We have been back from the Ridgeback Specialty for a week. I think it has taken all of us the week to recover fully. Here is what I observed and learned:
1. Never predict that you are going to "finish" your dog at the Specialty. That is one sure way of making sure you do not make the cut. And for the record... I did not make this prediction but a very well known handler did.
2. Your male dog truly is not as big as you thought he was. There are much bigger dogs out there.
3. Don't bother with the dessert buffet. The hotel food staff severely under-estimated the need for the Ridgeback's community need for sweets. Most of it was gone by the time I got there ... and it wasn't all that good. And the icebreaker? Not really., No one comes over to meet you unless you already know them.
4. The yearly RRCUS meeting? No matter how short they promise it to be, there are those that will insist on dragging it on and on. Skip it.
5. Never under-estimate how much Ridgebackers can drink. And then get up and function the next day.
6. When rooming with Ridgebacks and people, make sure there is at least one bed per person before sharing your room. 2 people in a bed will not work.
7. Sometimes faces do not fit the image in your mind. I think Asta and I learned that about someone.
8. That the Top Twenty made me awe-struck at the sight of some of the dogs. They were totally awesome.
9. Don't try and do too much. You will be disappointed.
10. I can not wait to attend the next one.
The dogs traveled well. The people traveled okay. it is a long drive from Florida to Michigan. Another longer drive to South Dakota in 2011. But to see 300 + dogs of the same breed in one arena is worth the trip. Everyone with a passion for Ridgebacks needs to attend this event just once.
Here is a link for the albums I have started. http://www.pbase.com/deniseeb/ridgeback_specialty_2009
and a video of the BOB pick
No comments:
Post a Comment