:thumbup::thumbup: So true Donna. And you have to look at it as also building memories. You can sit home and let time pass, or get out there and make those memories!

I mean most of us are all on a tight budget but I'd rather save my money and do what I love doing than sit at home and say I'll do it one day and 3 years later still be sitting at home....I want to handle yorkies now so I have to start building my reputation as a good handler and I can't do that sitting my behind at home not doing it... :)

I know what you mean Donna, hubby and I are on a fixed income (SS).....but, I love showing dogs and really hate breeding, but I know I have to do it once in awhile to get that next show dog.....and handle here and there to help with the expenses.

Ditto!
I will always remember when someone use to say "RESEARCH" is the key to anything...whether it be showing or a breeder always make sure you know what you are getting yourself into and the person your dealing with....
I have learned "A LOT" in the last couple of years in this endeavor and have grown so much and knowing things is "KEY" to anything and anyone you are dealing with...
I know this is off topic to this thread LOL...but I have very few friends in this endeavor and like it that way BUT I always remember things I'm told and will always stay true to myself and I will always say my love for this breed is in my heart and soul and I'm only in this to better the breed and show the best yorkie I can and I still believe and stand behind my belief that you have to stand behind what you say and what you are breeding and showing...I know several people that say they show and are bettering the breed and DO NOT and that makes me ill to my stomach....sorry had to vent somewhat....

Now, I can't wait for Bluebonnet shows! I'm getting so excited! I'm gonna show Crystal this weekend and I'm so excited that Linda T is coming in to show and watch me show Crystal!!

Donna

Sometimes things are beyond our control, like my daughter having a brain tumor and struggling for a year with one surgery after another. Everyone has to set priorities and while I would have loved to be showing it was more important for my grandkids have food, utilities, etc. Now that that is all behind us I hope things will start getting better. While I would love showing, I consider it more of a hobby and not something that is essential. I do hope you are able to pursue your dream as you never know when tragedy will strike.

A dear friend of mine who is in her 70ies watching tv a week ago with her husband and she went into a coma and has not woke up yet. She has a big blood clot in the back of her head. It sure does not look good for her. They have been married 59 years. So sad.

Donna,

There are so few great ones out there.....and so few that have the passion for the breed, to learn everything you can about them, breed them correctly and take the best representation into the ring. As I stated above, I hate breeding, I know that I could never breed continousely to fulfill a pet market, although someone has to do it. I just don't breed that often, and when I do it's for myself first.....not away to profit, especially with California vet prices..and you know that if you're breeding correctly, those prices are incurred prior to each breeding just for the necessary tests....let alone possibly needing to procure emergency hospital bills, and care for pups and mom after......I guess that's why I plan each breeding carefully.....I want to know that money is there should emergencies arise. With those costs and showing one has to save every penny.

I'm so glad your daughter is doing better.

Showing and breeding are a hobby. However, to do it correctly they go hand and hand.

Of course things happen that are beyond our control and in no way was this directed at you and yes of course your children and grandchildren come first no questions there....
Showing to me is a hobby and I make sure that I save money to be able to do my hobby and if tragedy were to strike my hobby would have to be put on the back burner of course but with fingers crossed I'm hoping nothing castrosphic will never happen God forbid....but as in life we never know so until then I will continue to enjoy my hobby of showing :) I just enjoy my hobby of showing and being an exhibitor breeder instead of a pet breeder (not directed at you of course) :)

I'm sorry to hear about your friend it is sad but with someone of that age things do happen unfortunately :( My condolences

Donna,

You and I know that my hubby sufferred a heart attack 3 years ago. However, he was up and around on his feet within a month....he fully supported my showing, especially when I was backing down....he pushed and said continue...I'm still here to take care of the dogs while you're away.......

Oh let me add this.....Breeding isn't essential either as it is a hobby as well but should come after showing to exhibit the best of your breeding program as Mary stated it goes hand in hand :)

I'll make sure and get you one. We're gonna miss you......I don't know what's on the auction table but, send me your cell # and we'll communicate during the dinner and try and get someone with a camera phone and send you pics of things I think she'd like.

Mary, Mary Ann, and Donna - I wish you all the BEST of LUCK!!!!
Bring it all home ladies!!! I wish I could be there to cheer you on but I'll be doing it from home this year - I'll try again next year.

I am glad that your daughter is better. I hope your friend gets better real soon. My hubby and I just celebrated our 32 anniversary in August. And - I know how hard times can be. I think we have all been through our shares. My hubby had a massive heart attack back 4 years ago - right when I was thinking of returning back to showing and bought two yorkies. He actually died for 3 minutes and the doctors were able to bring him back and then went through a triple by-pass. He had to go back to the hospital two different times right after that, due to other complications and was life flighted once and 911 called. Luckily he recovered, but of course he was out of work after his recovery, which lasted a long time. So I know how rough times can get. I remember not be able to use my dryer, even though I had one, since I could not pay for the electric to run it. I also have had some other up and down moments in my life as well - just as tough. I was lucky to have my yorkies and they helped me through those times. I do not know what I would have done without my yorkies. I think because of their help and love they gave me I owe it to them to do my best, reason I too save up and go to shows, research and learn everything I can to help the breed. It also gives my family and I quality together times to make memories. It is so easy to sit at home for me, but those times do not make memories - I guess what I am saying is that we learned how important life is and you have to go after your dreams and make those memories. I have to push myself!! Life is short, too short and it is family and friends that count most. So we make those times special and we try to make a difference.

Oh, Thank You Mary. That would be great!