katoba Dobermans ~ "Beasty Boy"

June 18, 2009 ~ Vancouver Island Weekend Adventure Begins
Vedder, Michelle & Kathy left on Thursday, for the long drive & ferry ride to Vancouver Island.
After crossing the Canadian Border, they drove to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.
They arrived with plenty of time to walk around before boarding, so, Vedder made good use of his "Mr. Socialite" personality.
They boarded the Ferry for a 2-hour jaunt across the Strait of Georgia ... Vedder's first ferry ride.
It was a gorgeous day and they were lucky to be the first car onto the ferry ~ perfect view & easy access to walk around the open deck.
Vedder spent the entire time sunning himself, looking out over the water, and becoming friends with passengers & crew.
Once arriving on the Island, Michelle drove to the "Inn on Long Lake".
This hotel was lovely, the pet-friendly service welcoming, and the grounds were FABULOUS for everyone ~ LOTS of grass lawns for dogs to play.
Vedder spent the late evening being show-groomed and doted over, before bedding down for a good night's sleep.
June 19, 2009 ~ Nanaimo Kennel Club ~ Nanaimo, British Columbia
First thing in the morning, Michelle and Vedder enjoyed a nice walk down onto the dock.
Then ... last minute detailing, and he was off to the dog show.
The trip had been FLAWLESSLY wonderful, but, there WAS a true "working-purpose" to this adventure ~ 'finishing Vedder's CKC Championship'.
The only American Doberman entered, Vedder is not a "first day dog"; additionally, other than having read the judges biographies,
"Team Vedder" was unfamiliar with this Canadian Judge.
It was a three day show at a venue we were unfamiliar with, and while the entry was small, the competition was well-known & formidable.
In addition to all of this, Vedder had not been in the conformation ring since November 2008.
Getting to the show site early, setting up in the grass - the outdoor show faced a hot, muggy morning.
The Dobermans began competition at 9:00am promptly, under Judge Mr. Grant D. Townsend.
Vedder walked into the ring with confidence, standing like a pro for the exam.
His down was good, but the come back was even better ... the free stack upon return was strong ... the go-around was good.
A singleton in his class, he was awarded First Place, and a chance to return for the Winners point.
Win or lose, Vedder's performance was solid.
When returning for to the Winers Dog class needing only a minor adjustment to his self stack.
Were each asked to show another individual down and back ... he did well.
Then there was the final go-around of the dogs ~ Vedder' was driven, and his foot placement was deliberate and confident ...
... and then, the Judge's finger pointed ~ "You're my WINNERS DOG!", he said.
Vedder showed like a 'champ' ... and in turn, he became one!
It was a wonderful moment for his mom, Michelle Becker, (first time show dog owner), to witness ...
... smiling, Michlle was immediately on the phone to call Vedder's dad, Ed, and other family & friends.
There was valuable opportunity to spend time with judge, while waiting for a win photo.
Judge Grant Townsend offered his opinions of his Winners Dog, (condensed):
[he] appreciated that this dog is short-backed and balanced; has a very nice outline; is clean coming and going;
has a correct, bold headpiece; and displays the structure of a dog able to do his job. Gratitude was given for his words and decision.
Now, as if that weren't enough ...
... later in the day, after waiting four hours in the hot sun, Vedder passed the CKC Canine Good Neighbor Certification.
Vedder is now a multi Best of Winners, Best of Breed, Rally Novice titled, AKC Canine Good Citizen Certified,
CKC Canine Good Neighbor Certified, Canadian & International Champion.
Vedder celebrated with a double cheeseburger, a new stuffed animal, a bully stick and LOTS of "congratulations".
Mom (Michelle) & Breeder/Handler (Kathy), celebrated with a wonderful dinner and a toast to the New Champion.
June 20, 2009 ~ The Champ's Homecoming
Upon return home, Ed presented Michelle & Kathy with GORGEOUS bouquets of flowers,
while Juno, (Vedder's dober-friend), and Ed was happy to know that the trip was a success.
The Becker's gave Kathy a beautiful Wilson's Leather wallet with brass Doberman inlay as a finishing gift.
Thrilled, Kathy will now be awaiting the next full moon, ("fill it up fill it up, fill it up ......."). :)

Special Message:
"As Vedder's Breeder, Co-Owner, and Handler ...
... I honor you, Vedder, for your Certified accomplishments, the Rally Novice Title you earned with your dad, and your new CKC Championship Title.
Most of all ... I applaud you just for being the 'groovy-cool' dog who makes me melt.
I applaud & appreciate Michelle & Ed ... for their diligence, their care of and belief in their dog, and the friendship we have developed.
Lastly, I congratulate Echo (dam), and Gunther (sire), ONCE AGAIN ... on producing such wonderful progeny.
This weekend is one that will live long and stay bright in my heart." ~ Kathy Babbitt