Happy Labor Day!

"Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." ~ U.S. Department of Labor

We can't forget what we owe to the early labor movement for making working conditions better for people. Where once people lined the streets to watch Labor Day parades and communities held picnics to celebrate the day, now it seems that Labor Day is just a good reason for stores to have big sales!

Whether you are remembering and celebrating history or simply needing to relax on a well-deserved day off, I hope you have a great holiday.

Show Results

Last weekend Josh, Luna, Kimmi, and I headed to Amana, IA, for the Saturday and Sunday shows. We traveled with my friend Jane and her three Shiba Inu: Striker, Trooper, and Lola. We all had a nice weekend, in spite of the fact that rain was pouring like crazy when we got to our hotel and we were absolutely drenched by the time we had dogs and luggage unloaded and in the room.

Josh, the only special being shown, won Best of Breed both days and earned two majors toward his grand championship. He showed in the Group but did not place either day. Luna took 2nd in her class on Saturday and 1st on Sunday. She then took Reserve Winners Bitch. She will be 11 months old next week.

Luna - 10 months

Saturday night Kimmi (3 months) and her half brother and half sister, Stewart and Penny, participated in the B Match. I was thrilled to see Penny and Stewart, whose breeders are Karen and Jan. They are about a week older than Kimmi and look fantastic. They have tons of coat already and their movement is great. Stewart (Stewie) is black. Penny is an unusual white and butterscotch color -- very eye catching! I am proud of all three of the Breaker puppies!

Kimmi took Best Lhasa Puppy in the 3-6 months class. She moved around the ring as if she'd been doing it for years (pure luck since she'd never been on a mat before). She won in spite of the fact that she was wiggly on the exam table, not wanting me to show her teeth and not wanting the judge to go over her. She went on to take second place in the Non-Sporting puppy group. We had a good time!

Here's Kimmi chilling out in the exercise pen.

Jane's Shiba's took turns doing well! Striker won Best of Breed and also best Bred By on Saturday. He went on to take a Group 4 in the Bred By Non-Sporting Group.

Striker at our grooming set up under the tent

At the B Match, Trooper took first place in the Non-Sporting Puppy Group.

On Sunday, Trooper took Best of Breed and Best Puppy. He went on to win first place in the Non-Sporting Puppy Group that afternoon.

Jane and Trooper

Other Good News

Yesterday, I decided I should check the AKC website regarding Josh's Point Progression toward his Grand Championship. He has just a few points and one requirement left to go. Then I thought I should check his ranking on the National Owner Handled Series list. Boy, was I surprised when I saw this! Of course, that can all change in a weekend, but for now I'll be excited about him being #1 on the list!

We'll soon be winding down our showing. We have two show weekends in September, the national specialty in October, and one weekend in December planned. Then we're going to stay home until March. After being away from home nearly every weekend since mid-July, I am looking forward to a break.

 

Joyce