[gemy]

Thanks Jeanie, but it truly is a team effort.! We are very much looking forward to the Nationals. It is the most important show a breed has.


So let me say this, in a regular show, when you also have Nationals the judges know that the competition is very very fierce for BOB. BOB goes into group, a group judge weighs all the 25-28 breeds for that group, but knows that the National Specialty winner is in the ring. There are a few National Specialities for different breeds that weekend.


WE all go out to cheer on our breed in the group. That is what we do as breeders of a breed, despite where we placed at the Nationals. It is for me quite exciting.


I do remember in the group ring when my breeder friend was competing, all the other exhibitors of Blackies were there ringside, there was water available all four corners of the ring, I had extra treats to give to the handler should she need them. We shouted and cheered for our breed in the group ring, and so did the other breeds do so. The judge smiled and said, I hear you all, so wonderfull.


It is unabashedly partisan for the lovers of the breed in the group ring; but trust me once sentiment is over we dissect the placements, and sometimes have to admit these 4 finishers were perhaps better than our BOB....