August recap: Mav picked up his seventh Group 1 in North Dakota making him the #1 Owner Handled Sussex in the US with over 400 points! Disappointing results at the PNW Sussex shows in Enumclaw, but we did pick up 3 Grand Champion majors, which was our goal. I was horrified by the unsoundness I saw in some of the dogs (depressing really), but was pleased with a Best Opposite to #1 Sussex super star Clara, and over the #3 dog, both heavily campaigned and pro handled. Maverick is only 2.5, shown on a limited basis and handled exclusively by me. I think he has a bright future ahead of him!
Ice picked up a High in Trial and an Open B win with more OTCH pts in North Dakota, but continues to struggle in Utility. Not sure what's going on with him, he is just not himself this year. He did come up with a huge 197.5 in Washington, and went over some very tough OTCH dogs, but it still wasn't good enough for a placement or points. I didn't think the UDX would be easy, but holy crap, it's BRUTAL. This is my first UDX dog so we continue to train, learn, hope and push forward.
September will be a super busy month with dog shows and obedience trials in WA and MT to survive, then the SSCA show in South Carolina to try and finish off our GCH so we can get off this crazy conformation train. I am especially looking forward to Eukanuba Owner Handler NOHS and National Championship in Orlando, FL in December, as I have truly enjoyed the friendly but fierce competition and great camaraderie amongst my fellow NON PRO exhibitors!
After spending the last five years in obedience, rally, and dog show rings (not to mention the nightmare of countless pantyhose and dresses), I am really, REALLY looking forward to going back to field work and hunt tests next year!!!