So Many Ideas - So Little Time

So Many Ideas – So  Little Time

As we grow older some of us get concerned about having the time to accomplish all our goals.  Some, of course, just look for a rocking chair and let the world go by, but not this dinosaur.  Setting goals has always been part of my make up whether at work, breeding and showing dogs, or way back to school days.  I won’t lie and say all my goals were attained, but having them shaped my life.  Many of my goals have been things that involved sharing with others, hence the blogs.  Since I’m not the only one with good ideas, I enjoy giving credit where credit is due.

The current issue of Dogs In Review has an article on page forty two entitled “Camelot is Crumbling.”  It deals with the current status of dog shows with declining entries and the desperate attempt to entice people to show by having something for everyone.  It makes one think of sports like children’s T-Ball where you supposedly don’t keep score so everyone wins.  What incentive that gives you to improve is beyond me.  It was competing with people like Trudy Mangels, Pat Starkweather, and Bobbee Roos that drove me to breed better dogs and show, groom, and be a realistic judge of quality without kennel blindness.

You must start off the learning experience at a reasonable level which used to be match shows.  The same is true of developing as a judge, but match shows seem to be going the way of the Dodo Bird.  As you hone your skills whether as a breeder or judge you can move up the food chain, but if we reward even insignificant efforts what’s the point?  Van Dyck used to say Reserve was the best of the losers.  Perhaps reserve Best in Show, Award of Merit, and Selects are too.

In the Oct. 25, 2014 issue of blood horse on page nine is an article called “What’s Going on Here?”  It’s a weekly article which in this issue discussed rules of life as outlined by champion golfer and horse breeder, Gary Player, of South Africa.  He gave his ten rules and while all are relevant, a couple really speak to me loudly.  Number six is “work.”  Explanation is “the fox fears not the man who boasts at night in the bar, but the man who rises early in the morning.”  Number nine is similar and quotes Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.  “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”

I got good grades at school, but probably didn’t work as hard as I should have.  Junior and Senior Class President were honors probably due to personality more than hard work.  When I started into the world of dog breeding and exhibiting and later in my career with Owens-Illinois, Inc. a light bulb went off.  I wanted badly to succeed in both areas and drove myself relentlessly to be the best I could be.  As goals were attained the bar was constantly raised and it worked.  I’ve always felt that we all have different talents that are born in us.  Just having the talents, however, is not enough.  If you really wish to excel at something, you must work hard to polish and refine that God given talent.  Some have an eye for a dog and can visualize what the Standard means quite clearly.  Others can be involved in dogs for twenty five years and not have a clue.  We must be honest in evaluating our talents and use what we’ve been given wisely.  I always wanted to play the piano, but can’t play a note.  Perhaps a knack with animals (not just dogs) was my special talent and the world had enough piano players.

Finally my thanks to Larry Willeford for his kind words and giving me credit as a mentor.  He continues to breed good dogs, but more important has been a friend for years and is a great ring steward.  The picture he used on line of me and Ch. Jadene’s Breezalong has fooled some people into thinking I’m still a slender, dark haired heartthrob.  Boy are they in for a shock!

Finally, just a word of praise for the folks at Houston Collie Rescue.  The job they did with over one hundred rescued Collies many of whom had terrible skin issues was outstanding.  The before and after pictures bring tears of happiness to the eyes.  Please don’t think they don’t need any more financial help.  The work they did and continue to do, costs lots of money and is helping the breed we love.  Keep up the support so they can continue their good work.

Think about it!

WOW!!!

WOW!!!

Just returned home from a trip to Lincoln, Nebraska to judge the Collie Club of Nebraska’s 100^th Specialty.  What a delightful weekend!  Due to a couple of injuries and health issues I haven’t judged recently and had seriously considered calling it a career.  This weekend reminded me how much I’ve missed judging and that even though flying can be a pain, it’s not impossible.  Though I have no interest in judging a lot at this stage of the game, if I stay healthy we’ll play it by ear.

The show was held in the Lancaster Event Center on Saturday Oct. 4, 2014 and the ring was spacious with good footing.  The entry was great with 4 points in dogs and five points in bitches.  Since there was a move up in each sex the final points may have been affected, but the quality certainly wasn’t.  The entries came from a wide cross-section of the country and after the judging I enjoyed checking out the breeding and locations represented.  The exhibitors showed good sportsmanship and were a real pleasure.  What a day!

