The day that I thought was never going to come, finally arrived on May 1, 2011. Finally. FINALLY, after 2.5 years, Finn became an AKC champion. The improbable happened. There was a time that we seriously thought about putting him up and not continuing his journey, but then he won his first major and all bets were off. He got 4 more points and put him one major away. Could it really happen?
We missed a win in Brooksville when he kept his head down - judge even told us so. And then we missed major wins in Lakeland on 2 days. He did not even win his class.
We kept on biking him, tho. Making sure he kept fit.
And I targeted Dr. Robert Smith as a judge that would potentially like my boy and I prayed for majors in Vero Beach. Almost did not enter him, but thank GOD I did.
Majors both days.
Now was our time.
We even drove down on Friday night so that his stress level was lowered.
On Saturday, April 30th, Finn won Open Dogs, but not Winner's Dogs. Disappointment can not even describe what I thought was going to slip from our grasp.
On Sunday, my boy was ready to go. I had to stand in the distance as I was holding on to Bindi, but I got to see him strut his stuff. Open Dog winner.
Could it be? I think I sent telepathic waves to Judge Smith, willing him to give my boy his last major.
AND HE DID.
To hear the crowd cheer - for MY dog - was what made me cry - more so than the actual win. All of my friends and people that mattered were there to see him win.
My boy was an AKC Champion
Ch. Kengali's Leap of Faith, SC.
I know he has his detractors, but he is not the first dog that took this long to finish nor will he be the last one. Perseverance prevailed and the relief, the pride, all of the emotions I feel can not even be described.
The day I never thought would come, finally arrived. And what a day it was.
