Scout's Paw Tracks

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Very Humbling Experience - Blade Takes Best of Breed at Springfield, MO

It has been a very exciting day today and I was very dissappointed that I was unable to attend however other obligations kept me away.  Those of you that know me know I am involved in every aspect of our German Shorthair Pointers.  Hunting, showing and training are all a part of our normal routine.  As I have been very clear we are not breeders but owner handlers.

Today Blade took a Best of Breed and we could not be happier.  Pictures will be coming soon from both days.

I would be remiss without thanking some very special people. 

First off all of the judges over the last two years who have looked at our boys.  Their professionalism and knowledge of the breed has been very helpful.  I have been reluctant to send thank you notes being new to this (I did not know if that was approriate) and there has been mixed responses from people I have asked about this, but the heck with it I am going to start sending them anyway. These folks take a lot of time out of thier schedules to judge our dogs least I can do is send them a thank you win or lose. =D

Eve Parsons of Bleugras Kennels and Kim Endicott of Endever Kennels.  For not only letting us be the caretakers of these two very special boys but for guiding us and introducing us to the dog show community. Their mentoring and support is appreciated.

Barb London for her guidance and training every week and for taking that extra time before or after class to help me work through the finer details of handling a German Shorthair Pointer in the ring.

I would also like to thank Patty Huffman who has shown both of our German Shorthair Pointers. Her handling has been flawless and for her patience with Scout beating his head on the top of the kennel. =D On most occassions you will see me handling the boys but in other circumstances such as this weekend it is always a comfort to know we have someone we can trust to show the boys.

There are many others I could think to add to this list KanPoint, Fieldfines, Jaegerhof and Ehrenvogal Kennels.  Directly and indirectly these breeders have taught me a number of things through reading the history and reviewing hours of stack photos learning what makes a champion German Shorthair Pointer and providing insight on handling and proper ring etiqette.  It is an honor to step into a ring with such time honored breeders.  It has been said that you rise to the level of competion you have and if that is true then I am a better handler for being in the ring with these folks.

So we are excited about the win and look forward to see what things Blade will do in the future.  He is now two points away from finishing his Championship and at that point we will evaluate what is next for him.  Scout’s 2007 will consist of a couple of conformation shows that look like majors but his focus will be Hunt Trails, Field Trials, Agility and Rally.

Congratulations to everyone this weekend!!!