Bohunt

What a terrific thread - lots of fun and I laughed myself silly. Well done to put something so light-hearted up. Enough doom and gloom everywhere these days. When I met my new Partner one of the first things I asked him was how he felt about dogs. Thought it best to sort the issue early as the dogs are going nowhere! I never could have imagined his answer - his mother showed dogs his entire childhood so (to quote) "I get it". As a result, he does not want to go to shows but happy to support me doing so. Bought me a brand new Ford Ute to tow the dog trailer, looks after the others when I am away and will do everything except whelp a bitch! I come home to the housework done and even the pooper scooping completed. I reckon he's a keeper! Cheers Gaela

This is possibly where I've gotten confused (I knew there was some funny rule, forgive me for not knowing exactly what it was ). Still trying to find the brochure I had though lol. It's more of a mission now than anything (You know when you *Know* you have seen something, but cannot for the life of you remember where? It's one of those things). Unfortunately, none of my current puppy buyers are interested in showing, however because they would be in baby class at our specialty I was hoping to bump up the entry numbers & revenue if I could (and we often only have 1 or no babies entered so it would be nice to see a full class!!). But anyway, I have one pup in particular that I really like so am going to talk to his owners and if they agree, will put him on Main at least until our specialty (he is to be desexed between 8-12 months anyway, the later the better for maturity but they don't want an entire adult dog, which is fine!!), if he stays nice I will talk to them about putting him on the Main Neuter. ;) Ta guys. There will be plenty of babies this year at our speciality. I already know of 5 and Lisa will have one or two from her litter as well. You will have lots of company! Cheers Gaela

What day are you there Amy? I'm only doing Sunday - one day is enough for me. GT

After stating early in this thread that I would never enter this again (and haven't for a few years) I have just listed my results and will see how it pans out due to lots of pressure and teasing from 'mates'. I will not change my showing patterns at all and will continue to mainly compete every 2nd weekend or when I am interested. I have only done 2 weekends of showing since the 1st of January (ADI & Bega) and despite others attending everything that is going, I'm in very good shape points wise - the BIS helped! Will be very interesting to see where I end up at the end of the year. Cheers Gaela

You poor thing! When I met my Partner, one of my first questions was "please tell me you hate camping?" You can guess what his answer was - he is still with me! If I see a face pressed to the glass doors of the cabin, I will know who it is!

Are you camping there? :D You obviously don't know me! The canopy is as close as I will get to camping! We have a family cottage at Regatta Park Holiday Park and it was pretty good value at $90 per night for both of us. It is off peak there now. I feel for you all doing the camping thing especially in the wet weather. I don't have any camping gear and believe me I have no intention of ever buying any. See you there. Cheers Gaela

:D Have fun You smarty-pants, young Elsa! I've got my "strapper" with me - just don't tell Diana that is what I have in mind! :D

You are definitely on the ball Troy and that is great. Don't envy you really, as you are never going to please everyone but the idea you are looking at is certainly going to make it something I would seriously consider doing again. Thank you for listening to your members and considering new ways to do this. I know from our AFF that it is a fulltime job. We spend many hours everyday moderating etc. Regards Gaela

Just seen the weather forecast! OMG! I am making the pilgrimage with 4 entries for myself and a friend is hopping in the ute with me and bringing her girl. We will show a total of 5 Border Terriers, and have an extra 2 with us for the ride! I have phoned the Secretary twice and left message but no reply ........ I just want to know if we can put up a canopy the night before, as battling a thunderstorm with 7 dogs, show clothes on and first in the ring, is a bit daunting. Think I'll leave the pink silk suit in the wardrobe and find some more robust fabrics for this weekend! Cheers Gaela

I've been thinking about this all morning (up early as I had pups on the plane) and remembered what the Canterbury Combined Terrier Club in NZ did to stop the dog of the year etc being won on the basis of going to as many shows as possible. They allowed you to submit the results from a fixed number of shows - you could choose your best results over the last 12 months from a fixed number of shows. This would mean that say you attended 50 shows, you would take say 20 (whatever number was nominated) and use the ones you had the best results in. This would mean that everyone has a fair crack at the competition without having to fly all over the country to get results. I know myself that I am financially & time limited with the number of shows I can attend and other people have family commitments, financial limitations, the desire to avoid showing on hot or rainy days etc. It would certainly take away the current show 'fever'! The other point I have to raise is that Grand Champion dogs that would normally have been retired are now staying in the ring and breeds are dwindling because other competitors are discouraged and believe there is no point in entering as they won't get past a dog that is heavily campaigned, advertised and easily recognised. I have heard people discussing this. I was also dismayed to see that NZ have decided to use the DOL Pointscore to determine the competitors for their Dog of the Year Competition! I was stunned. What happens to exhibitors like me that are not interested in this Competition or don't have a computer or computer skills? This is turning into a 'monster' and seems to be growing in power. Well marketed by Troy and probably well beyond his original dreams. All credit to him and his team. We own the Australian Ford Forum and that is also a 'monster' that is such a force now and no individual could stop it. Cheers Gaela

Very, very well said. I no longer participate in this contest as the results do not reflect who the top/best dogs are, just who goes to the most shows. I think it will be an impossible thing for Troy to fix as the 'serial exhibitor' will travel anywhere to win. Poor Troy cannot please everyone! I decided 2 years, when I could see the trend, to give the contest a wide birth and keep my focus on what dog showing means to me. It is definitely changing the face of showing, as is Dog News Australia. The Internet also has a lot to answer for. I prefer to have some balance in life and pick the shows that interest me and enjoy doing other things as well. Makes life more pleasurable and cheaper than chasing DOL points. Gaela

Cathy Scotton was Best In Show both days with James (her Cairn Terrier). She was pretty excited about it. Nice to know some of these regular winners still get excited and enjoy their days out. Cathy is always so gracious and never heard her say a bad word about anyone. Cheers GT

Some of the heads look very good Elsa. One of the girls (think the orange) looks very nice indeed. Fingers crossed for you. GT

My money is on a boy! Looking good Elsa - they are doing very well and you have your girl in marvellous shape. She almost looks like she is ready for a show. Cheers GT

Would that be Rob, by any chance? His boy is a lovely Blue and Tan pup by my new Swedish Import (Int Ch, Swd Ch, Nwy Ch, WW-08 Damdyke Gentil Hugel) out of my Swedish girl. He's pretty keen on my NZ import bitch, Berri as a companion when I decide to home her. He has waited 18 months - 2 years for this pup and he almost seems like family! Cheers Gaela

Great news and you have 4 girls to choose from - lucky girl!!! Get a good sleep and enjoy. Cheers Gaela

I've just got up Elsa - how is the count looking? They will be Grizzle and Tan with those 2 parents. Blue and Tan are so black at birth they stick out so you would pick them straight away. Well done kiddo - just want to know if there are anymore although 6 is enough for a BT. Cheers Gaela

I've got the laptop on the bed for the updates during the night! Told you she would hang on all day, just waiting for you to look sleepy and exhausted.... Good luck Elsa and look forward to hearing the great news - when it finally happens. Cheers Gaela