Day After Eukanuba

I am sorry that I have not posted in a while. I have been sick with a bad cold and at the same time have had oral surgery with some complications. Then it was time to leave for Long Beach to attend the 2009 Eukanuba Dog Show. It was a wonderful trip even though my pain has been bothersome at times and the weather wasn't what we all hoped it would be in S. California.

Friday was the HCSC Regional Specialty. There were 59 Havanese entered and a nice representation of the breed. Vallee couldn't be shown as John, her co-owner is a member of the Long Beach Kennel Club. However, BJ (Bellatak's Greatest General) owned by Jane S. was shown and he won Winners Dog and Best of Winners and Best Puppy! It was thrilling to say the least and his owner Jane was flying high and I wasn't sure when her feet would be back on the ground. Rightfully so too! Jane called me Friday morning on her way to the show with BJ and asked if she should pull him from being shown as he woke up that morning and had thrown up a little. After we discussed it we both decided he would probably be fine and to bring him and let him be in the show. We are both so glad he did! The judge loved him!! Jane won some beautiful crystal trophy's which I am sure will be proudly displayed in her home. Then it was on to the Puppy Toy Group. It was judged by Wendal Strike, who is also a Havanese owner and a member of the Long Beach club. While Wendal didn't pick BJ for a group placement, we all felt that BJ was the biggest winner that day!

Yesterday was the first day of the 2009 Eukanuba. It was another great day to say the least. BJ was shown in the 9-12 month class and while he didn't win he did get Reserve Winners Dog and got a nice ribbon and medallion at the greatest dog show in the world. What an honor for BJ.

Then it was time for breed. There were a lot of very nice Havanese in the breed ring. I was standing fairly close by as I knew Vallee wasn't going to win and this was going to be her last time at this very prestigious show. I finally decided to sit down at the ring next to where we were showing to watch. Well, I so enjoyed watching Vallee on the table and strut her stuff around the ring. Then I turned my attention to what was happening in the ring where I was seated. Suddenly a woman who is a fan of Vallee's suddenly said, "Oh my, she just moved Vallee to the front of the line." That made my heart drop to my knee's and I swiftly turned my head back to the Havanese ring. I stood up to watch and when I saw the judge point to David and Vallee for Best of Breed, my legs suddenly started to give out from under me!!!!! I broke down in tears and tried to walk back over to the ring so I could get to John and Carol. We all were thrilled to say the least as Vallee is retiring. What a wonderful way for her to leave the dog show world as the 2009 Eukanuba Havanese Best of Breed winner. You will be able to watch the show on Animal Planet in February.

We all went out to celebrate and then went back for the Group's. While Vallee didn't get a Group placement, it was wonderful to see her on the blue carpet and share the moment with some wonderful friends.

It was a great day for California breeders as my good friend Elaine C. won Best of Breed Bred By with a nice bitch she co-owns with Joe C. Joe and I drove up and back together from the show, with Elaine following behind. Congratulations Elaine and Joe!!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend and will enjoy the Holiday's however you spend it.