There are some special thank you’s to people who helped make this show so special.  First to Greg McCary and his wife, Ruth Ann who took us to dinner and got us to the show.  Greg is the club’s designated “gopher” and I’ve known he and Ruth Ann for years.  Carolyn Foreman, club president, and another old friend who seemed to be everywhere and worked tirelessly to make things happen.  To Janet Hitt who judged the Friday show, thanks for getting me such a good entry.  Last, but certainly not least my friend, Larry Willeford, who was my steward and kept the old dinosaur moving along.

Since it’s not possible to mention all the good Collies present, I’ll just dwell on the top two.  As I mentioned during the finals, it was a shame either one had to lose.  BV Smooth was the striking blue bitch Ch. C and J Silver Charm of Chrysalis.  She came from a small, but quality specials class and was owner handled.  BV Rough was the Glorious tricolor Ch. Colebrae After Midnight who was also owner handled by her breeder, Jennifer Laik.  Both these bitches made the whole picture with soundness, showmanship, and lovely head and expression.  The Rough tri went on to BB and either one can come live with me if their owners think they’re too expensive to feed.  Dinosaurs aren’t noted for their memories, but I doubt I’ve had two better bitches competing in a long, long time.

The after show dinner was held at our hotel, Country Inns and Suites, where we also enjoyed a delightful complimentary breakfast and had a first rate room.  Since the specialty didn’t start until Saturday afternoon, Phyllis and I were relaxing after breakfast when a knock came at the door.  The dinosaur almost had a heart attack to find our daughter, Alexandra, standing there.  My dear wife, Phyllis, who is full of surprises had her drive out from Des Moines, Iowa to watch Dad judge.  Just one more special moment in a memorable weekend.

The auction to benefit Houston Collie Rescue did very well and I heard they were up to $1400 and still counting.  Larry Willeford took home the book I donated, Dr. O.P. Bennett’s The Collie, which originally had come from Steve Field.

At the after show dinner, which was very well attended, Carolyn Foreman asked all present to speak of a memorable moment in their Collie careers.  Steve Field of Parader fame affected so many people in so many ways and was noted as a student of the breed as well as a teacher for many who were present.  Phyllis had apparently bribed a few people to say nice things about me and our daughter was suitable impressed.  It was a memorable weekend in so many ways and some of the experiences brought tears to the eyes.

This dinosaur thanks the members of the Nebraska Collie Club, the exhibitors, and all involved with this glorious weekend.  You reminded me of all I’ve been missing.  I’ve often wondered why God has kept me around for so long.  This show made me think about a possible answer to that question.  Over the years the many times I judged in this area and enjoyed visits with Steve and Lena Field made me feel as though this was a “homecoming.”  Perhaps if I had driven out to the old home of Parader Collies I could have heard the barks of Parader, Image, and Bold venture and other caning ghosts who will never die or be erased from pedigrees.  We’ll see where the road leads.

Think about it and thanks for the memories!

Things Are Looking Up

Things Are Looking Up

The horrible mess being efficiently handled by Houston Collie Rescue didn’t happen over night.  I came across a two page ad in the August 1988 CC of A Bulletin showing this lady’s bitch winning two all breed Best In Shows.  How it deteriorated into what was found recently we may never completely understand.  Since similar things have happened before in other places, it’s obvious it can happen and will again if steps aren’t taken to prevent it.

When we breed a litter, it carries with it some responsibilities for this breed of ours.  Carefully selecting the sire and dam and being sure they deserve the right to reproduce is only the start.  Proper care of the bitch and providing the right environment for her and her offspring as well as their diet follows suit.  All the needs of the puppies such as shots, worming (if needed), and socialization including leash training should be followed as the age of the puppies dictate.

The other part of breeding dogs and selling them is the thing that can cause big problems.  That is deciding who should be approved as a buyer.  Do you screen prospective buyers, ask for their vet’s name, or some other references, or is just having the money to buy good enough?  I know in our busy lives it may seem preposterous to suggest such steps, but there should be more to being a breeder than counting ribbons, points, and taking the money!

Since people can do things like have others buy dogs for them, it can be difficult to identify potential problems.  The AKC used to have people that inspected kennels particularly ones who housed and sold large numbers.  If that only happens after a legal action, then it’s probably too late.  With all our computer programs there certainly should be one to highlight potential hoarding cases.

