-Megz-

Pffttt, what she need to go out for, she's got hundreds of points Although you do need to be in the ring to win a BIS Its alright, we all know she would have won had she been out there ;) I'm a bit bummed when she's not there but when I look at what we had last night and then think of the additional's if Pat had been there - I don't think I would have made it. Of the 11 dogs we did take - I showed 7 and I only just made it

Pitty-Pat had a night at home last night - although she wouldn't have been very happy about it.

Darwin is a small show scene, we only have one ring and one All-Breeds judge, makes it perfect for me as I show lots of breeds and don't like sharing. Although double headers are fun for me when I have to give up my babies

We had our first show of the year last night - I was going a little stir crazy leading up to it First up was Gidget (Italian Greyhound - Berizza Love Supreme) winning Runner Up in Group and Puppy in Show Her housemate Cherub (Italian Greyhound - Piccino Zucchero) won Minor Puppy in Show Next in was Harry (Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Ch Ironstaff Bad Tothe Bone) winning Best in Group The Beagle's were next up, Ben (Sanmar Blue Moon) won his first DCC and also Minor Puppy in Group and Rosie (Jansline Dancing Queen) won BOB and Junior in Show. We also won Runner Up in the Hound group with Nicky (Whippet - Ch Aasky Brodice Brazen) Next up was the Swedish Vallhund's, Abbey (Ch Ausled Rodeo Real Deal) won Runner Up in Group - not bad for a rarer breed. Last but not least, Rani (Siberian Husky - Ch Icepower Just Like Magic) also went Runner Up in Group. We got quite a big haul last night with a grand total of 1 BIG, 4 RUIG and 3 CIS awards. Over the moon would be an understatement.

Just finished putting my results in for our first show of the year and I have no issues with it. I don't compare to interstate much because we don't have the sheer numbers or volume of shows, I look within the NT and am happy with that. Did not even enter last year but with our results yesterday thought I might this year. At least there is a competition to enter into.

I was taught by Darwinroyal and do it oldest to youngest, and then if littermates in order of the Rego #. It suits me and seems to work.

In this case that wasn't a consideration as they didn't have a dog in the next class. I still don't like generalising behaviour without witnessing it or knowing the person. I think it's rude but there are just as many reasons to do it if absolutely necessary.

It may well have been, but there are other explanations, I sure wouldn't want to be tarnished with the same brush, especially if I was trying to do the right thing by other exhibitors/stewards by getting my next dog out and ready. ETA: Not a specialty scenario, but I'm often rushing from the ring, win or lose, I respect the judge/stewards/exhibitors enough to know that they won't appreciate waiting for me just because I was in the ring 30 seconds earlier.

I could be as simple as needing to get a dog ready for the next class. I don't think it's compulsory to stay for the Critique.

Agree with the toy people being the worst. I love stewarding in Darwin, we only have the occasional headache and most people know when to expect them. My favourite from a Steward is when the Whippet's go in, someone will say Whippet #xx Baby Puppy Class, and another steward mutters Whip it good... Has stopped over recent years but always brought a smile to my face.

Susie Ripper in Darwin, Steward and Show Manager extraordinaire.

Another Goal I have that is carried on from last year, to qualify as many of my dogs for Battle of the Greats and/or Contest of the Rising Stars. So far I have qualified: Rani the Siberian Husky (Aust Ch Icepower Andromeda) for BOTG Gidget the Italian Greyhound (Berizza Love Supreme) for COTRS (I think she is nice enough to qualify for BOTG before 1st of July) Rosie the Beagle (Jansline Dancing Queen) for COTRS and BOTG Patricia the Pointer (Aust Ch Breilla Pat Me Pointer) for BOTG Nicky the Whipper (Aust Ch Aasky Brodice Brazen) for BOTG Ben the Beagle (Sanmar Blue Moon) for COTRS I have to qualify my Stafford, Harry, and the baby Swedish Vallhund has his first show this weekend coming so that is exciting.

That's just a puppy thing. At my last show Ben the Beagle decided to be a poo head for me, basically he wanted to show on a full loose lead and I had it a little too tight for him so he crabbed. He was fine after the first time around though when I worked it out, just got to work out what they like. Took my old Beagle for a walk yesterday and at 12 he still struts around with his head up and tail wagging like in the show ring. Very cute.

I would say at least 12 weeks Erin, after the last shots etc. Doesn't stop you from doing some lead work at home, the babies usually have collars on from young ages to get them used to having something around their neck, and when we are home put a lead on them and let it drag behind them, pick it up every now and then and call them and make them fun to follow you while you hold it. Simple, fun stuff to start off with.

Is it the Mirto's Pointer?

My dogs win the prizes - not sure how they use half of them though. Personally I won a TV in Alice Springs a few years back for Good Sportsmanship, that is the best prize ever, even without a prize to go with it's one of my favourite awards. Also, nothing beats competing for your state/territory in the National Final for JH. Loved those wins, especially my last one, I can honestly say I had never worked so hard for a win before or since. I don't care about the material items of it, I just like showing the dogs. I know what SBT123's fave prize is and she's never even seen it in the flesh :-P

Most definitely, you'll have a lovely weekend. Long way to come with no dogs though hmmm nahh come in April and get more shows in Might have to wait til later in the year or maybe next year - get some leave up and drive down for a few weeks Then Joe can show some dogs

Should I?

I like the Tan girl

Well so far so good, first show's entries off on time

You can make it 5 if you like - 1 is more challenging.

That is on your "must enter" list. Pick just one.

I can count on my fingers the number of people that have known what I was talking about when I said that I show dogs. Most look at me like I'm speaking another language to be honest.

The classifieds section of Dogzonline has an extensive range of great stores as well.

Get all my entries in on time.