he did make the cut, and technically was 5th out of 14. What a big boy he was. He was sure wearing his "Big Boys Pants" out in the ring with the others. He and Meghan did a great job and we couldn't have been prouder. OK, OK, if they had won Best in Show, I guess we would have been prouder, but we were so happy with how things went and how well they showed that we were about to bust.

It was also a great weekend for Meghan. Her Golden Retrievers, Waggoner and Charm, both received points on the last day of the circuit. Great work guys. You deserve it!!

6/3/06-6/4/06- Moore County Kennel Club in Pinehurst, NC. What a beautiful location for a dog show. It was held at the Pinehurst Harness track and Polo Club. Well, we didn't do that well, but the scenery was lovely. Lucy did not place either day. However, our good friend, Kim Frye, won the Open Yellow class on Sunday, and went on to take Winner's Bitch. That is an accomplishment in and of itself. However, it was especially joyous for Kim and all of her friends, because this finished "Ellie's" championship. She is now known as CH Shannon's Noel at Grassroots. Congratulations, Kim, Dan and Ellie. It certainly was well deserved. Otis was 2nd out of 2 on Saturday, and 3rd out of 4 on Sunday. He did well, and we were very proud of him. Piper was 3rd out of 3 both days, but he is coming along nicely. Onyx, oh excuse me...Your Royal Highness, was Best of Opposites in her first outing in the Best of Breed class.

5/20/06- Mattaponi Kennel Club Show- It was a beautiful day for a dog show. We took Otis, and Lucy to show, and Onyx came along for the ride. We have told Onyx that once she finished she would always be allowed to travel with us to the shows. So, she just came to hang out, and to show off her new "crown."  Otis did well in his class, and placed second. OK, OK, there were only two in his class, but he did very well, none the less. Lucy also did very well, and placed second out of three. The winner of her class went on to get Winner's Bitch, and Lucy won Reserve. Thanks go out from Desi and I to Meghan Brinkley, who showed Otis and Lucy so beautifully.

4/29-30/06- Chesapeake Dog Fancier's Kennel Club Show- It is always great to be able to drive a 1/2 mile to the show site. I actually live about 40 minutes from the Chesapeake City Park, so I came to stay with Desi and Richard, who live right down the street from the show site. It was a great weekend for the Bay Breeze Labradors. On Saturday, Otis and Piper did well, but did not win. Congratulations to Otis' brother, Tyson, for winning his first championship point on Saturday. I am not sure that his mother, Shannon, has come down off of Cloud Nine yet. we are very happy for you Shannon and Tyson. Lucy won her class, and was Reserve Winner's to Onyx, who was Winner's Bitch, Best of Winner's, and Best of Breed. This brings Onyx up to 14 points, and she needs just one more to finish. Meghan Brinkley (our wonderful Jr. Handler) did a great job showing Otis, Piper and Lucy.

On Sunday, time was a little tight, and although Meghan wanted to show everyone, she had her priorities with her Goldens. So, she was only able to show Piper and Otis in their classes. Both boys did great, and advanced to Winner's Dog. Desi took Piper, and our Irish Setter friend, Lynne Harley, took Otis back in for Winner's Dog. Both did great, but Otis came out victorious, winning his first championship point. We were so happy, and proud.

Then it was Onyx and Lucy's turn to perform. Onyx was in a class by herself, and automatically advanced. Lucy was shown beautifully by Lynne, but they did not win their class. Onyx, and the winner of the Open Yellow class advanced to Winner's Bitch. What a thrill it was when the judge pointed to us as the "Winner's," and the claps and yelling from all of our friends could be heard all over the Park. This was the last point Onyx needed to complete her championship. She is now know as CH Mtn Meadow Miss Instigator. Thanks everyone, it meant a lot to have you all there rooting for us!

4/12-13/06- The Potomac- This is the largest Labrador Specialty in the country. There were over 1,000 Labradors and their two legged partners who converged on the grounds of the Holiday Holidome in Frederick, Maryland. Piper was one of them. Desi and Piper did a great job showing. They were in classes of twenty-five (25), and although they did not make the cut, they did very well and should be proud of themselves...because we are!

4/8/06- We headed out to Fredericksburg, Virginia for the Saturday show that was held at the Agricultural Fairgrounds. This was Piper's first real show. We just took Onyx and Piper, and the weather was horrible. It was an outdoor show, and it was rainy and windy. Our friends, Kimberly and Meghan Brinkley, were there, and we commandeered Meghan into showing Piper. I have pictures which I will post once I get them from Desi. Piper was awesome. He did better each time he went into the ring. He was the only one in his class, so of course, he won. We were very proud of Piper. He and Meghan did wonderfully, but went no further after their class win. Onyx also did very well. She was in a class of five, and although I wouldn't change anything about the way she performed, she placed 4th. Well, you can't win all the time, and we are very aware of that!

