SAMOYED CLUB OF AMERICA 90 NATIONAL SPECIALTY
BY CLAIRE O’NEILL
W e were all set to hold our 90th Samoyed Club of America National in Roseville, California, at The Grounds on October 3-8, 2022. Entries were closing September 14, people were getting prepared to travel, and committee members were finalizing every- thing to bring. On Sept. 13, the Show Chair, Judy Davis, was noti- fied that our contract at The Grounds was being cancelled because it was being used as a staging area for Cal-Fire and other emergency teams due to The Mosquito Fire. We were without a show site. The frantic search for another site started. Within two days, a new site was secured: The Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley, California. There were concerns that the show rings were going to be on asphalt, but to everyone’s surprise there was a large, beautifully maintained grass area. They also had all the facilities we needed to cook food for lunches every day as well as for the Awards Dinner, Live Auction, and Top 20 buffets. Hotel reservations were cancelled, new hotels were found, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The week was filled with numerous events and activities, includ- ing three days of off-site Herding and Agility, and a 5.3-mile pack hike. There was Novice and Sanctioned Weight Pull, CGC, Temper- ament Testing, and Trick Dog. There was breeder, mentor and judges
education, an eye clinic, an art show, daily silent auctions, and a huge raffle table. A memorial wall was done where tributes to dogs that have crossed the bridge were displayed. Daily lunches were provided, and a Mexican Fiesta welcome party and an Octoberfest beer tasting with German food were two of the evening dinners. “Elements of the Standard” was offered and judged by Mardee Ward Fanning of Hood N Paw Samoyeds, John Ronald of Seadog Samoyeds, and Peter Hill of Samloch Samoyeds. Between the three judges there was a total of over 125 years of experience in the breed. There were 90 entries for the 10 elements judged. Our Top 20 Invitational show with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres was on Wednesday evening. Judges for this event were Adrian Woodfork of Addox Kennels, Cheri Hollenback of Cas- cade Samoyeds, and Sandra Post of Jasam Kennels in Canada. It was a beautiful showcase, highlighting dogs that were the Top 20 in breed, all-breed, and owner-handled rankings. We had a Rescue Parade in which there were 14 entries, and a Parade of Titleholders with 40 entries. Junior Showmanship, Working Sweeps, and Veteran and Pup- py Sweeps were held, along with Stud Dog, Brood Bitch, Brace, 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy, and Pee Wee Showmanship.
270 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2022
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