I have shown at the Marrietta, Georiga shows for over 20 years and basically the same group of breeders and exhibitors enter. We all support each other and follow the wins of each other's dogs. I, personally enjoy watching the younger dogs grow up and become beautiful show dogs. Some years I do well and some years I get to congratulate others on their wins. Those of us who have shown for a while understand that all things come in time.
This show weekend was Cooter's "time" to shine. He took reserve Winner's dog on Thursday and Friday to two very nice dogs., But on Saturday and Sunday he took stride and won Winner's Dog, Best of Winners and Best Of Opposite Sex on both days for 3-point majors from the Bred By Exhibitor Class! What a wonderful weekend for us! In less than 7 months of very limited showing, Cooter only needs 2 more points to complete his AKC championship.
Here is Cooter winning On Saturday, October 25th, 2008 under Judge Ms. Sue C. Catlin.
Here is Cooter winning on Sunday under Judge Ms. Audrey Lycan.
When the wins are few or when your dog is young (and needs more training!) it takes a belief in yourself and your dogs to tough it out. The support of your fellow exhibitors is important. Without the entries of others--you can not have to points to win and complete your dog's Championship. It does take cooperation and good sportsmanship in all who participate. I would like to thank all of my fellow Mastiff exhibitors for their support.
The competition was tough in Atlanta--there was some very good dogs entered. For Cooter and myself, it was two very good wins. Not to be outdone, my Gracie also won Winner's Bitch on Friday for 1 point and went Winner's Bitch on Sunday for a 3-point major from the Bred By exhibitor Class. Gracie just needs a few singles to finish, too.
On Novemebr 26th & 27th--we showed in Savannah, Georgia. It was to be a 4-day circut but because of excessive rainfall--and with more to come, the shows were cancleed on Sunday & Monday. I had entered Cooter and Diesel both, but the major broke on Saturday so I did not show Diesel. Gracie also was entered.
Cooter went into this weekend needing just 2 points to complete his AKC Championship. Once again, it was Cooter's time the shine. He won Winner's Dog, Best of Winners, and Best of Breed on Friday and Saturday to earn a total of 3 more points and finished from the Bred By Exhibitor Class!
Here he is on his big day--I am very happy to introduce, Ch. Kiokee Drunk In Publick, Too. Thank you to Judges Mr. James Noe and Mrs. Carylon Herbel for making this a very special weekend--mud and all! Thank you, Brigett for assisting me in removing a "layer" of mud off my boy for this very special picture.
Not to be outdone, Gracie won Winner's Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex both days, too! Gracie only needs 1 more point to finish her Championship also from the Bred By Exhibitor Class! I am so very proud of both of them.
I have always believed that Mastiff show much better for their owners--or at least a "handler" that they know well. I often tell folks--you can't make a Mastiff be a show dog--they have to want to do it. When you stand in that ring and watch your dog do their best and you know in your heart they do it because they want to please you--there is no better feeling in the world. I feel a sense of pride when I see one of my dog stand there looking at me with with confidence and absolute love in their eyes. That's when you know they are all they can be.
In the spring, I will once again start out with my puppies, and I will support and assist my fellow exhibitors with the points needed to finish their dogs. One good turn deserves another. I don't forget those who have supported me and my dogs.
Catie Arney
kiokeemastiffs@embarqmail.com