All this concern and gloom does have some silver linings, however.  The people at Houston Collie Rescue are doing a tremendous job.  They have removed these Collies from an unspeakable hell and have them headed to a decent existence through fostering and, as their condition allows, new forever homes.  With the help of a group of volunteers, including vets, Houston Collie Rescue is showing us an example of what can be done to bring a terrible situation to a decent ending.  Some of the most severe health and socialization cases will be difficult, but hopefully not insurmountable.

The other silver lining is the response of the dog community to this problem.  Collie people and Collie clubs are donating to the effort, but it doesn’t stop there.  A German Shepherd club has pitched in, too, and there may be others I’m not aware of as well.

Recently I found out two bits of news that made this old dinosaur brighten up considerably.  First I heard that my ring steward for the Nebraska CC will be my old friend, Larry Willeford.  It’s good to know you have someone first rate sharing your ring.  Many thanks, Larry.

The second is that the Nebraska CC is holding an auction in conjunction with the show with the proceeds going toward Houston Collie Rescue.  After that sank in it seemed appropriate for the old dinosaur to hop on the bandwagon of such a good cause.

Over the years I’ve accumulated a substantial library of Collie publications.  Considering where the show is, I knew rather quickly which one would be most appropriate to donate for this auction.  Years ago when visiting Steve Field in Omaha I mentioned that I’d always wanted a copy of Dr. O.P. Bennett’s classic old book “The Collie.”  As I was preparing to leave he went to the bookshelf and took down his copy and gave it to me as a gift.  I’m not sure where Steve got it, but I know he enjoyed it, as have I, and now it’s time for someone else to do so.  Whoever gets this book should treat it carefully and with respect just as we might hope for the Collies we’re trying to help.

There can be silver linings in the darkest clouds.

Think about it!

HELP!! Collies in Trouble!!

HELP!!  Collies in Trouble!!

Many of you may be aware of the horrific situation recently uncovered in Houston, Texas.  Over 100 Collies were removed from the premises of a despicable individual who claims to be a Collie “breeder.”  The conditions under which the dogs and puppies were being kept were awful and many have skin problems and other health issues.  Apparently this is not the first time this woman has been in trouble for hoarding and having too many Collies.  We must wonder why so many cases of this sort seem to involve Collies.

Though we may not be able to say for sure it may have to do with the fact that Collies are sweet and aim to please which makes them a target for such abuse.  The very qualities which we prize in our breed may make them easy targets for people who have no concept of ethical treatment of animals.  Any reputable breeder who sells to someone with unknown reputation, references, and proper facilities is only taking a chance.  It surely is easy to just get your money and ship a dog or puppy to someone, but we owe our dogs more.

I do not know if this person has any club affiliations, but it seems doubtful.  The CC of A needs to follow up on this matter thru AKC and see that this woman never owns another dog let alone register one.  Since this is not her first run in with the law on such matters, one might hope the local authorities will see fit to bar her from keeping any animals.

The CC of A is making a generous donation to help with the cost of feeding, housing, and treating the problems these dogs exhibit.  The Houston Collie Rescue Group can use help from all of us.  This is a monumental undertaking and takes time, volunteers, and donations to do the job.  If every CC of A member sent a donation equal to one dog show entry it would go a long way toward solving the problem.

 Send your checks to:

                                    Houston Collie Rescue

                                    P.O. Box 526

                                    Stafford, TX 77497

I recently wrote that some rescue groups have unreasonable expectations of people who want to adopt a dog.  Though we have no idea of where Houston Collie Rescue stands in that regard, we do know they need our help and these dogs need our help, too.  If you really love the Collie, let’s step up and be counted.  My check is in the mail.  How about yours?  Let’s show the people at Houston Collie Rescue that Collie people have hearts as big as their dogs.

Interesting note on another matter.  Some time back the CC of A asked me to look into creating a book featuring the writings of Steve Field of Parader fame.  Gayle Kaye was brought on as co-editor because of her many talents and deep respect for Steve which matched my own.  The first thing we found was that Steve hadn’t written as much as some of us thought.  The second thing was that his writings done years ago make as much sense today as when written.  Looking at those articles I find it amazing how accurate Steve’s insight into the direction Collies were going would be.

In answer to a question asked in 1962 CC of A yearbook  “What changes in the Collie should be worked for in the next 5 to 10 years” Steve’s reply was simple, but timely and still is today.  He advocated medium size dogs and warned against judges being impressed by “bigger Collies.”  He did not speak out against bold, outgoing dogs, but warned against terrier type aggressive dogs.  He mentioned the problems of breeding for ever-showing Collies with high set, trained over prick ears.  He advocated a desire for correct type and berated those dogs which showed so constantly that they looked like a “cobra ready to strike.”