3/11/05- This weekend, Richard and I headed to Hilton Head Island for a two day dog show. I have never been to Hilton Head before and it is a beautiful area. However, it is a bit bizarre...there are very few street lights, and almost all of the shopping centers are tucked behind thick rows of trees. Unless you know where you are going, you will have trouble finding anything. I found it somewhat surprising that even in shopping center parking lots, the lighting is very poor. I would think that they would have a very high crime rate, but it doesn't appear to be the case. Gosh, I think during the entire weekend, we only saw 3 police cars!!!

Well, we came to town with very high hopes. Anthony was coming to show the girls for us, and with it being a small show, were hoping to finish Onyx. Lucy just came a long for fun, as she doesn't tend to show as well outdoors. We got to the show grounds early so I could turn Onyx over to Anthony, but he was no where to be found. At 8am, and mind you the show starts at 9, I called Anthony's cell phone, and he told me that several people had cancelled on him, so he wasn't coming. He apparently left a message for me on my cell phone, which I did not get. So, luckily I had some show clothes in the car, and we headed to Burger King to change and get Richard some breakfast.

Onyx showed very well and we were very proud of her. Lucy didn't do as well and was 3rd out of 3. Richard, however, was very pleased with her placement, as a win for her would have meant that he would have taken her back in for the Winners class. We will have Richard in the ring before too much longer. Well Onyx was reserve on Saturday, and was 2nd in her class on Sunday, so no points this weekend. However, the weekend was not a total loss. Helen Gipe, Bayou Bay Labradors, a well respected breeder, came up to us on Sunday to introduce herself. She said that she really wanted to finish her black bitch (Onyx won their class on Saturday), but she didn't mind losing if it was to a really nice bitch. So, she wanted me to know how much she liked Onyx. Well, everyone who knows me knows that Onyx is the blood that runs through my veins, so a compliment like that meant more than the Judges decision. Thanks, Helen. It was very nice meeting you.

2/19/06- This weekend, Desi, Richard and I headed for Baltimore for a two day circuit of shows held at the Armory. Although the girls did very well, we headed home on Sunday with no points. Desi is just now getting back into the ring after her complete knee replacement surgery which took place in August, 2005. Desi showed Lucy and I showed Onyx. Onyx placed 2nd out of 2 on Saturday, and won her class on Sunday. OK, OK she was the only one in her class on Sunday, but she still did well. Lucy was 1st out of 3 on Saturday, and 3rd out of 3 on Sunday. We aren't sure what happened...we all felt that Desi and Lucy did better on Sunday than Saturday. Oh well, it is one person's opinion on one particular day. It certainly was a weekend for rest and relaxation. Well, we relaxed and rested! However, it was very cold and windy, so we didn't spend a lot of time outside. Of course, Onyx had to potty every morning between midnight and 3am, and although Desi said that she would get up and go with me, I knew she didn't want to. It was something about her statement of " Do you want me to go with you? I will if you want me to. I just have to get up, dressed, get my shoes and socks on, and bundle up, but I will be glad to go." Needless to say, the girls weren't interested in waiting that long. You will get yours one day, Desi, my friend!!! I would take the dogs out and Lucy wastes no time pottying. Onyx, on the other hand, has to have just the right spot, and she usually can't find it until we have been outside atleast 10 minutes. When we arrived on Friday night, there were two women out looking for a German Shepherd that had somehow gotten out of it's crate in their room and escaped while they were at dinner. Luckily they found her around midnight about a mile away. She was fine. Then on Saturday evening, I was down getting ice, and there was a woman in the office with a German Shepherd stating that the dog had been found running around the second floor. I took her to the room where the women were who had the first dog that got loose and they knew who she belonged to. They took her and said that they would get her back to her rightful owner. Man, it sure was a rough weekend for German Shepherds!!

2/5/06- We went to the Boardwalk Kennel Club show in Wildwood, New Jersey this weekend. We only took Onyx, because we are trying very hard to get her finished. We were so happy, and surprised to see our friends Perri, her handsome yellow lab, Charlie, and her wonderful parents at the show. We had no idea they were coming, and it was wonderful to see them. Onyx showed beautifully for me on Saturday. There were 5 in her class, and since Kathy Mines (Pro Handler) and her crew were there, we were very happy to come out with a second place finish. Then, Richard and I drove to Atlantic City and graced the halls of the Trump Plaza. We had a great time, but I think I had a little bit better time than Richard!!! On Sunday, there was a judge change, and I told Richard not to expect much. The original Judge had never judged us before, but the substitute Judge has...and let's just say we weren't his favorite on that occasion. Onyx was not paying attention to me at all. Whenever I bent down to hand stack her, she would turn around and kiss me. She was more interested in getting the bait that I had in my pocket. Well, I stopped hand stacking her, and just free baited her. She was extremely animated and her tail was just a wagging. I was surprised and excited when we won our class. Then we went back in for the Winner's class. There were some very nice bitches there, and we feel blessed that the Judge, Colonel Jerry Weiss, considered Onyx to be his pick on that day. She now has 13 points, and only needs 2 singles to finish. Way to go, Tootie! We are all so proud of you!

