The National Dog Show in Christchurch

I have lots to talk about today. Last Wednesday I flew down to Christchurch to support my friend (and Sammie's breeder) at the National Dog Show. Originally I decided to go as Sammie's pup Meg was entered but she is going through a 'fugly' stage so she was left at home to grow into her legs. :-) Barbera had brought Wilbur and Pru. Pru was just coming into season so Wilbur spent most of the time in Chch trying to chat her up. Poor Pru spent most of her time sitting so that Wilbur couldn't 'check out her pants'.

Wilbur.

Pru

On the Thursday we had the Prelude Show at McLeans Island. It was really foggy and cold when we got up (at 5 o'clock 'cos that's when Wilbur needs to 'go'). Barbera and 'the team' from the North Island had been to the site the night before and had set up the gazeebos so we had a lovely spot. The fog cleared just as the bernese went into the ring and from there on it was a BEAUTIFUL day. The dogs showed well and Wilbur got Reserve of Breed, which was great and Pru got Best Bitch.

Wilbur in the Best Dog line up.

Wilbur in the Open of Group line up.

There are no pics of Pru in the ring as I was showing her. It was a really relaxing day as between forays into the ring we sat in the sun and just soaked up those gamma rays!!.

Some of the sights you see at a dog show!!!

After the show we took the 'kids' down to The Groynes which has a FABULOUS dog walking area. There are fully fenced enclosures for the dogs to run in off leash, there is permanent agility equipment set up and the river has had the entrance shingled so the dogs won't get muddy coming out of the water. It was obviously all set up by a 'doggy' person. It was great for the dogs to get some down time off leash.

That evening we had drinks and nibbles in the 'samoyed' room with Robbie and Helen and then had chicken and brie sandwiches for dinner and hit the sack (I slept EXTREMELY well after 3/4 s of a bottle of wine. :-)

The next day was the big National Dog Show at the Westpac Stadium (just around the corner from the motel). We were waiting outside the gate at 7am with our crates and tarps ready to grab a good spot. We got a GREAT spot right outside the entrance.

Our spot.

Wilbur, once again, got Reserve of Breed and Linda (who we travelled with) got Best of Breed with her girl, Dante (go the 'Naki!!!). Poor little Pru was completely ignored :-(. The judge didn't seem very interested in the bernese and spent quite a lot of time looking at what was going on outside of the ring rather than looking at the dogs which is pretty disappointing when poor Barbera has travelled for two days to get there. There aren't any pics from the showing as the light was really bad in the arena so my camera struggled to take pics.

We went shopping that afternoon and all managed to buy some rather nice jewellery. In the evening we were planning to go out for dinner but ran out of steam so Barbera and I ordered in a roast dinner and had an early night.

On Saturday morning it was very, VERY windy. We took the dogs to The Groynes which was much busier on a Saturday. There were very big branches down all over the place. It started to rain just as we were about to leave and I swear there was sleet in that rain. It was farking cold!!!!. Barbera and Linda dropped me at the airport and I headed home.

I had a GREAT few days but it was lovely to see my girls when I got home too. I am NOT looking forward to missing them for 6 weeks.