Crown Classic Show

Hi there!  I feel like it's been an eternity since I posted, having been busy for the last 4 days at our biggest show.  I'll try not to bore you all with the details, include just the juicy bits and some fun things from the weekend!

I'm so happy to say that Brutus completely redeemed himself from last weekend's antics, conducting himself admirably amidst the most hectic environment he's ever been in.  To make what could easily become a long story as short as possible, Brutus competed in 3 rally events and came away with 3 Q's, winning our large class one day and coming in second the next. Better yet, that perfect track record earned our first title, Rally Novice (RN)!!

To our left is our new friend Lilly, the English Bulldog; she took second, so the bulldogs went 1,2 in the class!!  

Enough with the technical details, I'll try to show some other more interesting things we saw at the Crown Classic.  It is one of the largest shows in the country with almost 3,000 dogs there competing in conformation, obedience & agility.  With almost 30 rings, it is a big spectator event as well, actually charging general admission to the public.  The only venue big enough to hold the event is the IX Center, a large convention facility located next to Hopkins International Airport.  And it took up the whole building!!!

The show attracts dogs from all over the country, many of whom arrived in big trailers and RVs (too bad Big Earl is already hibernating for winter!!)

It was cold, windy & snowing, so luckily the competitors had a special entrance to go in...

... and once inside the grooming and crating areas seemed to go on forever!  With so many rings, we literally needed a map to find the rally competition area!!

When we weren't competing ourselves, there were plenty of other things to take in. Brutus & I watched the conformation Frenchie classes, cheering on our friend Lori as she showed two of her dogs. 

I made sure Brutus paid attention to how nicely all these Frenchies behaved!!

Every size and color of Frenchie was represented!

That's Lori showing Neil...

... and here she is with Biwa, who had a great weekend, winning her first Major!

There were tons of vendors, selling everything imaginable you or your dog might desire. Brutus took the opportunity to do a little holiday shopping for his sweetie Stella!

We met lots of new dogs, even a mastiff that looked like Mango (only smaller since he was still a pup, at a mere 180 pounds !!!)

Wait a minute!  You are only peculiarly huge, not relentlessly....  Impostor!!!

We made sure to take plenty of time to relax, as it was just so much to take in!  The bullystick that Stella sent once came in handy (notice it's gotten shorter!).

 

When all was said and done, we had lots of good times with friends, 5 new ribbons, a title, 6 sore feet, and one very tired Frenchie!  Yep, that's Brutus out cold in my arms!! 

After a very successful conclusion to three weekends of showing, it's now time to rest our weary heads!  No more shows until 2010, thank goodness!! 

Think I'm going to go join Brutus, who is already snoring away contentedly!!  Hope you all enjoyed a little taste of our weekend!