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.

Possom Drop

I just found this picture from the famous New Year's Eve Possom Drop at the Citgo station in Brasstown. My friend and I attended that year. It was packed as shown here...over 1500 people from Ga. S.C., Tenn and N.C. and farther. It was a blast. Hot cocoa and cider available free all evening. At a few seconds before midnight the count down began as the possom, in his gilded cage, was slowly lowered to the ground. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks. Only in the mountains.

Mozilla Firefox

I have run into a problem with ebay. When writing for help IE wouldn't work. I downloaded Mozilla Firefox and that works like a charm. Once you download it you can use either one as a browser. You can go back and forth with no problem. I just thought it was worth a mention if sometime you are tearing your hair out trying to make something that should work but doesn't. If I can be of further help on this, just send me an email shirl@dnet.net.