4 Oct 2009.

This morning started just like the others.  Dad got up, I got up, mom got up, us dogs got breakfast, dogs went out to pee and back in their beds.  Mom made drinks and food to take along, and we loaded up in the dog-show van just like yesterday.  YESssss - we were going to the dog show again.  I'm a happy dog, a happy happy dog.... we are going to the dog show.  Maybe I'll get to go in the ring with dad again today.  I hope so, I like this dog show stuff.  I like working with my dad at the dog show.  It was cool this morning.  Dad dressed for hot weather yesterday, and he was cold.  So today dad dressed for cold, but I knew it was going to be a warm day.  I tried to get dad to understand that.  I grabbed his long pants and ran with them.  But dad caught me and took his pants back.  Then he called me a silly puppy.  Oh-well.... you'll find out dad.  Dogs are so lucky - we never have to decide how we are going to dress, and our shoes are always on too.  

We loaded up in the van and left for the dog show.  Daisy and I took a nap in the dog-show van.  The trip was the same as the other days, except   Keith and Heidi and Bobby the Skin Puppy came along too.  I was happy that they were coming with us.  I like Bobby.  He always shares his food..  It was still dark when we left, but the sun rose and the skies only had a few clouds in it.  We stopped at that place again where the men in the green uniforms look at us.  Today the nice man smelled a little like dogs, so I knew he must be a good guy.  I saw his badge, it said U.S. Border Patrol.  When he was done checking us out, we were back on the road and Daisy and I went back to sleep.  When we got to the dog show grounds, dad left me and Daisy in the van.  First mom and dad helped Keith and Heidi and little Bobby.  Dad and Keith came back to get the clean dry dog beds, and dad took me along this time.  Back at the canopy dad worked quickly getting the our beds made.  Dad and Keith were cutting some plastic bags to help keep the wet ground from making our beds wet again.  Dad made very nice beds for me and Daisy, and soon we were all set up and ready.  It was windy, so dad didn't put up the sides for the canopy today.

Keith and Heidi set up a kennel for Bobby under a friend's canopy.  Bobby lives a lot like us dogs.  He has a portable kennel that he sleeps in, just like us.  He has a harness with a leash, just like out collar and leash.  But we are not such messy eaters.  If we do make a mess, we lick it up.  Bobby is messy and he never cleans up.  I don't mind it really... I will clean up his messy food any time.  Keith stayed with us dogs and little Bobby.  Mom and dad went out looking for information about the show.  Heidi was getting ready to sell tickets for something.  She had a bucket for money and a big roll of tickets.  After a bit, dad came to get me and we walked over to the ring to get our number and the course map.  Hey - we are #30 again.  I wonder if #30 is maybe my number for life?  Dad got a course map too, then we went back to the canopy.  Dad studied the map and worked me and worked me.  After a while I wanted a rest.  It was still windy too.  I think dad wanted to get first place again.  That would be nice dad, I will do my very best.  But I want a little rest.  Please.....

The competition was very tough today.  There were 8 dogs in my class, some other dogs showed up for today's trials.  And they were all good.  And I was not so good.  We started late, it was very windy, dad didn't let me rest - I guess maybe my mind wasn't 100% on working today.  When the ring-steward lady called for DOG #30, dad told me to heel and we walked into the ring.  The judge-lady asked if we were ready.  I didn't feel as good about it as I did the first two days.  But I would do my best.  Dad said - YES MA'AM - WE'RE READY.  The judge-lady said "FORWARD" and off we went with my tail wagging.  I was going to do my best.  On stage # XX1, dad was supposed to give me a DOWN - STAY, then heel off to the next stage.  On stage # XX2, dad was supposed to give me a DOWN - STAY, then walk around me, then heel off to the next stage when dad got back into position.  Dad forgot to tell me to STAY.  So when dad started to move I got confused and got up to follow dad just like the stage before.  Dad had to stop and correct me.  Oops - sorry dad.  I could feel that dad was upset now.  So when he called me to heel, I got up, but my tail wasn't wagging anymore.  I'm sorry dad.  I was thinking about that stage so much that we had to do over another stage.  I think dad messed up his footwork, so maybe he was not doing well either.  We only scored an 84.  Sure - it was a passing score, but I wanted to get dad three blue ribbons.  I think dad wanted that too.  Sorry dad.
When the judge-lady called us back in the ring for the awards, I was very sad.  I let my dad down.  The very score we WON with on Friday didn't even get us 4th place today.  But an 84 is a passing score, and we did get one more green ribbon.  When the judge-lady asked who got their third qualifying score and a new title, dad raised his hand.  We were the only ones.  The judge-lady asked how old I was.  Dad told her I was only 13 months old.  When she heard that she was shocked.  Only 13 months old and completed his first title?  She said I was a very fine dog indeed.  Dad knelt down and hugged me and said I did a great job, all the errors were his errors today.  Dad then told me he was sorry he didn't do a better job today, and he was very happy that we got the title.  So now I am Von Bonehenge White River of Dreams, RN, CGC.  On the way back to the canopy dad took me to see Karen.  Karen was very happy for us too.  Mom and dad talked to Karen about more training classes for dad.  And me too I guess, we are a team.  So I guess there will be more dog training coming soon.

We went back to the canopy.  Dad was going to put me in my bed for a rest, but Bobby was sleeping in MY bed.  That's OK dad.  So dad gave me some treats and we walked around some.  Dad was telling everyone what a good puppy I was, getting my title in one weekend.  Heck - I was just having fun!  There was no CGC testing to do today - so we all started packing up to go home.  Dad didn't pack the canopy, so I know there are more dog shows tomorrow.  GOOD - we will be back again tomorrow.  Keith and Heidi loaded up with Bobby, mom and dad got in the van and we were on the way.  It was another great doggie day.  On the way home I was thinking of dinner - I hope we get something special yummy good tonight.