My Seminar Nuts and Bolts of Good Writing

I will hold a one-day seminar Saturday, April 18 at TCCC. We will discuss exciting beginnings, how to hold a reader's interest throughout the story, development of characters and much more. The workshop hours are 9:00 - 12:00 and 1:00 - 4PM. Bring your lunch. You must register with TCCC Continuing Education at 835-4313. The fee is $35.00.

Link to a chuckle

For a pick-you-up in these depressing times, go to my friend's link, Jack Cassady, and his cartoon blog. Nice to have you aboard Cass.

Please don't touch my dog.

I was recently reminded of a show my Yogi and I attended in Canada. (see pic of Yogi). An Old English Sheepdog takes a lot of precise grooming before entering the show ring. Every hair in place. A young boy and his mom came by us with Yogi on the grooming table. He came straight over, hand out to touch that mound of full, cottony hair.
I asked him to note touch him and why. I promised after showing he could hug and pet him all he wanted. But after he won that class the boy was ringside for his promised hug. However we had to go back in the ring for Best of Breed so no touch yet.
He won that at had to go directly into the Herding Group which he won. Again the young boy was ringside patiently waiting. I asked his mom if they could stay just a bit more and she said sure, her son would not be happy until he could put his arms around Yogi.
Yogi won the group and had to go right into the ring for the final judging that day, the Best in Show ring. He won Best in Show and was whisked away for pictures.
After pictures the boy was there and was allowed to hug and pet Yogi and I think Yogi was ready for a hug from a little boy himself. I sent them home with one of Yogi's ribbons and a promise for a copy of a picture to be mailed later.

The Big One

For my followers who love dogs. If you thought Westminster dog show with 2500 dogs entered is big, think again. Starting next week Crufts in Birmington England is a three day show with total of 28,000 dogs. Handlers and dogs from America are frequent winners. In 2007 it was the Tibetan Terrier and last year it was the Australian Shepherd. At some point I am sure much will be televised on Animal Planet. At the end of the show, one dog will be crowned the best of 28,000.

Westminster Kennel Club

Thank you Glenda and Brenda Kay for your comments. The Best in Show was probably a shock to many in the dog show public. This dog, a 10 year old dog, a Sussex Spaniel, is so rare that I rarely see t hem at a show. And it is the first time one has won the show. The entry of 2500 was packed with top dogs in many breeds with big bucks to compaign them, sometimes entered at a Saturday show on the west coast and Sunday on the East coast because the judges may be more favorable for a big win. Because I judge Poodles, every year at Westminster week, I am invited, as is every judge in the country who judges Poodles, with an embossed invitation, to a party at the Sonoffs who live in upper Manhattan. They are filthy rich. They own top winning Poodles. Of course, I never go.

Best In Show

I agree with you, Glenda, that little Beagle felt he was as big as any dog in that ring and he would tell that judge "hey, look at me." We call it asking for it. Beagles were the first breed we bred and exhibited. I love the little guys but they need fields to run.

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The premier dog show, the Westminster Kennel Club show will be televised on USA Monday and Tuesday evenings. Only AKC champions may be entered, and the top 5 winners in the country in 2008 will be allowed to enter early. The balance of the limit of 2500 entries will fill soon after that. Unfortunately not all the breeds will be represented but given the potential for nasty weather, and the expense of traveling and room and board in NYC, an amazing number of dedicated dog lovers will be there to show, with pride, their special entry.
Watch for the Pointer, the English Setter and the Pug. A breed new to AKC recognition and one that will be entered at Westminster is the dog de bordeaux. A puss only a mother could love. Oh well, to each his own.