Matchmaker, Matchmaker - Make me a Match

Find me a Find . Catch me a Catch

Last Friday a toller friend of our, Deena, messaged me on Facebook asking if I was going to the match in Saco. I didn't even know there was one, but when she told me it was at Paw-zn-Around in Saco I knew exactly what it was. Penny Cary, our instructor for our conformation class last year stated she was going have a match there outside. Only problem was she told me it was going to be in May before the Scarborough shows. 

I talked it over with my parents, because I wanted them to come and bring Casco for some socialization. After very little debate we were set on going. The next morning we headed out with Camden and Casco to Paw-zn-Around. It was neat to show my parents where the classes were. We had passed it many times going down the turnpike, but being there was different. It was a gorgeous fall day -- blue skies, sun shinning, and a bit of a crispness to the air. When we pulled into the parking lot I saw a banner hanging on a fence -- Pine Tree State Doberman Pinscher Club. This was it! Penny was sitting there at the table and recognized us. We signed Camden up for conformation (12-18 months) and a CGC test (why not!). I will admit my parents completely talked me into the CGC. I had read over a few times and really want Camden to get it ASAP so we can work towards therapy dog work. Anyways, we hung around waiting for conformation to start. I was working with Camden on her free-stacking while my parents walked around with Casco trying to get him to mellow out a bit. I was going to have to show her and I was a bit nervous. Even though this was just for fun... I still get anxious going into the ring. 

I had never been to a match and there weren't too many dogs, but the most of any breed was Great Danes. A good handful of them. We started off with breed judging. Camden and I were the only NSDTR so it was pretty easy to move on. Now, I wasn't sure what it would be like in there. The judge was very talkative -- giving tips and encouragement. She really made you work for it. Did two go arounds at first because she said I should engage Camden and talk with her. Also, she really like the pace -- said it was beautiful for Camden. Now anyone who has shown Camden knows just how easy it is. She gaits really well and easily. So that was all Camden. My biggest fear is handstacking. I'm still not comfortable with it and I bet my first attempt was awful. The judge helped me -- told me to hold her head and place front since she wouldn't move... then go to the back. She is right, it did look much better. The first down and back was fine until the end the judge went to Camden and she did her jump up. The judge let me do it again and apologized, lol. Second attempt Camden struck a pose and didn't jump! After getting first placement we got to pick a toy. They were laid out on the table and she had Camden put her paws up to pick one out, but then she pulled an extra long rope out of the bin and that was it. Camden grabbed it from her giving a good tug. She laughed and said "I think we have a winner." It was a lot of fun and I got some good tips.

Staying around and watching all the other dogs and competitors was fun. We then got to go in to our first Sporting Group! I wasn't sure but I figured what the heck. This time I was a lot more sure of myself and remember the tips from the judge. We had to go around together and everything all over again. Also had to stack our dogs in the middle of the ring while she looked over them. Camden just kept looking at me and didn't look super comfortable. She gave me a few "you aren't Debbie!" looks!! I thought for sure we were gonners! But she chose us!! GROUP ONE FOR CAMDEN!!!!! WAHOO!! I was so proud and happy. It didn't matter that this wasn't "real" and there were no points, but I had shown Camden to a group 1 placement! Judge said she really liked Camden and thought she was a sweetie. Now on to the Best in Match or BIM. Camden and I had some fierce competition. Camden and I did much better in the BIM. I remembered what Penny had taught me about putting bait on the ground in front of the dog during evaluation to get the dog to focus on it. Worked like a charm!! She didn't lean into me or look at me weird. She did really well and had finally gotten over her "You aren't Debbie!". We also had to free stack in the middle of the ring this time... unlike during our class Camden could do this now! She also gave "ears" or a look the judge was looking for. In the end we didn't win BIM a Leonburger did. Camden did so well. The judge (who was different from the Breed/Sporting Group) came up to us afterwards and stated how much she just loved Camden and thought she was really cute. She also took the time to tell me what an excellent job she thought I did of showing her. BLUSHING!! Penny also took time to tell me how well I did. I guess I am not as bad as I thought!!

Camden with her Placement Ribbon from the Mega Match!

After the BIM it was on to the CGC. The CGC "tester" for lack of a better term was really awesome. He walked me through everything and Camden did really well. She had no problems with loose leash walking, sitting, waiting/staying, and coming when called! She allowed me to greet him without even a look. She didn't even jump on him when he greeted her! She had no problems when I left her with him. She just sat by his side as I walked away. Stayed sitting with him as I returned not even a moment of panic!! She let him brush her and even seemed to enjoy it. She also had absolutely no problems when he brought a crutch in the testing area and no problems when he proceeded to bang a pan with it. She looked at him but not even a bark, pull, or notion of being scared! She did fabulous... better than I could of predicted! Now... I should tell you she did not pass. LOL She would not go "down". This is not her fault in all my reading and skimming I didn't realize you had to do sit AND down. I somehow thought it was OR. I have not really worked or taught Camden to lay down. She has no idea. She was looking at me like... "WHAT?! I'm sitting her so pretty." I could tell the guy felt bad not passing Camden, but he did say that as soon as I teach her down (he thought even in a few days) to call Paw-zn-Around and we could schedule another test -- he was extremely confident she would pass. She would of if I had taught her down. It was awesome to see that she was so much farther along than I thought. It made a great end to a great event! Penny asked if we passed and wished us luck next time. She once again stated how much she enjoys Camden. We told her to be on the look out for Casco soon!! 

