Where to start?

What a weekend! What a week! I feel like I have been on a roller coaster. Both physically and emotionally. I know I posted last week about the shows I had with Rory. But the prepping and packing and grooming and bathing, oh and work the week just flew by. Before I knew it Thursday was here.

I left work early because I had a million things to do before hitting the road by 3 AM Friday morning. And that schedule included a little sleep. Huh? What was I thinking? I did manage a couple of hours and before I was ready the alarm was going off at 2 AM. I finished packing the car and off we went. No traffic and for the first hour Rory was fine. But that didn't last and he did get sick. Poor baby. We made it to the show site at 7:30. Rory's first ring time was 8:30. So I had an hour to clean him up, walk him, brush him and let him run a little. He actually did better than I had hoped. Third out of three but he moved well and that made me happy. An hour and a half later was his regular class. And this time he came in second out of three! He even beat out his cousin who was handled by Rory's breeder.

After that we could relax. I could change and Rory could get a run in the fields. The setting for the shows was lovely. And to start the weekend the weather was gorgeous also.

Saturday brought drizzle and showers but thankfully the real hard rain waited until late evening. Rory decided not to cooperate and did his hopping routine and earned another third and then a fourth place out of four dogs in his class. But truthfully he likes his little fourth place prize better than the other ones that third, second and first got. After judging we got to relax and watch the other classes. Including his little sister, an aunt and a few other cousins. I got to chat with a bunch of people. Met some really wonderful ladies who also have pups from Rory's breeder. I got a few tips on improving my grooming skills with Rory and with my handling him. A few of us went to dinner and then called it a day.

Sunday started off with a bang. I get the car all packed and am ready to check out of the motel when I see that I have a flat tire!! Now it is a little after 7 AM and Rory has his first ring time at 9! Luckily there was a service station right next door. Even though they couldn't fix the tire the guy there very kindly changed it for me. (Thank Goodness. I would still be there if I had to change it!!) I then drove up the highway to a Firestone center that I was told opened at 8. I get there only to find that they don't open until 9! I see by the sign that the place is open until 5 PM so I figure I would come have to come back and miss the end of the show. It is now a little after 8 and just as I start the car to leave one of the workers pulls up. He very kindly took the rim and the spare the other station sold me (a LOT cheaper than a new tire!) and said I could come back before 4 to get it and they would put it on. So at 8:20 I am finally off to the show.

We get there just after 8:30 and I hurry to get Rory exercised and ready. Of course after all the tire stuff he isn't too happy about having been in the car all this time. We get to the ring in time and Rory decides he doesn't want to stand properly. At least he moved great. Well, the judge was really nice and had me use the chicken I brought to get Rory to stack (stand). he nails it and looks fabulous. Then all four of the pups go around the ring one last time. The judge pointed to me as first. You could have knocked me over with a feather! I am still in shock. First Place! After all the other puppy classes are done they then judge all the first place puppies for best puppy in sweepstakes. (Puppy only classes at specialties.) Rory's breeder comes over to me and says she will take him in so that I can watch. Fine with me. She knows what she is doing better than I do. And Rory did beautifully for her. So well that he was picked, not best puppy but Best of Opposite Sex, second place. Again I was just floored. My weekend was ending on a high.

By 3 PM the show is over and good byes are said. I head over to get the tire changed and then start for home. And guess what? I used the ginger snaps tip on Rory for the ride home and he DID NOT get sick! More success!

Yesterday was day to rest up from the hectic pace of the previous three days. It was also my Mom's birthday. One of the other differences from a regular dog show and a specialty show is that the host club running the show usually gives out small prizes along with the ribbons. One of Rory's prizes was a basket of mums. As soon as they were handed to me I said I was taking them to my Mom. So Rory and I headed to the cemetery to plant them and two pansies, one of my Mom's favorite flowers. I sat with Rory there for a while. Missing my Mom more than words can say. Then headed home. Between feeling blue and being tired I didn't get much else done. And that includes stitching.

I seem to have lost my stitching mojo. For the last two weeks I have been lucky to get any stitching done. And absolutely none since last Wednesday. Maybe tonight. I do have an exchange I need to do so I better get my stitching butt in gear. Sigh. Of course my silly boy has to stop climbing in my lap at night. That seems to be his favorite place these last two weeks. But it is rather hard to stitch with him there. Hmmmmmmmmm, stitching... puppy warmth...... stitching .........puppy cuddles.

Sorry, but puppy is winning. At least for now.

Until next time............

Love and stitches

Kathy

and licks from Rory too