Matches, Rain and Perspective

If you can't find a dog show, a sanction match does nicely. We packed two vehicles and headed to Fetch in Dartmouth. Brenda's facility is wonderful and offered the ATA the opportunity to hold not only a Conformation Sanction Match but also Rally and Obedience Sanction Trials. We filled for both Trials, had an excellent turnout and were amazed that the Rally folks went ahead outside in a downpour (I'm sure it had nothing to do with my telling Judge Brenda that the sun was surely going to shine in the afternoon . . .). There were lots of nice puppies and our little Airedales acquitted themselves beautifully. Anjin was a star and marched around with Chantelle as though he had always been a show dog. The babies had a good time, again as a result of Chantelle's tutelage and the judge gave the nod to Georgie in the end who was piloted around the ring by granddaughter Andie. Because I was ring stewarding, our dogs could not compete but did have a great time from early morning to late afternoon. Ken had to stay home and man Regalridge due to a staff shortage here. That is never a good thing but he managed without a grumble. Dinner was bar be qued chicken, corn on the cob and potatoes then blueberry squares and ice cream much to Andie's delight.
The kennel is full and the dogs are partying. They truly are the only sentient beings oblivious to the miserable weather. Did I mention that it poured rain again yesterday! Between showers the boarding dogs were out in their big yards. Roddi and Ruari simply said the digging is a lot better when the ground is soft - you gotta love old little white dogs. Trebia and Nemo agreed with KC and KC and Reese that rain doesn't slow you down if you run fast enough the drops miss you. Dakota and Nutmeg are sporting dogs - they work rain or shine so just shake off the drops and keep going. Winnie the older Airedale was less amused by the weather, sensible girl that she is. Buddy Beagle reports that the smells are different after every rain so it works for him. Kinky the Jack Russell has no idea that it is raining. Guess we could learn from them if we weren't so disgusted with this weather. The forecast is simply for another week of more of the same.
The housedogs are a little more of our persuasion. The old dogs find that the weather interferes with their ball games - that could be because Regalridge people won't stand outside endlessly in bad weather and throw balls.
In the afternoon, Ken had a visit from Atlas' sister from Ontario who was visiting in the area. He reports that she is a lovely girl - no surprise given Atlas' nature.
We are looking forward to a Regalridge summer dinner Sunday - can't wait any longer for good weather.