Showsight November 2018

COLORADO LOVIN’ LOTS OF LOVE AT THE 2018 RRCUS NATIONAL SPECIALTY by THERESA M. LYONS

T he average dog show enthusi- asts are used to less than per- fect hotels, but almost always expect more from a national. While often a step-up, most of time you are left with either a nice room, a big ring or a decent place to potty your dog. It’s very rare that you get everything you want. Unless, of course, you are lucky enough to end up at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, Colorado. Not only did you sleep in a spacious two-room suite, but each morning you were greet- ed with a complimentary made-to-order omelet breakfast and a manager’s recep- tion each night with hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Oh, and did I mention the ball- room was huge with plenty or room to host 500+ Ridgeback entries along with owners, breeders and specators. One could feel the love instantly. Every event was meticulously planned with themes and fun for all. The Top 25—Colorado Gold Rush was beautifully decorated with all the stars and glitz we come to expect. A full- color catalog, beautiful full-length rib- bons and a lighted star entrance into the ring was just the start. There was also a Colorado “old” Rush—Over 50 Handler Event that left everyone laughing and applauding for their favorite costumed team as well as standing ovations for the handler most proficient at taking a shot of whiskey before their down and back. Between all the fun and frills, the regular show must go on. In spite of the psychedelic orange and yellow carpet and the corresponding striped walls in the grand ballroom, the ring was spa- cious and allowed all the spectators to watch and enjoy. First was the sweepstakes judging, officiated by Ridgeback breeder Erin Coogan. With 57 veterans and 110 pup- pies, it became clear that the school teacher from Taylorsville, Utah, knew how to run an organized and smooth ring. Don’t let the teacher stature scare you, however, as judge Coogans’ kind hand on a dog was apparent at all times. At one point there was an obviously overwhelmed puppy having a tough time. Without hesitation, as the puppy hesitated, Coogan leaned over and began hugging, petting and talking to her. The puppy immediately sat down, looked up adoringly at the judge as the petting and loving continued. By the end of the class this young puppy was standing tall and proud. It is times like

these that bring a smile to my face and warmth in my heart. If only all judges would take such care and patience with young, insecure puppies. My heart continued to stay warm as the veteran classes took center stage. The gray faces, the wagging tails and the love of their owners and handlers is one of my favorite classes at a nation- al. The smile on the judges’ face said it all—unconditional. The next day would start the regu- lar classes, officiated by Paula Nykiel of Washington, Missouri. With a super- sized entry of 66 class dogs, 109 class bitches, 84 non-regular and 162 breed exhibits, there was no room for error. I thoroughly enjoyed Mrs. Nykiels’ ring procedure. She was professional, proficient and went above and beyond the required exam. Each dog, in every class, was afforded the opportunity to do the down-and-back as well as go- round more than once. It is always exciting to watch a judge and listen to spectators try and guess what the judge is looking for. “Definite- ly the down-and-back,” says one. “No, most definitely the go-around,” says another. “Oh, no, no, it’s definitely the stack,” firmly states another. I chuck- led most of the time as I was sure her lines-ups were based on the standard. I mean, isn’t that what the judge is sup- posed to do? After two-days of judging, it was time for Best of Breed. Arguably, the most anticipated day of the week. It is always exciting to see some of the nations top dogs as well as some that you have only seen on social media. As each group came in, initial exams were completed and cuts made, until the final standing was less than 20. There were families of dogs, both young and old. Profession- als, owners and breeders alike, were all in the running for the ribbons. But alas, there can only be one who claims the top prize. This year, it would be Rugby, MBIS MRBIS MBISS GCHP Dia- blo’s Back Alley Brawler, CGC, ROM, bred and owned by Nancy Faville, co-bred by K&S McNary, co-owned with Helle Rasmussen and Rebecca McMilton and beautifully presented by Elizabeth Jordan Nelson. Congratulations to all the winners and kudos to Show Chair, Nancy Faville, and her committee, for putting on a well-organized and smooth-running specialty. Next year, Ohio or bust!

Regular Classes: Judge Paula Nykiel Best Of Breed : GCHP Diablo’s Back Alley Brawler, CGC Winners Bitch/Best Of Winners/ Award Of Merit: Aziza’s Casino Royale By Precidio Best Of Opposite Sex: GCHB DC County Line’s Scotland Yard, SC CA Select Dog: GCHS Highland Rim Sugar Man Of Presido Select Bitch/Award Of Merit/ Top 25 Winner: GCHS CH Nashira’s

Just Beat M All Awards Of Merit

GCHG Mystiko & Adili’s Unstoppable Reign, CGC, GCH Lane’s Ooh Lala, CH Kimani’s Aires Apparent, CH Cru- sader’s You Had Me At Hello To Gadico, GCHB Lionlamb’s Dark Horse, CA, GCHG Celtic Lore’s Perfect Storm, JC, GCH Kimani’s Foxhill Southern Gentle- man, GCHP CH Kimani’s Indelible Impression, JC Winners Dog/Award Of Merit: Imari’s Gift From Beyond Best Veteran: CH Kimani’s Something Spectacular, JC Sweepstakes/Stud Dog/Brood Bitch: Judge Erin Coogan Best In Puppy Sweepstakes: Rokishoals I CAught Your Eye Best In Junior Sweepstakes: CH Fre- land’s A Runner’s Dream Best In Veteran Sweepstakes: GCHS Koda’s Mighty Man Of Valor, RN SC OJP NAJ Stud Dog: GCHB CH Juba Lee Enjoys How The Race Is Run, CD BN RI SC CGC TKN Brood Bitch: GCH DC Ivorymoon’s Destination Unknown, RN MC Performance Agility High In Trial—Standard: Jen- na—FC Northstar’s Footprints In Gold, VCD1 BN RN MC MC MXB MXJ MJB Agility High In Trial—Preferred: GCHS CH Juba Lee’s All Around Talk, BN RN NJP NFP CGCA Obedience High In Trial—Open & Utility: TC Wheatridge Soloist O’kahlu, UDX6 OGM Obedience High In Trial—Regular: Wheatridge I’m All About The Bass, CDX JC Lure Cousing—Best In Field: MBIG DC U-CH Azize’s Warrior Princess At Mendocino, SC LCM Best In Triathlon: TC Wheatridge Solo- ist O’kahlu, UDX6 OGM SC CGC VCX

S how S ight M agazine , N ovember 2018 • 151

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