They say that the AKC National Championship in Orlando, is one everyone should go to at least one time in your career in dogs.

In 2025, Nick and I qualified for NOHS and so I decided to go. We had earned our spot and I wanted to experience it – and luckily for me, Dolly and Malia decided to join me.

What a well organized show. Multiple agility rings, a full size ramp and pool for Dock Diving, 39 rings for confirmation, vendors galore and grooming grooming grooming. And yet it felt like we had space to move, and watch and enjoy. It didn’t feel as overwhelming as it could have with 5500 dogs and over 10,000 people.

Showing was amazing – while Nick and I didn’t place in the ribbons, he showed his heart out. We laughed and hugged breeders we hardly get to see because we live on other coasts. We celebrated and cheered for Thaddeus and Cameron in Jrs, and our friends showing other breeds like Amie in Buhunds, Shelley in dachshunds, Barth and Heather in Pharaohs, Emily in Cernecos.

Dolly, Malia and I enjoyed nightly walks with the dogs looking at Christmas lights and eating on the patio (thankful for warm winter weather)

I don’t know if I will ever make the trip down again or not, but I am so so glad I went.