This year's Pawloozawas a raving success. Bigger and better than ever, just when you thought that last year's had offered everything possible for the dog and dog lover, the organizers totally outdid themselves. Both in quality and quantity of exhibits, vendors, demonstrations and animal advocacy groups, there was nothing missed in this festival for dogs and animal lovers. "Pawlooza" covers a wide range of interests, and many of them are interactive for both you and your dog. Whether it's agility, dock diving, a psychic reading or tearing loose in the leash-free Fun Zone, the choices are endless. Want to compete in a frozen yogurt eating contest? Beauty contest? Learn new tricks? Or have your (doggy) DNA tested, and really find out who's your daddy ... it's a fun filled day. I took my youngsters Rush and Kendall and in hindsight wish we had participated in more activities, but it was very hot, and we were all thankful for the many water and pool stations!
Pawlooza is held on the private Plunkett estate just on the outskirts of London. This is truly an amazing venue, and we're extremely fortunate to have this event offered on such a gorgeous property.
A photo from one of the entrances; doesn't even come close to showing the expanse of the festival.
One of the many dogs in their best festival attire.
A St. Bernard cooling off ...
And a nearly matched pair of Danes.
This was an odd-looking game sponsored by a spay/neuter advocacy group. I didn't see anyone really "play" it, so can only guess at the object. It was a tad awkward, to be honest, but I did see a number of male dogs lifting their legs in what I can only imagine was their quiet but indisputable comment on the whole thing.
Two Chinese Crested of the hairless variety, one more "normal" sized, the other was quite large. They made quite a comical pair, but Rush and Kendall were happy to meet them. The little one was a total clown ... he just never stopped, and could have kept my camera busy for quite a long time!
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These two Japanese Chin were looking for somewhere to cool off!
And this older Newfoundland and younger companion headed straight for one of the ponds to do just that. No one standing nearby minded getting a little wet in the least!
The dock diving dogs knew exactly what to do! Well, maybe not all ...
Now this dog made it look easy!
The annual Exeter Dodge Rodeo is one I try not to miss. There's just something about the tuned up horses, wild eyed with anticipation, the bravado and swagger of next to real-life cowboys, and the power and unpredictability of the bulls that acts like a magnet upon my "closet" C&W self. Having loved horses all of my life, and fortunate enough to have owned and shown some very nice ones, I'm now happy enough to live the western life style from the sidelines.
The afternoon started with the saddle bronc competition. These are big, strong horses, and mostly bred for this particular talent. They are very good at their jobs :).
Next were the steer wrestling and roping classes.
Sometimes you wonder just who is winning, the cowboy or the steer!
A popular, and what can be very profitable, event is the polebending.
Out of the gate!
Another ladies' event is the barrel racing, which also has the potential to yield significant dividends on the rodeo circuit.
Total concentration ...
Holding her breath ... will it stay up or not??
Finally to close the show, the bull riding. Today, we definitely got our money's worth!
This past weekend we were entered at the Kilbride dog show in Milton, Ontario. I was showing my nearly 8 month old tri girl, Kendall - "Anamchara Jacquard". This was Kendall's third outing, and particularly considering the heat, I think she showed beautifully. She won 2 points on Saturday and another 3 on Monday. After one weekend, she's half way to her Canadian championship.
A Doberman in the setup next to us.
Part of the lineup for Group 7 in one of the shows.
The Best in Show competition on another day. It's easy to tell from some of the dogs' expressions just how hot it was!
The pointer standing for examination.
The Boxer, poised and regal.
And a young boxer outside the ring, maybe a future Best in Show winner!
The Pomeranian looking like a winner.
The Bulldog checking with it's handler.
The Pekingese ...
A young Afghan in the Best Puppy in Show competition.
Another puppy, a Portugese Water dog.
I took a break from the dog show on Sunday, and went to the Dodge rodeo in Exeter, an annual event and one of the largest rodeos in southern Ontario. Those photos will be posted in Part II, but here's a sample ...
This past long weekend we celebrated my two sisters' birthdays as well as my daughter Chelsea's. My sister Janice was generous enough to host our get-together, and we all pitched in with food and drink, and Mother Nature supplied the picture (and pool!!) perfect weather.My sister's dog is constantly puzzled and a little unraveled by people in the pool. She just doesn't know what to make of it.
Chels preparing to "throw" Mackenzie ... 
My niece and her husband, expecting their first baby in November.
Make a wish!
Looks good enough to eat!
The following day we were off downtown to the Ribfest. In it's 25th year, London's the home of the first Canadian BBQ rib competition, and it's quite the party, drawing bigger crowds, more rides, more bands and more vendors every year.
Family, friends, fun and food ... add made-to-order weather, a guaranteed perfect weekend!
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