Following my last post about kindness, I wanted to say what a great weekend it was at the dog show. I often say “Community over Competition” and this weekend was no exception. Thank you to Malia, Dolly, Sami and Kayla for helping whenever it was needed ringside or even in the ring this weekend.

On Thursday before I got there, Kayla and miss Potato (Vada) CH Kazuri N Joyful Noise Sunshine on a Cloudy Day, bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns and co-owned by Sarah & Kayla Bonnin went BOV under judge Mr Jon R Cole and a lovely OHGroup 3 under judge Mrs Laura Reeves.

Our first show day was Friday, under judge Dr Daniel W Dowling, my 6 month old Skylar (Youngsong Chasing Dreams at Outwest bred and co-owned by Lisa Young and Jenni Neift, and co-owned by myself) went WB/BOV over 4 specials for a 5 point major in 13s. This was her first time in the ring, as BPUP wasn’t available while she was eligible. I was so proud of her. Miss Bella was RWB to her. In 15s, Nashville (Kazuri N JoyfulNoise Appearing At the Opry bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns, owned by Sarah Sweetman, Mike & Karen Kurtnzer and Lisa Young) won RWD to a competitive 4 point major.

Saturday, under judge Mr John P Wade, in his second weekend in the ring, Leo, (Kazuri N Wonderlust Trouble At the Top bred by Sarah Sweetman & Malia Throop, owned by Jaycee Barrett) went WD/BOS for a 5 point major going over several specials.

In 13s Bella (Kazuri N JoyfulNoise Little Miss Sunshine bred by Sarah Sweetman & Dolly Stearns, owned by Sarah Sweetman) won WB. Bella is the littermate of Nashville. 13 inch RWB went to Alice (Wonderlust N Kazuri Curiosity Leads To Trouble bred by Sarah Sweetman & Malia Throop, owned by Malia) from the BBE puppy class – she is the littermate sister of Leo.

On Sunday, under judge Mr Jamie Hubbard, in 15s Leo went WD again for another CH point. RWD went to Bro (Kazuri N Wonderlust Trouble’s A Brewin @ Cloudpoint bred by Sarah Sweetman & Malia Throop, co-owned by Amie McLaughlin & Garrison Sharp) from the BBE puppy class – he is the littermate brother of Leo & Alice. Bella won 13s WB again, with Skylar RWB. Savannah (GCHB Kazuri’s Gonna Be Peachy CGC TKN FDC DCAT bred by Sarah Sweetman and co-owned with Malia Throop) went Select and OHBOV for a 5 GCH points.

Last but not least, 5 month old puppy Cardi B (Kazuri’s A Little Sweet A Little Spicy bred and owned by Sarah Sweetman) played in the BPUP ring. She won Hound Group 2 on Saturday under judge Theresa M Lyons, and on Sunday (thanks to Kayla and Dolly getting her to the ring on time) she won Hound Group 1 under judge Mr John Mayhall.

It would a travesty to not mention that my wonderful friend Dolly Stearns and her husband John were the “hosts with the most” for the weekend and provided a wonderful space to hang out in their new RV, helped with dog care and meals. Amazing! I am so thankful to my travel partner extraordinaire, Malia, who took every stressful moment with care and kindness – I was so thankful for her steady “it’ll be okay “ attitude.

I would also like to say I loved getting to see my beloved friends Mike and Karen Kurtzner, who were visiting the West Coast from their home in TN. While my car troubles didn’t allow for much one on one chatting time during the day, I was grateful to wrap my arms around them, and share the ring with them. I loved seeing their beautiful dogs Lolli and Denver and cheer them on. Lolli and Denver’s littermate Blanche is the dam of my little girl Skylar. Denver is the sire of Bella and Nashville. Lolli and Denver are also ½ siblings (same sire) as my beloved Callie and Murphy. Not to mention their breeders Lisa and Jenni are great friends – So, cheering for them is so easy as it feels like family – because it is!

It was also so fun to hang out a little bit with Kayla, Sami, Carrie, Serena, Jonah and Hannah and Ashley. I love this beagle community and cheering everyone on! Every kennel represented had their day or even days in the ribbons and I couldn’t be more proud of this community – it shows the quality is deep in this area for the winning to be spread around and the judges having a hard decision to make. I always enjoy showing when there are more people to show with.