Beauty was another word that Steve used.  He further wrote that “if the public wants a medium sized Collie of stable, friendly disposition and greater beauty, I believe we can take steps to improve our breed in these general directions.”

At a seminar in Omaha, Nebraska, where Steve and I sat on the panel, Bobbee Roos was also a speaker.  She warned against trying to save pups that weren’t vigorous and also about too much faking of color with makeup.  She said some of the problem was an increase of ladies in the dog game and that both these issues could be related to that increase.  Steve said Bobbee could get away with saying that since she was also of the fairer sex.  It’s one thing to try to save puppies, but another to use those weaklings for breeding.  It’s also a fact that few puppies are whelped with a makeup kit.  Being skilled enough to breed correctness is much more difficult, but also much more satisfying than having to fake.  Each generation that you apply faking to gets you further away for contributing anything meaningful to our breed.

Think about it!!

Judge Not - Lest Ye Look Stupid

Judge Not – Lest Ye Look Stupid

That quote is not exactly from the Bible, but it may come from the Dinosaur’s journal.  We all have been guilty at times of coming to conclusions without sufficient insight into why people do what they do.  In the dog game the target is most often the dog show judge and exhibitors often question the validity of the judge’s expertise particularly when they don’t fare well at a show.  It’s amazing how smart some judges are when they finally see the light and put our dogs up for a good win.

In my years as an exhibitor there were judges who put my dogs up with some regularity and some that I just couldn’t win under at all.  It was easy to question their eyesight, lack of integrity or jealousy because I beat them at another show.  Bottom line was that as my dogs became more competitive and I became more adept at training and grooming, I won more.  Some judges may have not liked my type of Collie and some may not have liked me, but you just save your money and don’t show there.

If you stay with the dog game long enough you will win some when you don’t know how it happened and lose some for the same reason.  Years ago at two specialties in Ohio there were two very different results.  The first day my bitch entry took Winners and a five point major over the Winners Bitch at the National.  My special, who was sire of the Winners Bitch, defeated the Best of Breed at the National.  Now both my exhibits were good Collies, but in my opinion, not that good.  No, I did not refuse the awards.

The second day the winners at the National (which I had judged) took Winners Bitch and the National BB took the Best of Breed.  So you ask was I happy?  The answer is that I was happy for two good deserving winners, but not so happy with some of the judging earlier.  It can get very confusing and both judges had put me up before and would put me up again, so it was a matter of you pay your money and take your chances.  When you’ve judged for a while (over forty years for me) you find that sometimes you can’t put up something you really like because it’s not in top shape, isn’t moving or showing well, or just happened to encounter a better one on that day.

In October I look forward to doing the CC of Nebraska’s 100^th Specialty.  No I was not there for the first one, but have judged there on several occasions.  It was a great favorite of mine, because  I got to visit with Steve Field who was and is a legend in the breeding of purebred Collies.  The last time I judged there Steve was in a nursing home and our visit was still rewarding.  He passed away not long after that, but the memories linger.

As mentioned in a previous blog, I hope to see some good Collies though it is early in the season for coats.  It would be nice not to have to excuse any for makeup, but my white handkerchief will be at the ready.  Illness and injury and an aversion to airline travel have had me grounded recently, but the dogs continue to beckon.

Read a recent article in Collie Expressions regarding Collie rescue.  Various groups have done great work for our breed over the years.  Many problems develop because people have too many dogs and just can’t properly care for them.  Often the problem stems from so called “breeders” who can’t select what they should keep or can’t do it at a reasonable age so they keep most of the litter.  They seem to be afraid to let a good one go elsewhere.  These folks probably shouldn’t be breeding at all in my opinion.  The fiasco from Alaska and the boondoggle in Tennessee are classic examples of too many dogs and rescue groups and just Collie people saved the day.

While I admire anyone who steps up to help Collies in distress, sometimes you encounter some weird criteria.  Over the years we have twice been found unacceptable to adopt Collies that were trying to find a home.  We have adopted several with no problem, but their reasons reminded us that being impossibly judgmental can defeat the basic purpose of finding a dog a good home.  The first case was a bitch in a foster home that would not release her because we don’t let dogs on the furniture.  The second case recently was due to our having an intact six year old male who has never and will never be bred. Since our bitches are all spayed, there was no reason to expose him to unneeded surgery.  In sixty five years in Collies I have never seen a case of testicular cancer and this dog does not run loose ever!

