Because readers always ask for more dog stories …
Before Buzz and I head off on our marvelous adventure, I wanted to give a shout out to Ryan.
Last Saturday, at 11.2 years old, Ryan once again served as an ambassador for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers at the AKC Judges Sporting Dog seminar in Ortonville. Yes, Buzz,and Nancy Jenning’s puppy, Gopher, were there as well — but it was Ryan who captured the judge’s attention.
He always does.
Ryan loves to trot around the ring and show the young guns — this is how you do it, boys.
The boys were invited as examples of the different silhouettes judges might see when they have an assignment to judge Tollers.
And no, Ryan’s not perfect. He’s covered in lumps and bumps and he has a soft neuter coat. He’s a more stocky, linebacker type than what most of the judges will see in their rings.
His eyes and nose have sun spots, and there’s a little grey on his chin, but when he trots around — those imperfections evaporate from the judge’s minds. He can still out move any of the other boys.
He just flat out loves to show. Just Loves it.
Ryan made sure that every judge took notice of the old man and each one gave him high praise — despite all of his faults. Ryan was in his element. They petted and cooed over him and told him what a wonderful man he was. You’ve still got it old man was heard more than once.
Watching him with Nancy Jennings at the other end of the leash trotting back and forth — it gave me such joy. Ryan’s tail never stopped wagging and he smiled the whole time he was in the limelight. Ryan had more fun on Saturday than any of the other show dogs, judges, owners and breeders out there.
And sometimes, that’s what elevates one dog over another in the show ring.
Ryan showed the judges he still deserved to be there and he owned that ring.
Not only does the old man still have it as a performance dog showing in rally obedience, but also he still has it in the conformation ring, strutting his stuff for the judges.
This was the third year he was invited to go to this seminar and although it’s hard to remember the first year, I’m convinced that this is the most fun he’s had to date. I’m hoping and praying he’ll be able to do it again next June.
I also wanted to let readers know that Chelsea Update won’t be dark while we’re gone, just that there will be less news than you are used to.
We’ll be back soon and things will get back to news-y normal.
In addition to thanking the folks who have supported Chelsea Update in the last month, I’d also like to thank my friends who have volunteered to help out while I’m gone — not only with Chelsea Update but also to stay on my house. Hope you enjoy your staycation.
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- Jane Shrosbree
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- Jenn Ridley
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