Current mood:	optimistic
Entry tags:	conformation, porter, retrieves, showing

Show Time!
We took Porter to the "big show" in Indianapolis this past weekend. I was surprised to see so many entries on Friday, 2/13 as it has been my experience that competitive people are often superstitious. I had to laugh when I checked in at ringside and was given the number 13. Porter showed really well on Friday, and took reserve winners (2nd "unfinished" dog). No points, but I was happy I was able to get him to trot in the ring. We were told the dog that took best of winners did so because he had a crisper coat. I don't think there's a whole lot we can do about the condition of Porter's coat - even if we didn't live in the city I'm not sure I'd be willing to make him sleep outside just to improve his coat. We didn't wash him before the show, which can contribute to a soft coat. We did take him to the lake, though, and even we noticed he was softer than usual from swimming in the ice melt. So next time I think we'll try fish oil (a dietary supplement) and lake-and-wash the weekend before (we tried this time but the lake was frozen solid that weekend).

Porter seemed to really enjoy all the attention - he was smiling all day. Even when we got home he was very content and well-behaved on his walk. This is why I think I'd like to continue showing him, even though our contractual obligation to do so is now fulfilled. I enjoy spending time with my dog, and my "unpaid kennel help" hubby, and Porter enjoys it too. I suspect hubby puts up with it because it makes me happy, but now that we can DVR his sporting events I don't hear him complaining. ;)

At the Saturday show we saw about 3 times as many chessies as on Friday. I love seeing so many chessies in one place - you can really notice the differences in their features. Porter has such a handsome long nose and cheery disposition. By far the best dog in my unbiased opinion ;). But especially I notice the differences in coat. The coat is one of the more important characteristics of the breed, and yet there is such variation! Some are wavy like Porter, some are almost kinky curly. And the colors are very different as well, ranging from solid almost-black brown to yellow with dark brown tips. I'm keeping an eye out for the redish-brown coloring - it's beautiful in the pictures I've seen but I've yet to see one in person.

The Saturday judge seemed to really like Porter. Unfortunately I couldn't get Porter to trot, I expect he was pacing out of excitement. I imagine he's singing to himself "pup, pup, pup" as he moves, like a little kid playing hop-scotch. We sat ringside and watched the rest of the breed judging take place, and afterword the judge made a point to come over and tell us to keep trying. He looked sincerely regretful that he couldn't have placed Porter better. That was very encouraging.



I am considering signing up for a show in Louisville in March, but am definitely planing to attend one of the Terre Haute shows the Bloomington Kennel Club hosts in April. Why doesn't the Bloomington Kennel Club show in Bloomington? When I asked at the last meeting, I was told price is the biggest factor - probably because of the university much of the space in town that is suitable is over-priced. I suspect local laws and general local ignorance plays a roll as well, but this is just speculation. It would be nice to see some cooperation between the "show people" and the "rescue people" in town - after all, don't we all have the welfare of companion dogs in mind?

We were able to take Porter to the lake again after the show on Saturday and got in some good retrieves in a part of the lake that was no longer frozen. Matthew got some good pictures and I have some video footage - very cute! I'll see if I can get them posted here.