This past weekend was the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Greater Detroit Specialty show, one that I rarely miss but don't often have an entry. I was delighted when Michelle Rogowski (Cassbar Shelties) decided to bring our co-owned youngster, MBPIG Ch Anamchara Prototype - "Kane" (also co-owned with Cynthia Charbonneau, Cynchar Shelties)for the show. I had entered his 9 month old sister "Kendall", BPIS Ch Anamchara Jacquard and our newly pointed 7 month old Anamchara Animal House, "Rush", so it promised to be a fun weekend. The youngsters all did very well, taking first or second in their respective classes, and being pulled for Winners, so it was a very successful weekend. The show is always a lot of fun, and the club does an outstanding job. I'm already looking forward to next year!Thanks to Michelle, we were able to get some updated photos of the kids."Kane", MBPIG Ch Anamchara Prototype (GrCh Rosmoor Protocol X Ch Chelson's Satin Image).
"Kendall", BPIS Ch Anamchara Jacquard.
"Rush", Anamchara Animal House (Am/Can Ch GrandGables The Frat Boy X Am/Can Ch Shaydeechase Girl Interrupted).
I headed up to Ottawa the last weekend in August to not only visit my best friend Kim, but also to show my 8 month old tri girl, Kendall. Kim was showing her stunning, multiple Best Puppy in Show winning youngster, Rehannah (MBPIS Ch Laureate Immortality), so the weekend was full of promise for lots of fun. Kendall already had 4 points in two weekends of showing, and I was hoping to gain a little more ground toward her Canadian championship.The weather was beautiful, warm like you would expect in August, but with a breeze, and Long Sault Conservation Area is a gorgeous park, a perfect setting for this very large dog show, annually hosted by the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Dog Association. I did not know really anything about the gentleman who was judging us at the breed and group levels, Mr. Rafael de Santiago, but I was so proud of my girl, that walking into the ring for our Junior Puppy bitch class, I truly felt that I really did have the best puppy there! I could not have been more thrilled when Mr. de Santiago first chose Kendall to win her class, then awarded her Winners Bitch, and if that wasn't exciting enough, to then go on and win Best of Breed! In the group 7 ring, we even walked out with 3rd place win, and then went back in for the group 7 puppies. I didn't think the day could possibly be any better when we were awarded Best Puppy in Group ... but it did!!! Best in show followed soon after the group judging, and first the mainly adult dogs were judged. Then it was our turn, under judge Roberto Velez-Pico, to compete with the other puppy group winners. Kendall being examined on the table by Mr. Velez-Pico.
Going away from the judge and then back toward him ... 
The judge taking a final look at his lineup. 
"The best puppy today is the sheltie!"
Preparing for the official show photo ... what a memorable day!!
Thank you so much, Kim, for taking all these fantastic pictures ... you helped make this day so much more special!
P.S. The following day, Kendall finished her championship, going Winners Bitch under Col. Joe Purkhiser ... now BPIS Ch Anamchara Jacquard!
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!
