Off to Tradex tomorrow

[cassiesmom]

Yay for Visa! Congratulations!

[wolfsoul]

Today went very well! I decided to risk it and handle her myself. I was calmer anyways because I figured she would not do well under the European judge, so I had nothing to lose anyways. I practiced lots of tricks in and out of the ring, and it loosened me up so well, I was concentrating on her tricks so much, by the time it was out turn for examination, I wasn't that nervous. I figured we'd be last in our class. Low and behold,we took Second. I never would have thought it. Visa is as American as you can get, and the other two dogs were MUCH typier than Visa. The Europeans typically like a very different dog, I was very happy -- it is an HONOR to have such a placement under a European judge. We had a great day today. Visa just has an amazing temperament, we had to squeeze through the huge crowd of people while watching and shopping, and she never once complained. So well-behaved, I am very proud of her as Tradex is nervewracking for alot of dogs (and apparently myself!). She is just great.

All of the judges this weekend were excellent. Very understanding of my anxiety, all of them. I would show under any one of them again. They were just awesome and I will recommend them to anyone. I had a wonderful time with the other breeders, they were all so great and helped me alot with my nerves. They showed me how to slow it down a bit and take my time. They were all so great. And I got alot of great comments about Visa. One breeder even wants me to breed her to her stud. I had a great time. Even with yesterday being so terrible in the ring, this whole weekend has been wonderful.

About your nerves/anxiety -- have you ever tried using Bach's Rescue Remedy?

I take my flower essences everyday with tea (I use six of them, to calm my nerves, boost my confidence, etc), but I haven't found it to help -- atleast that I notice. I do believe in homeopathy though. I tried some other stuff before the show -- stuff for dogs, actually, and didn't think that it did anything for me. But who knows, maybe I'd have been worse without it?

In other news, I have decided to change my kennel name back to Uniquity. I want my own reputation, my own name, and my own identity. So I got some forms today to reserve my kennel name. My second choice will be Catalyst, which I'm actually hoping will be the registered name of my next pup (Uniquity's Catalyst). But we'll see, hopefully I get Uniquity!

[Ginger's Mom]

Waht a wonderful post. Jordan, I feel so happy for you. I can feel your excitement, joy and satisfaction of the whole weekend. What a great experience for you and for Visa. I have only experienced dog shows from the other side of the ring, and I can only imagine the anxiety involved for both the dog and handler. But, a few more good experiences like that I think your anxieties will disappear.