We do have a lot of work before he will focus enough to get anything out of a conformation class, but without a doubt we will be signing him up for one of her classes. I'm hoping I can make it, but if my work doesn't allow it my mother has already volunteered to take him and learn a thing or two about conformation. If you are wondering he also did a lot better than we expected and didn't freak out and scream. He was a little vocal in the beginning but seemed for calm down after an hour or so. I'm proud of both my dogs!

I had such a great time at this Mega Match Day!! I do not have any videos or pictures from the actual event since I was in the ring and my parents were watching us and Casco and just enjoying the moment. I also found out from Penny that it was rescheduled from May because the first date was rained out. Next year it should be right before Scarborough and the first show of the season. It will be great practice and I can't wait to go next year!! 

That is all for now. 

So long from Toller Troubles

Busy Bees!!!

We have a busy couple of weeks coming up for the tollers. Next week I will be packing up Cami and Casco for a road trip to Ballston Spa, NY. I have entered Camden in to a weekend of shows. We will be staying with Jake and Christine's. It should be interesting to see how Casco treats another intact male. Jake is such a good boy though just hope he is ready for Casco-crazy! I will definitely be packing crates that weekend!

It will be my first road trip alone with the two tollers and I'm sure it will not be my last. I know this is going to be one of many trips to shows or events... just the beginning of it all. I'm excited to get Casco out there and around the hustle and bustle of shows. Crates and treats are a must for this weekend trip. I am also hoping to have people give him the once over. As of right now whenever you go to touch him he collapses into a puddle of excitement and fur. If I go to try and move a leg and position him he lowers his head and braces himself moving another paw. He seems very unsure of himself with hand stacking and people touching him. He isn't afraid so much as just doesn't understand what we are asking. He has always been able to sit or roll over on his back and get belly rubs. Having someone move his feet and stack him is a completely new concept. I'm hoping that I will get lots of good training tips and build up that confidence. Even if I have to ask random people to give him the once over!! Don't even get me started on grooming tables, Dremels, and basically everything involved with grooming. Lots of work getting him ready, but I know it will be worth it once we get the go ahead for showing! He is a very handsome boy. In true Toller Trouble fashion it can't be easy! He does has a kink in his tail, but as far as I can tell it shouldn't put a damper on our fun too much... crossing my fingers!

The following weekend I have another show with Camden. This one is in Fitchburg, MA. It will be nice to have Camden show there since that is where it all began. It was the place where I first brought her to see about conformation. It was the first place I met Debbie and Christine... Laurie and her adorable son.... it was the first place I met Jakey and many other fabulous tollers. It is also the first place I met Robyn and Cooper and also the first place I met Jane. It just seems like it is coming full circle for us. I am hoping that I can talk my brother into coming with me that weekend just for one day. I really want him to see what this is all about. It would be great if we could bring Casco to get more training and exposure for him. Casco will be a pro before we know it! He is such a smarty and does pick up on things really fast!

My mother even mentioned the possibility of entering Casco in a conformation class this fall, like we did for Camden. I know that was essential in helping me and Camden understand what was going on as well as teach her that there was to be other dogs to ignore and other dogs in front and behind her. She did so well, but Casco might not be as focused. She did state that she might even take him since my schedule is all over the place and most of the time is very late. I wouldn't be able to get out early enough on the same day every week. This would be so great. Not only would Casco be getting valuable training and exposure to real life ring situations, but my mom would be learning how to show... and seeing why I enjoy it! There is nothing like those moments where it clicks and that bond it creates for you and your dog!

Also, in the upcoming weeks, we will have some "swimming lessons" and training for dock dogs! Cross your fingers, but I'm currently trying to convince my parents to take the tollers to dock dogs practice this Saturday. I will be at work and am unable to make it. I believe, with some encouragement, Casco will actually jump in! I have faith! Cami on the other hand might not even, but I'm hoping for maybe some ramp work and maybe some swimming.  I do have this Wednesday off for a rotation day and I will be heading out and working on toller training, weather permitting. I'm thinking some swimming lessons for the tollers at the beach and 'Field Work Commands: 101'. Time to dust off the whistle and see if we can get a whistle sit and a whistle come for the tollers. I do hope to get some footage of this if I can so I can judge where they need the most work. There is nothing like watching yourself and your dogs on film to see where you both can improve. One of the bigger pieces of advice that I have for anyone training their dogs... I really think it does help to see everyone!

So long for now from all of the gang...

