Monday, September 27, 2010

The Wonders of Wisconsin (Oconomowoc, part 4)


Time to wrap up our posting about the a wonderful week in Wisconsin at the Frenchie National Specialty.  Even though we didn't get to spend much time outside the show site, there was no shortage of fantastic things to behold!

There was all the beautiful scenery right around the hotel,


although their swans are apparently carnivorous!


We got to witness many friends realize huge accomplishments in the ring, sharing in their jubiliation.
Our friend Lori won Best in Sweepstakes with her Pax, beating 120 dogs to do it - a once-in-a-life-time sort of accomplishment!  Look at that HUGE ribbon!
It was great to have friends there to share in our own joys as well.  We couldn't believe our eyes when Brutus got a special recognition at the awards banquet.  We had unknowingly achieved the highest scoring run at the agility trial, and got this really special trophy to commemorate our accomplishment:

No, Brutus...  That's not the award (he made me put that in for our pal, Mayzie!)
That's more like it!  What an honor!
Although it does kind of look like a wheel of cheese now that I think about it...


It wasn't all work, though.  We saw many dogs just chilling out:

Neill (Carmen's uncle) always brings along his "fan club"
And there was time spent time sunning with new friends:
That's Carmen and her fawn buddy, Teddy, enjoying a few sticks together while basking in warm afternoon sun.
Some dogs were there looking for handouts (that's Tansey, the ol' girl is really a hoot)

While others were busy striking a pose for the photographer
Our friend Sandy won the Veterans Sweeps with her girl Lola
Or just plain posing (Carmen, you are such a little ham!)


Then there were those who were just plain dog-tired.  That's Brutus zonked out ringside. 
It took some serious energy to win all those awards, you know!!!
As much excitement as there was, all too soon the Specialty was over and it was time to head back to Ohio.   We didn't have time to check out these places we saw from the highway, but they are certainly on our list of things to do if we ever drive through Wisconsin again!

Behold, the power of cheese!!
Really???
Besides, Brutus was fast asleep and I didn't want to wake him up by stopping! He really did sleep all 9 hours back to Ohio, other than 2 quick potty breaks! 



So that about does it for our big adventure.  It was a time I will never forget - my kids did me proud and we had the time of our lives.  The trip might be over, but the memories and friends we made will last a lifetime!  Thanks for coming along for the ride for our special adventure, we're glad to be able to share it with you!




11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ohmidogness! LOOK AT THAT CHEESE!!! I mean, gosh, your trophy is really pretty and BIG, too! And I'm ever so proud of both Brutus and Carmen and everything they were able to accomplish on this Most Exciting trip. They are both super duper special, for sure!

But, wowza! Did you see that CHEESE? And they even have a whole CASTLE made of cheese? And you didn't stop? I'm sorry, Brutus and Carmen's Momma, but next time, you really need to gets your priorities prioritized.

Okay, I gotta go start planning our next trip. Is the Cheese Castle very far from Collie-rado?

Wiggles & Wags,
mayzie

Two French Bulldogs said...

Holy dog biscuits! You guys never cease to amaze us. Congratulations Brutus we are proud to be your friend. What an exciting adventure. Hope you got to taste all that cheese too. Mom didn't stop at the Bong rest area we hope. BOL We loved all the pictures of the Frenchie extravaganza. You guys must be pooped.
Benny & Lily

Minnie Moo said...

Wow, what a vacation/trip!!!!

And yes, watch out for swans. I've had some bad experiences with geese, so I can only imagine!

Muah,

Minnie Moo

Oskar said...

Hooray for you and your wonderful trip!

Mmmmm, cheese...

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

Scooter said...

That was quite a trip for y'all. Yep, Wisconsin is very pretty!! I dont blame you Brutus~~With all you did, I think I would sleep all the way too!!

wags
jazzi

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

Those swans probably get fat eating all that cheese.... Seriously. Cheese castle?!? And you didn't stop? Brutus, you are one Focused (heehee - Mom's typing is a little sloppy right now (she's tired) and you don't want to know what she started to type...) Dude. I mean really. Cheese. And you didn't stop. That is Self Control! ;-)

*kissey face*
-Fiona and Abby the Hippobottomus

Taffy said...

Way to go you guys! What an amazing trip! Thanks for sharing all the cute photos. Next time you go and stop at the cheese castle, can I come along for the ride?
Snuggles,
Twix

chicamom85 said...

Brutus, we are so proud of you for your accomplishment, you are such a special boy!!! You are also very handsome(blushing). We only eat Wisconsin cheese in this house, there is no substitute, ever. When Mommy and Daddy go to visit my Grandma in Wisconsin, they NEVER leave without a stop at Mars Cheese Castle. They bring home a cooler full of delights. I am drooling just thinking about it. It is a cool place and we hope you will go someday. While you are there, you can get lots of Bucky Badger souvenirs!

licks and sniffs, Sasha and Anne

Molly the Airedale said...

What an exciting vacation for you and huge congratulations go out to you both!
Those cheese rounds are making us all drool - mom too!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Hope said...

Teddy says he wants to see Carmen again - as long as they're on leash!
And the Bong Recreation area - believe it or not, is where our obedience club used to hold our Tracking Tests. Not that the tracks laid were all that straight.....

Kari in Alaska said...

I lived in Madison for a bit and loved it there :)

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/