We need guidelines in dog shows and we need guidelines in finding suitable homes for dogs.  You don’t fake color on dogs in dog shows and you don’t adopt out a dog to an unfenced yard or someone without a vet recommendation.  Reasonable guidelines are the result of legitimate needs. Unreasonable expectations are often the result of bureaucratic muscle flexing which defeats the intended purpose.

Think about it!!

Of This and That

Of This and That

What has caused our Collies to slip from the public graces will no doubt, be discussed for years.  It’s a lot of reasons, some of which breeders can control, and some not so easy.  When the public thinks Collie they think sable and white attractively marked Rough Collie.  That doesn’t mean no one thinks otherwise, but that’s what the average “Joe” thinks of about Collies.  Many Roughs have more coat than “Joe” can handle and we’ve sensitized him and all the veterinarians about eye problems.  We also have a fascination with the blue color which is ok for breeders, but not what “Joe” wants.

This fascination with blues has people doing strange things, in  my opinion.  They’re breeding blue to blue and sable-merle to blue or sable-merle with no concern for blind or deaf double dilutes.  Heck if you’re lucky you may even make an ROM out of one of the blind little devils.  Some breeders may excuse this, but poor old “Joe” probably won’t like such things.  We can breed almost anything we, as breeders want, but please don’t expect “Joe” to like it.

While I don’t advocate breeding just for the public pet market, I do think we must expect to “reap what we sow!”  If we insist on doing exotic things don’t expect everyone to like it.

The ROM designation has its opponents as well as its advocates and that’s understandable.  Some feel it encourages too much breeding and showing inferior specimens.  At very least in this day of many shows and many champions each year, it might be appropriate to move the bar higher to qualify.  Whether anything can be done to eliminate dogs with disqualifying faults is another matter.

It would be wildly speculatory to guess at which dogs or bitches designated ROM have been guilty of passing on genetic problems.  We have eye problems (CEA and PRA), Lethal Gray Factor, subluxation, and a wild litany of skin and coat disorders.  The real line is drawn not by some committee or individual who tells you who to breed to, but by each breeder’s knowledge.

We know for instance that years ago Terhune wrote about breeding a blind bitch.  Years later a breeder offered me a beautiful bitch who was blind on a puppy deal bred to his champion stud.  I declined, not because I knew it was genetic, but because I questioned if she could care for her puppies.  This was before Richard Donovan and others started to do eye clinics.  The clinics were to check for CEA (Collie Eye Anomoly) and all my dogs went to the first one nearby.  My stud dog’s pedigrees all had a copy of their eye checks.

Some years later we became aware of an even more insidious nightmare in or breed.  PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) did not show up in routine puppy eye checks for CEA which did not change as the dog aged.  PRA often took several years to be apparent based on what we knew then.  Breeding stock (particularly studs) could produce a number of puppies before PRA reared its ugly head.  The solution that many suggested was to breed your studs to a blind bitch, assuming that if he was clear the pups would be carriers, but not blind.  Blind puppies would mean your dog was a carrier.

All this was going on about when I was getting ready to move to Michigan.  One of my studs was “rumored” to be a carrier.  He was withdrawn from public stud even though I had some doubts.  I know the timing made a lot of test breeding impossible and my stomach turned at purposely acquiring and breeding blind dogs.  Consulting with Dr. Lionel Rubin at the University of PA School of Veterinary Medicine, he told me an interesting theory.  He had seen a bitch and stud with normal eyes produce puppies that resembled PRA blindness when the bitch carried a fever while in whelp.  Of course, today we have much more reliable methods of checking without producing blind puppies.

The time when I bred Collies had to end with the move to Michigan.  The one litter whelped in Michigan was from an accidental breeding.  Whether there really was a problem I don’t know.  There was considerable “witch hunting” going on and since I was a well known breeder and winner, I made a good target.  What I did not do was blame Steve Field, Gus Sigritz, Brian Carabine, John and Ada Guiliano or Bill Van Dyck for what I had.  My breeding decisions were mine and you pay your money and take your chances. 

