GSWC Independent Specialty Show

Savi and me, getting ready to gait around the ring.

Sunday was the annual Garden State Weimaraner Club Independent Specialty Show at North Branch Park.  A month and a half ago, thanks to Hurricane Irene, this park was under water.  Well, time to dry out and we had a gorgeous lawn to show our dogs on and it was a sparkling, hot fall day.  The club put on our usual outstanding show and everyone had a great time showing dogs, eating the delicious hot and cold buffet supplied by club members and winning raffle prizes.  This was not our regular show, as the club hosted the Weimaraner Club of America Eastern Futurity and Maturity the day before and this drew dogs and handlers from all over the country as well as Canada and Weim friends from Australia. As trophy chair, I was in charge of buying and organizing all the trophies and sponsors for them and was pleased with how they looked set up outside the ring and the winners seemed to enjoy them.

 Savi, Grayhart's Shear Genius,JH,CGC, (Clay x Trixie) showed well in a large BBE (Bred-By-Exhibitor) class and the judge awarded us 3rd place.

 Savi on the last go around.  Trudy, on owner Rich's lap, waited patiently for her turn and of course, the princess wore a pink cool coat to stay comfortable on this hot day.

Trudy, Grayhart's Special Reserve, (Zeke x Trixie) was handled beautifully in the Open bitch class by Pat O'Brien, owner/breeder of her daddy Zeke.

 Above and below, Trudy strutting her stuff - lovely reach and drive.

 Trudy won the large Open bitch class!  We were on the edge of our seats when she went in for the Winner's Class.  All the class winner's go in and the judge picks the Winner's Bitch and that is who gets the points.

 Trudy looked great and the judge had her in first place for the first two go arounds.

 At the last go around, when I was hoping the judge would pick Trudy, he moved another bitch in front of her and that is who he awarded Winner's bitch.  Oh well, so close as this win would have finished her.  Her littermate Mason, won the dog major at our show last year and it would have been beyond exciting for Trudy to get the Specialty win.  On to the next set of shows in search of those last three points.

Trudy and Pat

 Jam was along for the ride and was happy to meet new friends and prospective puppy people.  Our supermodel was thirsty and made no qualms about telling me that she wanted to drink out of a water bottle.

 Mason, CH Grayhart's Daily Special, (Zeke x Trixie) was bumped up to Best of Breed.  Pat handled him and we were happy that our newest champion made the first cut, not too shabby at a big specialty. Just one year ago, Mason won the 4-pt major and Best of Winners at this show.

 A fun and noteworthy event put on by the club on Saturday, was the Rescue Parade.  The rescue dogs and their owners had a chance to parade around the show rings while a short bio was read.  They even received rosettes and prizes.

 Our good friend, Kellyann and her 9-year old rescue, June, tracked around the show ring.

The Rescue Parade participants

 A lovely, handmade rosette for the rescue dogs made by Kellyann.