Why is the entry at the National so low this year?

[Elaine]

I hear that the entry at the National is something like 329 dogs… give or take. Considering that the Nationaly is centrally located in the middle of the country this year, that is a rather surprisingly low entry. I know why we didn’t go, but I’m wondering, why did so many people stay home this year?

[doberdogsfd]

I think folks are so concerend with what is happening with the economy, it is really being felt across the board. It takes a lot of money to drive out there in a motor coach. I know what it cost to get a dog on a flight and for a handler to be flown out there.....absurd!!!
So,with the Hoidays looming large and the fact all of our 401ks and investments are a tad thin, it may be having it's effect on our Nationals.

Now, let's not leave out some of the silliness that has gone on with the DPCA also. I am sure some folks are passing this year for many reasons.

If it were in Fitchburg again, I would be leaving the flatlands and going, but it is a simple 5 hr drive for me.....not 1400 miles and 19 hrs!!!
I haven't even added in the handler's fees into this travel expense..EEEEKKK!!

Am I making sense here?
Cheryl

[pretty dobe]

Cheryl, I agree with all you have said... It is hard to justify the cost. The only thing that called me was the Centennial part... Since Anya and I volunteer with the Veterans, to see the handlers and listen to them would be such an honor. To take pictures to the VA for the patients would have been so special. I've copied so much for them on the Centennial and they tell such stories of their interaction with the dogs and when we show up they remember and they just love Anya.

Now, on the otherside, which didn't matter to me since I wasn't showing anything even if I went, and that is the judging. Not that anyone is a bad judge, just the fact that it is the same old, same old. Recycling of judges and no one new. The judges know who's dog is in the ring and we all know it, some won't give certain breeders the time of day. So why bother with the expense of taking the dogs up for it. Quite a few would like to see some new blood for judges. There are a lot of judges and good ones that would love to do nationals.

Judie;)

[Sheila]

I agree Cheryl with it being the distance and expense with the economy in the state it is there and up here now too.
I didn't even consider going because of the distance but definitely want to attend Fitchsburg next year.

Sheila

[doberdogsfd]

Judie......A most honorable reason to attend and certianly one I am sad to miss.

Thank you and Anya for your Service to our Veterans.

~ Strength and Honor~
Cheryl

[Rauschund]

[QUOTE=pretty dobe;3894]Cheryl, I agree with all you have said... It is hard to justify the cost. The only thing that called me was the Centennial part... Since Anya and I volunteer with the Veterans, to see the handlers and listen to them would be such an honor. To take pictures to the VA for the patients would have been so special. I've copied so much for them on the Centennial and they tell such stories of their interaction with the dogs and when we show up they remember and they just love Anya.

Now, on the otherside, which didn't matter to me since I wasn't showing anything even if I went, and that is the judging. Not that anyone is a bad judge, just the fact that it is the same old, same old. Recycling of judges and no one new. The judges know who's dog is in the ring and we all know it, some won't give certain breeders the time of day. So why bother with the expense of taking the dogs up for it. Quite a few would like to see some new blood for judges. There are a lot of judges and good ones that would love to do nationals.
There are 2 reasons why I am going. First of all, one of my puppy owners, Austin's family, have him entered with Diego, and it means so much to me that I really want to be there for them. Secondly, the Centennial. I will try and take some pictures for you, anything special that you would really like? I'd be happy to try and get some, plus I am bringing my laptop and can download the pics the same night.
Being a breeder the judges are a little depressing, I honestly don't feel we will be looked at, and only hope that I am wrong.
It is a 1300 mile drive and we are leaving at 4AM on thursday.....ugh....a very long drive:(

[Elaine]

Take photos of everyone and anything... and either down load them here or simply email them to me and I'll post them for you. Have fun, be safe and best of luck. :)

[Rauschund]

Take photos of everyone and anything... and either down load them here or simply email them to me and I'll post them for you. Have fun, be safe and best of luck. :)

Thanks Elaine....be ready for alot of pics!!!!!!

[doberdogsfd]

Have fun Carole Ann! Diego and Eve make the entire experience a complete blast! Your puppy's owners should enjoy themsleves, you also.

Any photos at all would be awesome!

Rogan's mom, Joan is also going to report in a couple times a day with me, so hopefully we will get info in a fairly consistant stream.

Be safe and good luck!
Cheryl

[pretty dobe]

Carole Ann, any pictures would be great. The dog handlers pictures would be awesome...I can copy and take them in for the FED and State side VA here in Phoenix. They will post them for the residents.

Oh yes, everyone have a ball and good luck to all that go. Will be waiting to see all the pictures and stories that are sent in.

Judie:)

[fabertdobes]

Well in all the years we have gone at the National its always been that way, on the east coast the entries is bigger...

[fabertdobes]

Well even though our Austin and Carole Ann are going i cant afford it this year to far...maybe next year isnt it in KY next year?

[Rauschund]

Well even though our Austin and Carole Ann are going i cant afford it this year to far...maybe next year isnt it in KY next year?

Yes, they are Francoise, and I have already reserved my room with 2 double beds.....wanna share with me?

[fabertdobes]

For sure...

[LoveThoseReds]

Yep, the Nationals are in Ft. Mitchell, KY in '09.

Basic information is up on the website http://dpca.org/Nat2009

[mjansel]

she has the lap top, and I have a good camera - but need a better zoom lens.... not in the budget this year. Hopefully I will be able to download pics to her laptop!

I'm going because Harvard is my first puppy from my first litter and he is entered in futurity. I'm also going to cheer for Joan Noon's Rogan (Harvard's Sire).

I'm leaving Saturday morning because I don't have coverage for my school aged kids this week - hubby is taking 1/2 days next week - and so I don't miss so many days of my part time job as a reading tutor in a local school.

Map quest from where I am at in SE PA is about 1200 miles - roundtrip in my Expedition translates to about $600 in gas alone!

I am planning on going to Kentucky next year - it is a LOT closer than Kansas!

Mary Jo

[dobesign]

Why is it that every year, at Nationals time, no matter where they are, I am ALWAYS at least 1200 miles away???? Geez, you'd think I live in Tibet or something! Just ONCE I'd like to go! Just ONCE!!!!:(