Winston-Salem, NC- This was a 3 day show (Dec. 9-11), and we had another great time. The weather was bad when we came into town on Thursday night, but straightened up by Friday. Otis won his class on Friday (OK, he was the only one in there), and he was 2nd out of 2 the other 2 days. Many people came up to me and told me how nice he is...we just have to find a way to make him look happier in the ring. Desi told me that he goes wild when she sneezes. So, there I am in the middle of the ring sneezing my head off. I got no reaction from him, but everyone else stayed away from me thinking I was sick! Lucy won her class on Friday, but was 2nd on Saturday and Sunday. Now here comes the most exciting part... Onyx, the love of my life; the blood that runs through my veins, picked up her 2nd major win on Saturday. She now has 11 points out of the 15 required to make her an AKC champion. She was also Best of Winners, which means that on Saturday, she was the # 1 Labrador out of the 56 that were shown. Quite an accomplishment, and we are all very proud of her.

Concord, NC- This show was over the Thanksgiving weekend and we had a blast. no, we did not get any more points, but our friend, Kim Frye, did very well with her young pup, Caine, and her Open Yellow Bitch, Ellie. We also had a small party at the campsite with many of our dog show friends. Kim, her husband, Dan, Doc and Karren Harrison, Desi, Richard and I had the best time. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with our friends.

Smithfield/Fayetteville- Well we went to our first specialty in quite a while and had a great time. Lucy was 3rd out of 4 in her Sweeps class (oh, yes, she also won $5.25), and she was 2nd out of 4 in her regular class. Onyx was 4th out of 10 in her class. This was held at the Village Motel, right off I-95 across from the Smithfield Outlet Mall. We were there for 2 days, and then moved on to Fayetteville for the remaining 2 days. Both Onyx and Lucy did well, but no points this weekend.

Virginia Beach Pavilion- Virginia Beach, Virginia-Well, the show started out rather poor for us. Lucy was 2nd to her littermate, Lighthouse Albemarle Witch "Marle," and Onyx was 2nd out of 3 on Thursday. Friday was a little better, with Lucy and Onyx both winning their classes, and Lucy going on to win Reserve Winner's Bitch. No points involved, but still some recognition. Saturday came and our luck left. Lucy was again 2nd to her sister, Marle, and Onyx was 2nd out of 4. Today (Sunday-11/6/05) was the best day... Lucy won her class, and went on to take Winner's Bitch, Best of Winner's and Best of Opposites, for two more points toward her championship. The weekend also marked Otis' (and Desi's) return to the show ring. Both did very well. They won their class on Saturday, and were 2nd on Sunday. Desi enjoyed her time in the ring with Otis, and it appears as if he did as well. Otis' next outing will be over the Thanksgiving holiday in North Carolina.

It was also a great weekend for some of our friends. Meghan Brinkley won her first point toward her championship with her wonderful Golden Retriever, Teran's Radio Phyler "Waggoner." We are so thrilled for Meghan, Waggoner, and of course, Meghan's wonderful mother and constant supporter, Kimberly.  We expect pictures of this win so that we can post them on the site. Don't forget to pass them along when you get them. This win was very well deserved, and we know that it was the first of many wins in your future.

Our friend, Perri, also had a great weekend with her most handsome young yellow Labrador Retriever male, Teracroft's Dashing Lad "Charlie." Charlie, being the pup that he is, gave Perri and Anthony Cantor (handler) an interesting time both outside and inside the ring. Anthony got a hold on Charlie, and after he won his class (against Otis) he went on to Winner's Dog, where he took Reserve Winner's. Perri and her family were so proud, and we were so happy for them. Hey guys...it was well deserved, and points are just around the corner for you!! Good luck in Maryland!

Columbia, SC- Well, we can not complain about the behavior of our dogs at this show. Both Onyx and Lucy performed well. Lucy was second in her class both days. Onyx won her class both days, and was Reserve Winner's Bitch on Sunday.

Wilmington, NC- Again, we can not complain about the behavior of the dogs. Onyx and Lucy showed beautifully, and this show marked Desi's return to the ring following complete knee replacement surgery. What a trooper she is. I am very fortunate to have Desi, and her wonderful husband as my partners in this venture. Now on to the information about this show... Lucy was the only one in her class, so she won both days. However, when she went into the Winner's class, she was not what the Judges were looking for and did not progress any farther. Onyx was second in her class both days. On Sunday she was called back into the ring for Reserve Winner's Bitch after the winner of her Open class was selected as Winner's.  This is when Desi had to come back into the ring. We requested permission from the Judge (the good Judge) to switch dogs. Lucy moves slower than Onyx, as she is not in any hurry to get anywhere. Onyx was then selected as Reserve. No points, but recognition none the less.

Although Desi and I have done our share of losing, we consider ourselves to be good losers! It is really hard to be a good loser when you feel that the Judge has not even given you a chance. The Judge on Saturday shuffled dogs in and out so fast that you never really had a chance to stack your dog up for examination. He looked at their teeth, touched their back and that was it. That is one Judge that we will never show to again.

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