Buzz and I felt all the good vibes sent from Chelsea last weekend while we were in Monroe at the Ann Arbor Kennel Club dog shows.
As a reminder, I chose to show here rather than at the Rally National Championships, so I could attend the big supported entry shows called the Backyard Classic that were just for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers at the shows at the Monroe County Fairgrounds.
We had lots of fun meeting so many Tollers and their owners from all over the country as well as from Canada. It put a smile on my face to see so many of those fox-like tails held high madly waving while trotting about the beautiful show grounds.
The weather was perfect for all the about 80 little red dogs, too.
It was nice to see old friends and make so many new ones during the weekend.
Buzz met lots of other Tollers and made some new “friends” during the weekend just as I did. We both agreed that the Canadians and their canine companions (from his homeland) were the best – so friendly and funny. We really enjoyed our time chatting with them all.
So … drum roll, please … yes, Buzz represented his breed with pride and gusto, taking Highest Scoring Triple Combined dog (of all breeds) at the Rally show on Friday. Along with winning one of the big ribbons, he also won all the available supported entry trophies he was eligible for, which included an adorable leash rack as well as four lovely coffee mugs.
And at the banquet on Saturday night, where my friend Nancy Jennings and I were the co-raffle chairs, I had another wish come true. I was the highest bidder for an adorable dog stuffed animal that was made by one of my friends and adorned in Toller fur, including some of Ryan’s. She collected Toller fur from several of us a few years ago and Ryan’s was donated.
Long-time readers will remember Ryan and all of his adventures with Nancy in the Rally ring and with me in daily life, so this item held a lot of sentimental value for me. Although exhausted from a long couple of days, I came home smiling and placed the as-of-yet unnamed stuffed dog on the grooming table to watch me while I worked this week.
I’m thinking either Tolbie or Monroe for the furry friend’s name. Those were the ones suggested by the Toller folk.
As an aside, it will be another short work week for Buzz and I, because on Friday, we will be be showing again, this time in Flint.
