Winjammin's Waves: St. Peter, MN: May 26 & 27

[Winjammin]

Well, sometimes smaller shows work out and sometimes they don't. The past two weekends, we had been at smaller shows where we thought we had favorable judges for us and there wouldn't be any competition. Well, so much for that theory.....we lost....three days in the ring, three losses. It was disheartening getting beat by a class dog on two days, and then a lesser, out of shape dog special on the third.

But, you just have to pick yourself up and start over at the next show. Well, the past two days have been pretty rewarding. This weekend, we showed against a small entry, with a bitch special also entered (who Boo has a hard time beating), judges that are not known for their consistency in picking dogs, and 8am show times both days. Not exactly a confidence booster for a dog that never shows well at 8am and doesn't necessarily care to show outside in the sun. But, we showed our butts off and we were rewarded with a decent weekend.

Without further ado, here are the results for the weekend:

Saturday:
Boo was in the Best of Breed position for the entirety of his ringtime until the last 10 seconds of the breed judging. He had showed pretty well, well enough to win it. I wouldn't say he had his "A" game going, but it was at least his "B+" game. I had a hard time hearing the judge in the 20mph wind (and he didn't speak up too loudly), so I had to let the dog relax so I could step closer to the judge to hear what he wanted, and just like that, he picked the bitch special for BOB, and put us in the Best of Opposite Sex slot. So basically I got outhandled and cost myself and Boo the win....oh well, live and learn. Not a bad result, but not exactly what we were hoping for.

Sunday:
Today, Boo went in the ring and was ON! This was not only his "A" game, but his "A+" game!! Being the only dog special, he was at the front of the line and set up first. I had him all stretched out, relaxed with his ears up (always a battle outside with him) and according to the exhibitors not in the ring, he looked AWESOME. The judge walked the lineup to see expression, and made little squeaky noises to get an expression. Well, he got one from Boo.....he practically turned his head upside down listening to the judge!! He got a chuckle out of it, and so around the ring we went, with Boo on the table first.

Those of you who have seen it first hand know it gets a reaction, but you have to see it to believe it. Corgis, especially Caridgans, don't usually jump up to get on the table. They are usually too big and heavy and lowslung to get any altitude to get up to the three foot high table. Boo is the exception to the rule, and he never ceases to amaze spectators, exhibitors, and judges alike. He jumps into my arms at the height of the table, so all I have to do is dump him on the tabletop. This has almost become his trademark. Today was no different....exhibitors were shaking their heads (they've seen it for a year now), spectators were laughing (oh how cute!), and the judge stood with his mouth open in shock.

The judge evaluates Boo and sends him down and back....nothing too special here, as I keep him at a slower pace, so the judge gets a good look at his rear kickback and front movement (both are very good). He then goes over the bitch special and sends her to the back of the line with us. He then sends around the Winner's Dog and Winner's Bitch. These two dogs were ok, but nothing too wonderful....no chance of losing the breed to these two...WHEW!

Then it's time to set up the dogs and let the judge look at them. Unfortunately, we're in the sun and the day is starting to warm up a little....not good for black dogs like Boo. I usually keep a secret treat in my pocket for my ring savvy boy to keep him on his toes on days like this...today it was a human peanut butter cookie. I pull out said magic cookie and his ears go straight up and a string of drool touches the ground. Did I mention he likes his cookies? The judge walks past him, checks the lineup and comes back to the front of the line. He sends us around again to see the whole class move together. I cinch up the collar, and whisper in Boo's ear, "Let's show 'em how it's done buddy!" We go around, and as we start out, Boo takes off and hits the end of his lead with a pop, and GOES. My job at this point is to hang on, keep up, and pray he doesn't bunny hop. He didn't bunny hop. In fact, he so wowed the judge that he stood there with his mouth agape again watching him move (yes, he moves THAT nicely) and pretty much outpacing the rest of the class with a nice, easy gait. I don't even get a chance to set him up for the final decision before the judge is ready to make his choices....he points at US!!! Boo wins Best of Breed!!! FINALLY!! The cold streak is over!

We went on to Group and got a little bit of a look. The judge for group was the same judge that passed him up in breed on Saturday, so I didn't expect much. The nice thing was that there were a lot of people who liked the little black and white Cardigan and cheered for him, but it didn't make any difference....oh well....one of these days we will place in the group.

For the idle curiosity seekers, the #1 Siberian Husky in the country was there and won Best in Show on Saturday. Today, a Belgian Tervuren flown in especially for this show from New York won BIS.