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Montage Tervs had a grand time at the 2008 ABTC National Specialty in Chattanooga TN. Along the way, specialty activities began with a Herding Trial in Franklin KY.
I am proud to report that three Montage dogs did exceedingly well. Montage Mavericks Surf Break HSAs, RA, R1CL, R2CL, FO, CGC "Maverick" and Rob Meiners brought home their first leg in
Herding Intermediate Sheep, and did it with a first place! On Saturday, Mavey did very well but retired a bit soon due to Rob thinking he had NQd (not!). The second day at the ABTC event, Rob wore his lucky orange shirt with the Belgian emblem.
Mavey wore black. Okay, he IS black ;-)). Just before he went in the ring, Mavey spotted me -- he only sees me about once a year at the specialties but always has a big greeting. This time, he knocked me right over into
the grass and stood on me giving me kisses! Then off he went into the arena for a beautiful run. What a big sweety! And talented, too. He won a lovely trophy and rosette.
Next we had Montage-BasqueLaine Genuine Risk CD, RA, HT, CGC "Kelda" and BasqueLaine-Montage Capone "Mr. Big" in PT (Pre-Trial level).
Kelda is owned by Kate Sreenan and Kate co-owns Big with me and Kelly Hoffman. Kate did a fine job of handling both days. On Saturday, Kelda had a little too much fun but on Sunday she had a very nice qualifying run. Big did a great job
both days, Q'ing on Saturday, but drew a break-away sheep on Sunday that was a bit beyond his current ability to handle. I am very proud of all three dogs. Action photos by yours truly coming soon! We did not have any entries in
Agility or Obedience this year.
The Beauty Pageant. While CH LandmarkMontage Puppeteer "Henson" and CH LandmarkMontage Dancing Puppet "Goldie" showed to perfection,
they were not the judge's style. The star of the conformation event was Landmark Sealed With A Kiss "Simply Red" (Henson x Abrah) owned by Tony & Donna Lyczkowski. I had the great fun of showing Red
in 9-12 Month Puppy Sweeps. She came away with 4th place out of a large and highly competitive class of 14 beautiful puppiy bitches. I was so proud of her! It was her first time in the ring. She liked the Sweeps judge
Ann Mackay very much. On Friday in the regular classes, after floating around the ring and stepping boldy into the taped box, she tolerated the very extensive tooth exam but did not much care for the judge also covering
her eyes with one hand. I ended up excusing us from the ring in order to avoid ruining her stand for exam. She thought that judge was quite rude ;-)). I am extremely proud of the way Red handled her first show and she got lots of attention and admiration.
Watch for Miss Red in upcoming shows! Kate and "Kelda" also made a lovely team in American Bred for 4th place. Kelda hadn't been near a show ring in a year but she showed like a dream and was
solid as a rock for the tonsil checking, eye covering exam. I had a big smile on my face the whole time she was out there.
One of the pleasures of attending a National Specialty is visiting with puppy people and dogs who live far away. Mike Kelley and his son Jonathon drove all the way from NC so that I could spend time with
Montage Wind Speed HIC "Gale". I was really excited to see Gale. She is just gorgeous and has a wonderful temperament. I took lots of photos! Thank you, thank you, Mike for bringing her.
Next year - Rhode Island! We might see Gale in conformation and agility there. I also got to visit with BasqueLaine-Montage Wise Guy "Louie" (Thrym x Marissa) who was entered in Novice dogs
but was unfortunately not able to prepare for showing due to a lacrosse emergency at home in Atlanta (human not canine). Thank you to owner Susan Dodd for bringing Louie to visit
inbetween the hospital and championship game - so glad her son was fine and his team won! I also met Ken and Gloria Hartshorn who came from Nebraska with BasqueLaine Shootin Star "Cali" (Kieran x Marissa). Cali showed in 9-12 Month Puppy
Sweeps and ended up a very impressive 5th right behind Red. Imagine my surprise when Ken introduced himself to me while we were in the ring! I am happy to say that Cali is beautiful with a temperament to match.
Unfortunately, I did not have time to take photos of her but Ken has promised to send me some soon. I also met Donna Wilson and Genesis-BasqueLaine Avenger Emma P (George x Jo). They came to the herding trial but then
disappeared before I could get out my camera -- Donna and Emma - where are you? ;-). I did have time to discover that Emma is an absolute doll!
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