Molly's Big Day

[Dapple Dandy]

Molly and I brought home a blue ribbon Monday from the Apple Blossom show this weekend. My husband proudly showed it to everyone who would look. He didn't seem to care that we were the only puppy in the class or that neither Molly or I did very well. We were both a nervous reck!!! Believe me, they don't make enough mints to mask the vibe I was putting out! :caffeine: My poor little girl just wanted to go home - exit stage left, no right, no maybe it's this way.........I WANT MY DADDY :crying:

I walked in the ring and my mind went blank :confused: I couldn't remember how to set her up on the table. She laid down and the judge made a joke about taking "low to the ground" to a new extreme and I felt better. I didn't fall, but I had a tiger by the tail, She wanted out.

"Best of Winners" was a nightmare. The steward didn't call my number so I wasn't sure if I should go in. I asked him to verify I should be in the ring and he said yes and apologized for missing me. Worked out for the best because it put us at the back of the pack. Molly seemed to "get it" for a minute and stood very nicely, but it didn't last. Then I missed a cue from the judge and wasn't sure what to do. I smiled and walked her to the end of the line. I guess if you're gonna look stupid, you may as well look happy doing it.

We are both glad the first one is over. It wasn't as bad as I expected, neither of us threw up on the judge or fell, which was the dream I had the night before. I want to get to the point where I can have fun with this. I'm going to keep after it this summer and if Molly, or I for that matter, don't get more comfortable, I may take a friend's advice and wait till she's older and try again. Here's a couple of photos:

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035275971430706541206.jpg

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20035274931491772249353.jpg

[blazeman]

Tammy,

You guys looked great! I know you will do better the next time out. She is such a cutie! I don't think I have seen pictures since she was a baby :)

I look forward to seeing more ribbons!

[TessieMom]

Congratulations! The first time is always the worst and Miss Molly has a blue ribbon to show for it! Rena and the Waco 8

[Patt]

You two make a fantastic pair. I would have been scared to death. I'm so glad she did so well. Molly is beautiful and look forward to seeing and hearing more about the shows.

Thanks for sharing.

Patt :circle:

[lotsadox]

Thanks for the great pics! Keep us posted on Molly's shows. We'd love to hear.

[K.Middler]

:D See it was NOT as bad as you thought told ya so!!! Ya did GREAT !!! We all get the butterflies before we show. Now onward and upward to the next shows in 2 weeks then more in 3 weeks RIGHT??? By the way I LOVED your outfit that will work for almost any color dog and when do you plan to try the other one?? Hey if Pat and I can do this you and Lee can too.:devil: Tell Lee I said let's go he can get back in the ring later this year.

[Dapple Dandy]

I appreciate everyone's kind words. I had no idea I could be that scared. We sure learned a lot!! Don't eat anything before showing except Tums; Daddy can't be anywhere in sight or scent of the ring and you need a hearing aide if you show outside! It's so hard to hear the instructions with the wind and noise.

Kaye, funny you should mention Lee showing. We talked this weekend about it. He knows he would be better at it than I am, but just hates the whole idea. Too much of it as a kid I guess, plus his hearing isn't good from working in the shop all these years. We did discuss entering Tori in the 12-18 class at Berrien Springs. (I think I still have a couple of days before it closes to decide) It would give Molly someone from home to travel with and possibly get Lee back in the ring since she's his dog. Tori's not top notch, but with a little creative grooming I think I can make her look every bit as good as some of what I saw this weekend. :sarcastic I guess we'll see.

I think I've got some good outfits. I dug out all my old work clothes, back from when I was a struggling new agent. Mostly bright polyester suits and jackets, very Montgomery Wards. Imagine how happy I was to read in my Better Homes and Gardens magazine that bold colors were back for summer. Come fall, I'm out of luck. ;)

[Cindi]

And that yellow jacket will look awesome in the Winner's picture the professional photog takes but with the color dog you have you won't have to worry about blending in the background :) as many do.

Congrats on getting the first encounter over with and it sounds like you had a nice judge, too, which is so nice. And it doesn't matter if you are inside or outside, the judge rarely talks loud enough to get over your own heartbeat <G>

Cindi

[Dapple Dandy]

Can your heart beat when it's in your throat? Cuz I think that's where mine was the whole day! :afraid: And I do consider myself very fortunate to have gotten a nice judge with a sense of humor. I understand they are few and far between, which is really a shame.