Omaha, July 2010

Mark and I went to Omaha.  This is always a fun show because there are lots of vendors and AGILITY!  Mark enjoyed watchng the agility.  We had fun with "dog" friends too.

Sunday was the only IG again and didn't do anything in group.

Sophie won her class, but nothing else:(

Nothing else to report from this show.

Le Mars, IA July, 2010

Fun day today!  Sunday was the only IG entry so she was BOB.  Thanks to Bre Ehlers for showing her in group.  Bre is a great handler!

Sophie went WB, BOW, BOB and then got pulled in group!  Very fun.  It was also nice that my mom, my sister and her family and some friends were able to come and watch (thank goodness we did well!)  It was a fun day.

Fargo 2010

I have always loved going to Fargo.  Fargo is a fun town to visit.  This town is growing and building.  It changes every year!

Had a great time visiting with "dog" friends.  This is my favorite part of dog shows anyway:)  The show was at a new site this year and for me, I think I liked it better than the old site.  Good job Fargo Kennel Club!

However, the dog showing part was a disaster!  Dukati got last in his class each day.  The other 2 dogs in his class were substantially larger than him. Sophie was 3rd out of 4 the first day and last the other 2 days.  Wow!  I haven't had that much losing in a long time.....guess it keeps me humble.  To be honest, I considered giving up showing after losing so badly.....but a new day came and I dream of possibly doing better at the next show:)

Well there will be no pictures from this show....hopefully next time!

Papillon National 2010
Had a great time meeting new people at the Papillon National (enjoyed seeing old friends too!)  Dukati and Sophie were entered and shown.  Didn't place, but had a great time!  Hope to go again some year:)

Successful Day At The Waterloo 2010 Shows!

Saturday......The day started disasterous as it was pouring cats and dogs.  It was not nice!  But, had a great time seeing some friends I had not seen for a while.  Today, Sophie was Winner's Bitch and Best Of Opposite; Dukati was Winner's Dog, Best Of Winner's, and Best Of Breed!  It was a blast!

Sunday......Not as wet today:)  Dukati went reserve and Sophie got second in her class of 3.  Not as successful as yesterday, but I"m pleased with the weekend.

Warming Hearts

Well, I've been sick for four weeks and have now crossed over into feeling sorry for myself.  I started new meds this week and while my sinus, lungs, cough, etc. are improving, I have some med side effects.  I am starting to go into the dumps.  I had to cancel Hospice pet therapy earlier in the week because of being ill, but wanted to try and get visits in this week, so I set them for yesterday (Friday).  I really was not in the mood to groom the dog for an hour and a half or go out in the drizzle, but I had made the commitment and I needed to get out of my funk.  So I got Joey ready (he had been a little neglected since I have been ill, so grooming took closer to two hours), packed up and off to my visits.

My first visit, made me take a good look at my current mood/state.  The spouse of the person I was visiting said that after I left last time, the patient said, "I'm glad Joey was here, he warms my heart".  Wow!  Sometimes God has to hit you with a "ton of bricks" to snap you out of it!  We continued with a great visit.  When I was preparing to leave, the patient said, "I wish Joey could stay, he makes me feel good". 

I know this little story may seem insignificant, but for me it is encouragement to go on.

Des Moines February 2010

We drove in snow much of the way with the last 45 miles being quite nasty.  There were a number of cars in the ditch, but we made it!

Dukati got 2nd in his class of 3.  Sophie got 2nd in her class of 4.  She was at the front of the line, but on the last go round, was put to 2nd....bummer.

We left early because of bad weather forecast and I've got a nasty cold and feel crappy.  Til next time.

Pet Therapy Hospice

Joey and I have started a new challenge.  We have started doing visits to hospice patients.  I was somewhat hesitant at first....not wanting to make another commitment, but it has been quite therapeutic for me.  It is hard to explain, but I think these visits benefit me as much as the patients!  Joey does great.  The Sheldon paper did an article on hospice and had a couple pictures of Joey. 

 

 

St Cloud, MN 2009

Another fun and busy weekend.  It was great to visit and catch up with friends again.  Sunday won Best of Winners on Saturday and Reserve winners on Sunday (Thanks Shannon for showing her for me).  Sophie got 2nd place both days.  Oh well, at least she had a good time!

Pet Therapy Reading To Dukati

Well, I believe the reading program started with Gretta (see my website) will live on!  Joey was not into this program, so I decided to give Dukati a go at it.  HE LOVES IT!  Now Dukati has a job to do too!  He visits one day a month and has kids read to him.  The kids get so excited about having a dog in the room.......which makes them excited to read to him.