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| Saturday, February 17, 2007 ~ Enumclaw, Washington |
| Clockwise from left: Vaughn - Piper - Angus - Drago - Preacher |
| Where, oh, where .... to gather for our first reunion? The IABCA was holding their annual show in Enumclaw, WA and we thought that would be a great place for everyone to get together and meet for a reunion. We had hopes that everyone would make it, and happily ... four of the five Roller Puppies and their families were able to come ~ WAHOOOOO ! The weekend started off with a bang as Joyce and Angus flew in all the way from Rio Rancho, New Mexico on Thursday. Angus flew via Delta's Pets First Program and it was quite dog friendly ... Angus is the first in this litter to "fly". So, on Friday, we had to get down to business and the three of us headed to Sumner's "It's a Dogs World" Training Center. I spent time working with Angus in preparation for the weekend of conformation shows ~ he is such a quick study. But Angus, being the athlete of the litter, found conformation training to be rather pointless and lacking in excitement. He showed his true colors by playing on the agility equipment after he had "done his time" learning to be a show dog. Returning back to the Babbitt house, he found he then had to be groomed, bathed, dremmelled and primped ... ... which he also found pointless, but stood like a man for it ... ... just prior to heading BACK outside to runin the muddy rain. I imagine the sloppy rain and mud that we Washingtonians are sadly accustomed to was quite a change from the smooth sand of the dry New Mexican Mesa that Angus rules back home!! Next, Piper was prepped for the show ... then all had a good nights sleep. First thing in the morning we were off to the King County Fairgrounds where four of the five littermates had been entered in the show. Piper in ZuchterJunghund female class; Angus in ZuchterJunghund male class; Vaughn in Junghund class; Preacher in Neutered male class. Aside from Angus, each of these dog's is already a champion or multi championships at this or younger levels. Angus who was there to compete in hopes of going home an IABCA Champion as well. Life being what it is - busy busy busy ... we could have only dreamed that anyone else would be able to make it. Then, what a joyful surprise to here Marsha's voice behind me ... as both she and Kollin had come down from Sammammish, WA with Vaughn. My heart LEAPED with joy as I layed eyes on Vaughn - he was shockingly beautiful and had developed so wonderfully. Marsha has him on a modified raw diet and with this meal planning it surely has paid off ~ he is a ROCKSTAR !!! I quickly trimmed Vaughn's whiskers, nails, and groomed him up and ready for the ring. I was sure he would win his class so I gave Kollin and Marsha a (surprise) quick handling lesson so that one of them could take him back in. Then, to my joyful surprise, Scott and Janette walked in with Preacher - oh how I have missed him!! He was as beautiful as ever and after a quick grooming he was ready to show as well. Drago was not at the shows but was there in all our hearts ... and as for the rest ... ... we were all together again - what a wonderful feeling. I let them each rest as we waited for the show to start, and as I looked over at them, a rush of happiness swept over me. There they were, all lined up in their show crates ~ my heart swelled with pride ... and of course ... ... I HAD to take a picture to remember this moment by: |
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| Piper Angus Vaughn Preacher |
| Then, the Dobermans were in the ring. The families were very helpful in having their dogs ringside so they would be ready to go in as each of their classes were back to back. Joyce was filming "The Angus Show" while Marsha readied Vaughn ringside and Janette proudly stood with Preacher. Angus received his first SG-1 rating and a solid critique from AKC Judge Jane Roppolo ... ... Angus was now 1/3 of the way toward obtaining his International title. Then there was Vaughn, who is already an International Champion, but garnered another SG-1 rating with impressive critique to add to his brag list - "He is stunning" said Judge Ropollo! Preacher was shown in the Neutered class and later was named Best Neautered Male in that show. Peacher is already a multi Best In Show and Best Bred By Exhibitor in Show winning National & International Champion. Then there was the little sister, Piper, who is also already a National and International Champion. Nevertheless, not to be outdone by her brothers, Piper was awarded the Best Puppy in Breed & Best Bred By Exhibitor in Breed. We were thrilled that she would now go on to the Group level competition, even though this now ruined our plans to have lunch together. While disappointed that there was not more "bonding time" of families, the weekend ended with much success and excitement for all. Scott and Janette had never actually seen Preacher show before and were VERY proud of him; Marsha was not able to see Vaughn show prior and this time she too got to enter the ring with him - FUN ! Marsh and Kollin had to leave right after the show for Kollin's Basketball tournement ~ we all rooted for you, Kollin :). Piper went on to take puppy GROUP placements and Reserve BEST IN SHOW Bred By Exhibitor. ANGUS went back to New Mexico with his mom, Joyce ... AND his new Title as an Int'l CHAMPION. The families have now met and all seemed to have a good time at the show. All look forward to the next gathering where we can actually spend more time together. Below are some more photos of the the families and dogs at the show. |
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| Again, my heart is full ! Special thanks to the families who came down for the show to watch and participate !!! While the food and wine were lacking ... they won't be at the next gathering ~ Summer 2008. The "Roller" kids are now BIG 1/2 siblings ... as Echo whelped the "Emerald Dozen" - yes, TWELVE puppies - March 4, 2007. Now, as the family expands, so does the size of our future reunions. Click here for info on the 2008 reunion. |
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My favorite photo of Janette and Preacher |
| Marsha & Vaughn prepping ringside |
| Joyce & Angus waiting in the ring |
| Todd, Janette, Kathy, Scott & Peacher ... ... and Preachers IABCA rosette collection. |
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| 2007 |
| 3+ weeks ... |
| ... 17 months |
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