I won the Bred-by on the Tarheel 4 out of 4 Days

[Elaine]

A while ago I had the idea the we old foggies should get back in the ring... not necessarily with the expectation that we were going to set the world on fire, but rather, as a way to reconnect to the joy many of us felt when we got our first show dog. For me, back about 30 years ago, my dream was to go Breeder / Owner / Handled Best In Show at the Garden.

On a good day I could actually hear Dave Frei announcing me, “And there goes Elaine. You know, she bred that dog ... and I’m a big fan of breeder /owner handlers.”

As the years went by I realized that Dave’s commentary of me at the Garden would be more like this, “Wow look at her go! Oopps! Oh noooo!!!! Now that’s gotta hurt... but look, she’s okay, and someone’s caught her dog. Let’s give her a big round of applause.”

Okay, so I’m not the world’s most talented handler... but from time to time I realized that the dream survives, albeit as a tiny spark. I no longer dream of BIS at the Garden... it’d be a thrill just to win a point on a Doberman.

So, I entered little Logres ' Halla in the Bred-By on the Tarheel this year. (see photos below, the second is with Kelly Marquis stacking her on Sunday, after the show was over). My brag is that I won the Bred-By class four out of four days.... but for accuracy I guess I should mention that I only had competition on one of the days. Still, it was fun and I intend to do it again

[Sheila]

I know how much "fun" you had showing your special little gal. I'm wondering when I'll get the chance to see they dynamic duo in person!
Sheila

[sorthund]

Good for you, you're a lot braver than I am. I had to go in the ring once, and I did not enjoy it at all. I get so nervous. However I did enjoy a match where I won BIM both days. I had no idea what I was doing, so I'm glad the judge truly looked at the dogs not the handling, lol.

[pretty dobe]

I really wanted to do it also. Did show my boy one weekend at the International show. My knees were not good but I held in there for a BIS puppy and it was the best feeling. So I understand how you feel. Had surgery on the knees two weeks later but it was worth it. It is something you never forget.

Judie

[tosca]

Hey, you didn't tell me you went back into the show ring! What's it been, 10-15 years? LOL! Good for you! :D

[andyhilt27]

I sincerely hope that my first go round in the ring is not a comedic performance! There are two fears that hold humans back: Fear of success, and fear of failure. If any of you are there please don't laugh! :cool:

[Elaine]

Hey, you didn't tell me you went back into the show ring! What's it been, 10-15 years? LOL! Good for you! :D

Hey, back off. :D As I recall, the way I met you some umpteen years ago is that we were both in the Group ring at BelVernon... you had your lovely Gloria. I had that Tub-o-Lard Jackie, who was fresh from Vicki Fillinger... so she was still beautifully groomed and trained by Vicky to show, show. show. You walked with Gloria and I got a Group III. :rolleyes: Which has simply got to be proof positive that there is no god! :D:p

Just so you know, I have not improved one tiny iota... I just take it all less seriously. :) Honestly, when I bend down to stack Halla in the ring, and she kisses me, I figure, "screw this winning or loosing thing, I love this bitch and she loves me. I enjoy this moment in time."
But still, I intend to go Breeder /Owner handled BIS somewhere - sometime -before all is said and done. It just may have to be under you, Arthur and Doug Shipley... :D ANd, I am now an avid student of "The Gravelle Method" so I may need at least one other lifetime to achieve the goal.

I've attached photos of me in the ring with Jackie at Brush Prairie and me in the ring with Jackie at Bel-Vernon.. these photos must be from about 1992. Notice I am wearing the same thing in each photo... must have been my "lucky dog show outfit." :D In the photo from Bel-Vernon, that is Bob Hastings giving me the Breed (the day I got the Group III). And I attached here one of my all time favorite photos ... of you with Bart (Ch. Logres' Puget Power)... and holy crap, look at how we had him groomed. :D Can't believe we got away with that. He looks like an Afghan Hound... no wonder Wally loved him :p

And Andrew... keep at it, don't get discouraged. Study the good handlers, like Esteban, Diego and Kelly. Stay in the "learn, learn, learn" mode. Don't take any of this too seriously... you will do fine. Remember to enjoy the process. If you get a chance, attend a Goerge Alston Clinic... he is very good. And some people find Jeff Brucker's CD useful. Take it all in... and have fun!!!