We spent the morning on Tues. attending the Obed. seminar. The seminar was given by the AKC rep. The judges point of view. This seminar was quite interesting. Explanation was given on what to look for in a judge, how we as the "consumers" help decide what judges get assignments and how not entering under certain judges let's the AKC and clubs know what judges we disapprove of. We had a discussion on how performance competitors should join clubs and help in the decisions of what judges are hired for trials. The talk then turned toward how to peak interest in obed. The AKC is looking into adding more classes in obed., possibly some that may be more on the "fun" side on a pass fail basis with titles being given.
We arrived at the arena around 1:30. Was the sod floating or soaking wet??? After setting up I made my way down to the arena floor. Stepped onto the sod.......hurray, it was dry! The sod was actually drier than last year, what a relief! I was entered in Open B, Frank Washabaugh was the judge. Frank arrived and stopped by for a quick chat. He was driving to the arena. He was just yards from the arena (rt.4) and was side swiped by another vehicle. Apparently someone had stolen a vehicle minutes before and in their getaway run hit poor Frank! He parked his car and left it with the police to deal with, entered the arena in plenty of time to judge. Thank goodness he was not hurt. What a way to start your judging assignment at PCA. I am sure this will be a PCA Frank will never forget! Talk about nerves of steel....what a guy!
Obedience got underway as planned. I saw so many wonderful working poodles. It was heartbreaking to see some dogs work a super class and blow one exercise to NQ. I caught myself holding my breath several times, it was exciting! PSG'ers had a very nice showing.
I showed Sedona again in obedience. The last time we should in an AKC obed. show was PCA 1998. We have had a busy year with her litter and training for Utility. PCA has not been my lucky spot. PCA 1997 Sedona was late coming into heat. I waited till the last minute and faxed my entry in..........she must have seen me write the check, came in heat 2 days later! No PCA 1997 for her. PCA 1998, Open A, we had a great class. We went in for sits and downs, 9 secs. before returning to the ring Sedona went down on the sit!!! Arrrgggghhhh, first sit she has ever broken.......why at PCA????!!!! PCA 1999, will we break our unlucky streak?
We entered the ring.......here we go! I had to concentrate on my handling and let Sedona worry about her job. Open seems almost strange since we have been practicing Utility for so long. We finished the class without an NQ. Lags on the about turns....hmmmm felt like it to me? Fronts needed a bit of work, but we did it!
Now sits and downs? Since we all know poodles can read our minds I had to think positively and put last years experience out of my mind. Line up, sit, stay and leave.
The steward waves us to return. I walk down the north ramp hoping I see a black SP topknot over the crowd upon my return. Oh please.....I stretch my neck to see.......yes, she is sitting! We then do the long downs, and we qualified! Our first time in Open B and at PCA......I am thrilled. The class is now finished and the judge calls back dogs for runoffs. I always warm up for a runoff, just in case. I was trained well, thank you Elaine! They called 3 dogs in for a runoff and then I hear my number. We do the heeling pattern.....exercised finished! All qualifiers return for ribbons. I knew the runoff had to be for fourth place, the first three placements are given. The judge calls fourth place and we got it! Our PCA unlucky streak has been broken!
Monday a 3rd place in Jumpers and new title NAJ, Tues. a 4th place in Open B with a 196. PCA 1999 was great!
Exhausted and thrilled, I must now go groom 7 month old Kila to take her down to PCA tomorrow. I will wear my nerves over friend's breed entries tomorrow. Kila is not being shown, she is just going to visit with Wendell.
Good luck to all at PCA 1999!
Linda
Valentine Standards
PS. I finally tasted Bill's OMR cookies, they are do "die" for! Thanks Bill and it was great to finally meet you.
Ann Spitzer (HIT) is from Amityville, NY Her White Crest is 7 years old.
Well, there were 5 of us in 'Utility A..none of us qualified. Mary Ann and Skye qualified in Utility B.
Christy did very well in Veterans BUT THEN he should do well in a Novice Exercise. I must say he had FUN in the ring!
The idea of pizza after Obedience was an excellent idea..there were two rooms of us..many PSGers as well. Bill not only had cookies but had taken pictures of the Agility folks and was showing them around...many PSGers there also.
More later.
Clare
Baltimore