Contributing Writer

The Show Ring Online, an online magazine for dog show enthusiasts, has invited me to contribute articles on the handling of dogs in the ring. My tips will be offered by a judge, that person on the inside of the ring, for better success of taking home a winner at the end of the day/weekend. Newbies to dog showing need to be aware of ring procedure, dress and presentation of their dog.
It is believed that those who begin the sport of exhibiting will fall away within five years. They become disillusioned when they consistently don't win. Of course, it is important to start with a quality dog but even that dog may not win time after time without skillful handling. I hope this article will help those new to the sport and particularly to our young people who learn Junior Showmanship.

Home from the Frozen North

One would think a judging assignment outdoors in sunny Florida would be a respite from our below 0 weather. The day started at a frigid 28. But, the sun did come out and by lunch we could take off our heavy coats and continue the day in the next layer. 4 for me. A nice entry. Many quality dogs. I saw a lot of old friends from when we lived in that area many years ago.
However, the reason I am accepting few assignments is the problem with traveling. The flight from Atlanta to Asheville was delayed for 3 hours. I got there after dark. It was snowing hard with high wind. Took a room close to the airport and drove, maybe 200 yards, to Ruby Tuesday's for a delicious dinner. The next morning I was so glad to be home.

Comment by Sam Hoffer

Sorry Sam I should have thanked you for your comment on our stay here during the big one. The Poms were a little prissy of getting their little feet wet but Bunny, our 40 lb. Keeshond truly found the snow to be a lot of fun.

Isn't it Lovely

Thanks for your comment. That surely was one winter story we will always remember. We were 3 days in our little vacation with no electricity. We went into town knowing the storm would hit soon. The stores were being stripped of propane lamps, stoves and heaters that didn't work too well. The local am radio WKRK stayed on all night telling of where we might get food around the county or roads closed or cleared. They did a great service.

Thanks Nancy

Thanks Nancy for your comment on my snow picture. I really hustled out there to take the pic before it was all gone. That may be my Christmas card for 2009.

Sun on the Snow

Somehow my picture did not go with my post. Let's try again.

Isn't it Lovely?

The sun has just come out and it will probably be gone by noon. I remember back around 1994 when we were here for the big one...26". Bunny, our Keeshond, trotted across the porch as if she were on solid ground. Suddenly she disappered into the mass of snow. The it became fun for her as she jumped and jumped all around. Our 2 Poms had to be carried out to the van where they could do their business under the van.

Collie Lover

Thanks Sam for your note about your father-in-law reading my book. We dog lovers lap up everything in print about our faithful and beautiful dogs.

My Journal

I am using my blog as a journal, mostly about our dogs. Someday I may want to write a book about our years with our dogs. Unlike my book just out, I will concentrate more on each dog and of their lives and antics within the last twelve years starting with my Australian Shepherd, Fanci.

Equine Second Chance

Kathy and I visited the farm with sixty abused or abandoned horses. We took a bag of apples which was appreciated by the horses. We met Chance, the namesake for the farm and Chief a paint turned over to the farm by his owners. They said they couldn't afford to have him treated after he got tangled in barbed wire. A handsome bay 17 hands high will go to W. Virginia as a jumper early this month. The pictures of this horse before coming to Second Chance were shocking. He was all bones.

Warren and I plan to attend the Lippizan Stallions at WCU on January 15. We never thought we'd have the opportunity in the mountains.