The New Diary

Ahhhh, this is a much better place for the Diary. I admit, I don't often update purely because my setup for the diary takes time, and I'm usually pretty tired at the end of the day! Besides, I'd much rather spend the time doing my needed chores and spending time with my poor neglected dogs, or so they think they are! I admit my current problem is all three dogs just cannot physically fit on my lap. For a while there Izzy managed to squeeze on my lap as well as Oliver and the cat (that takes talent on ALL their parts let me tell you!), but Oliver is now just as big as Izzy in many respects and it is not happening. So now I take Oliver outside with me alone for a little bit of play and some show lead work. Isabella's favorite thing is to be allowed to sit on my lap for a while, so that is her special time in the evenings, and Hero wants me to throw a toy a couple times for her until she's content to chomp on it at my feet.

We are definitely gearing up for our first real show of the season. January is a nice little hiccup for me but really feels like it's still part of last year. This year I can honestly say I have no idea what my show schedule will look like past April, normally I can tell for the entire season due to my work schedule. April I will take Isabella to New York with her breeder Joan, and sister Monique for their Futurity. I have not entered her for the field portion, as I just have not had the time to get her ready. Izzy and Monique's mother Zoe took Best of Opposite (sex) in 2008, her Futurity year, and we hope one of the girls will follow in her paw-steps, or better! Linda McCartney-Roy, who brought Isabella to the Nationals this past November, will be handling Monique. Even though Kristyn, who does such a fantastic job with Izzy, does not have a bitch to handle, I have been looking forward to it for so long so will be taking Izzy in myself. Oliver will also be coming for the Specialty portion, but Hero will be going to stay with her best friend Paris and Aunty Pam. Hero will be getting close to coming into heat and being bred so I want to minimize her stress and exposure.

But about next weekend we are very excited! For quite possibly the only time ever I will have all three of my dogs entered. Oliver will make his debut, I'm hoping he will have FUN first and foremost and if I am lucky he will remember the things I have tried to teach him. Well, as much as you can teach a scatter-brained male Brittany puppy! He does move quite nicely, but occasionally forgets himself and bounces and bounds like his legs are made of springs! This is also likely Hero's only show for the year. She is entered in the Open class, which I expect will be fairly large (16 bitches total entered in the classes) so while it would be great to place, I am not expecting a win. She does look great right now, her last heat did her wonders. Hero happens to love the show ring, and very visibly sulks if left out.

Isabella, now she is a different story. But not one people may expect. She isn't even two yet and look at what she's accomplished! After going Winners Bitch for the 5 point major at Nationals, and then finishing with another major at her very next show going Best of Breed with a dazed me at the end of the lead... what is in store for her next? Yes, she is going to continue to be shown. Occasionally I am reminded by those I love that though she is my dog, she isn't "just" my dog. Alright! I get the hint! But she's far too young to Special, and currently I just cannot afford to really get her out there. So this year when she is shown it is not for her, but for me. I need to hone my skills as a handler, and more importantly I think I need to develop the confidence in the ring I currently lack. So, we are not going for the ribbons, but for the experience! If we happen to do anything this next year, yay! If not, that's okay too because it's not our objective. What I really want to do with Izzy is work on getting her JH title, and I am actively training her for a obedience title as well. I have some tentative plans for her regarding when she's older, but that is a long way off. Mostly, she's just my buddy!