First Dog Show of 2022

This past weekend, a friend and I showed Dove and Prins at the Clinton Kennel Club's annual two day show in Maquoketa, Iowa. My dogs were the only Vallhunds entered. Prins surprised me by winning breed on Saturday, going over Dove, and earned another point towards his AKC championship. There was a canine eye clinic at the show grounds on Saturday, so Celine also hitched a ride that day to the show. All three youngsters were perfect for the ophthalmology veterinarian, and all three passed their OFA eye exams with normal eyes. Sunday, Dove was on fire, winning breed, lots of praise, and a few fans. We had a late ring time, and decided to stay for group. Since Dove won breed with Tava, I showed in the big open herding group, which consists of mostly professional handlers. Prins was exhausted so he got to sleep in his kennel during group judging. Dove did not place, but showed extremely well, and was happy from the moment we arrived at the show grounds in the morning until we loaded up to go home after 3 pm. It was a great first show of the season and I look forward to the four day May cluster at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa.

Conservatively, a dozen people over two days asked me for a business card. Dove was especially popular and when it was her turn in group, I was surprised that a large number of people clapped for her. Dove relished the attention and could not have performed any better. I realized it is finally time to bring along something with my contact information to dog shows. Today, I logged onto Shutterfly and they had a special on magnets! I designed and ordered 50 magnets. Shipping was free (a rarity for that website) and now I should have enough materials to last through the show season.

Included in this blog's pictures are two of Dove on the table in the open herding group, and two pictures of the "day after" sleepy dogs at home.