My views on breeding, by the way, have nothing to do with my outlook as a judge.  When judging we observe animals presented to us to judge according to a standard.  Their genetic makeup and any problems therein are not on trial.  If it were otherwise you might need to show me an eye check and health certificate rather than train, groom and show your dog.  We all know that’s not how it works.

Whether we’re breeding for the “perfect Collie” or for a healthy happy, attractive dog (which can be the same animal) we should always keep the good of this grand breed as our foremost goal.  Ribbons, rosettes, titles and ego should take a back seat in our plans.  Guard the title of breeder jealously.  Terhune wrote that we’re gods to our dogs.  Don’t ever let that feeling extend to your opinion of yourself.

Think about it!!

Back to "Normal" or Whatever

Back to “Normal” or Whatever

Since our pole barn is done except for the wiring and some cement work, we are breathing a sigh of relief.  Our equipment is back under cover that’s not tarps and the shelves are going back up, so we’re heading in the right direction.  Phyllis and I are still trying to figure out what “normal” is for us.  Assuredly it’s different than what most people might attribute to the word, but that’s our choice.

Just looking thru the latest CC of A Bulletin which is full of photos from the National.  Some nice looking dogs and some not quite as you might wish, but we all know pictures may be a bit deceiving.  I learned years ago not to form opinions of Collies I haven’t actually seen and/or judged.  If you don’t have a really flattering picture, it’s better not to use one at all.  It would be nice to see more shots of Collies showing on a loose lead without being stacked up and held in place.

Interesting article in the Bulletin from Kathy Moll relating to our breed’s fall from popularity with the public.  The reasons are many and complex as I’ve noted before.  Collies were once one of the breeds of choice as a family dog and many of us can remember that.  The slow, but sure sliding down the list has largely been aided by not thinking what the public wants and consequently shooting ourselves in the foot.  We can’t bring Albert Payson Terhune back and Lassie has likewise faded into history.  If we want our breed to only fit into the niche of show dogs with glued up ears, coat to the ground, and make up kits that go with each puppy, then continue to watch the slide.  Perhaps in today’s world we’ll see Pit Bulls as the breed of choice.

The Bulletin also highlighted the many different activities that are offered for our Collies.  The days of a National that focused on conformation seem to be over.  In perfect honesty there are competitions that are offered that I have no idea of what the requirements or guidelines might be.  Some of these activities surely highlight the versatility of our breed, but the show keeps growing and growing.  Years ago we had national symposiums which were held in the summer when dogs were basically out of coat.  Having some of the performance events at that time made sense and cold weather problems were no longer an obstacle.  The allure of having a “big” National that lasts for a week or more seems to have prevailed and I suppose you only have to show up for what interests you.

The cost of putting on the National and the difficulty of finding a suitable and affordable venue continue to be an issue.  Most clubs find such an undertaking beyond their capabilities.  Many clubs that used to be considered “powerhouse” groups have seen memberships decline and age to the point that they struggle just to put on an annual specialty let alone tackle the National.  This trend would seem to parallel the declining interest in our breed.  The yardstick used to be that most new people would just last a few years, but today we see less new people and many other activities competing for their time.

Given the enormous effort required by host clubs for the National it’s always amazed me that they really have so little say in things like picking judges.  The host club selects a panel and then it’s off to the races.  The final choices seldom resemble the host club preferences.  With all due respect to the Executive Committee, I’ve never understood why they are more fit to select the judges for the National.  In many cases most of them don’t even compete in conformation.  Years ago Jim Mangels wrote an article about criteria for picking judges for the National.  It included things like champions bred, shows judged, and success competing at high level events.  Interesting idea.

If the stars align themselves and I stay healthy the old dinosaur will judge his last show for the Nebraska CC in October.  A few nagging health issues and a distaste for the way airlines treat travelers nowadays have had me declining assignments for several years.  This will be their 100^th specialty and it’s the club that Steve Field was connected with for years.  I’ve judged this show often and used to think Steve put my name up so we could visit after the show.  Steve will not be there this time, but I hope to see his daughter, Karen, and a few other old friends.  The date in early October is surely early for Collie coats, but the Keystone CC used to hold a show with Devon each fall at the same time and it was great.  I’m long past worrying about the size of my entries, but did get 100 dogs a few assignments back which is pretty good nowadays.

My hope for Nebraska has little to do with numbers and more to do with content.  If I have some quality Collies, well groomed, properly shown on loose leads standing on their own God-given four legs, I’ll be a happy camper.  Bigger isn’t always better, but better always is. 

Think about it!