Camden, Quinn, & Casco

Pet Life Dock Dogs National Event

This past weekend was full of fun and excitement for the Tollers. We took them to the Dock Dogs even on Saturday. The event was located at Pet Life (Cabela's Plaza) in our home town of Scarborough. This event is one of the best dock dog events I have been to. They have bleachers and a seated section under a tent. Pet Life even set up several kiddie pools and a hose with holes in it to mist the dogs and keep the pavement cool.

The threat of rain of severe thunderstorms stayed away leaving us with sunshine and a slight breeze. After seeing several dogs  off the dock there was one inspirational dock dogger. A jack russell terrier sped down the dock and launched itself off the dock. Now the dog may not have had the longest jumps that day, but I would say was definitely a crowd pleaser. If only Quinn loved water. I really need to teach her to love it.. She is so fast and can jump so high. Plus she is a diva and loves attention. I would of course have to buy her a hot pink superfly suit.

We decided to take a break and hang out by our pool to try to beat the heat. After a breather we went back to check out the extreme vertical (EV). For those of you that don't know EV it is where they hang a bumper suspended over the water. It's measured from the dock to the height of the bumper before being swung out over the water. Based on your dog skill level you can choose what height you wish to start jumping at. For example, you will have one dog start at 6'0" and another at 6'6". It keeps going up in 2" increments your dog is allowed a miss, but after the second miss you are eliminated. Team Dalton made their debut at 6'4" and rocked it! We watched jump after jump until Beckett, a Belgian Mallinois, hit a personal best of 6'10" and Taho, a Yellow Labrador Retriever, was left to battle it out with Trip, a Chocolate Labrador Retriever. Both got all the way up to 7'4" before missing and being eliminated.... so it falls to a "shoot out".

Taho and Trip now must would go down an inch and if they both make it then they go up 2" if they both miss they go down another inch. They started off again at 7'4", both missed it... and it was lowered to 7'3" which they of course both hit. The bumper was again raised, this time to 7'6"... which of course they both miss. This time lowered back down to once again the illusive 7'4"! Trip was up first and the poor guy just had no more gas in the tank. After Trip's miss it was up to Taho to end it. He launched himself off the dock and managed to knock the bumper down. He hit 7'4" a personal best. After talking with Jesse and Jen it is truly amazing. He has hit 7'2" once in practice and he has only hit 6' 10" in competition! What a pup! Trip also hit a personal best of 7'3". What an amazing day!!

EV Rankings:

1.) Taho 7'4"

2.) Trip 7'3"

3.) Beckett 6'10"

***If you are interested in in seeing most of the high flying action follow this link to Camden's youtube channel to see all the Dock Dogs action!***

We went back on Sunday too to catch Taho in Speed Retrieve (SR) where he clocked in at a respectable 7.065 seconds. We also caught Beckett in the Big Air Semi-Pro Finals and got to see Taho win the Pro Big Air Finals! I also heard that Taho also won Iron Dog breaking 3000pts another personal best!!! WOW!!! WAY TO GO TEAM DALTON!

As far as Camden and Casco are concerned they are already members of Seacoast Dock Dogs. Casco has yet to get up on the dock, but we shall see soon enough how comfortable he is with it. As for Camden is concerned she has been up on the dock, to the edge and crying, but she won't jump in. We did work a little with her on the ramp, but she won't swim yet. I'm going to have to get some advice and a little help from Team Dalton on this one!

If anyone is interested in learning more about the awesome sport of Dock Dogs or the Seacoast Dock Dogs Club to which we belong please visit the links! They really are worth taking a peek!!

If you would like to know more about the amazing dogs a people behind Team Dalton and Team 21, which supports down syndrome awareness please visit the links and keep an eye out... They might just be coming to a dock dogs event near you!

WOOF! WOOF!

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

Breaking News for Toller Troubles...

We are currently in the process of getting Casco's limited AKC registration removed! Some of you may not even know that my family owns a second toller. My time and this blog have been dedicated to our 15 month old female toller, Camden. This is mainly due to the fact that she is "mine". Casco is also from Seastar and is 4 days younger than Camden. While I've been working with her and taking her to shows our male toller has been living in upstate New York with my younger brother. Even though both tollers are our family pets Casco is considered Darren's. 

My brother recently was accepted into Tuft's Dental School. While we are extremely proud of my brother this means big changes in all of our lives. When we took on two toller puppies instead of one we knew this day might come. Casco will be staying in our house for the next 4 years while Darren attends school and chases his dreams. All pups under one roof... let the chaos begin! 

Welcome to the Jungle

While my brother is away at dental school I am taking the opportunity to work with Casco and show him. This does mean that I will have to also enter the show ring. I know, I know this is way overdue. 

I am not sure if it because he is a male but Casco has a lot more "energy" than Camden. It could be because he has been living with two males and no other dogs. He has been moved into a "new" house with "new" dogs and "new" humans. Although, none of these things are indeed new to him it is still different than before. Casco is adjusting well to everything including learning who truly rules our house... my 10lbs miniature pinscher, Quinn. He is a trooper and I am overjoyed to have him around.

I really would love to see him and Camden in the show ring, in the field, and on the dock together. Having him home allows me to work towards that goal. Fist step is to get his limited AKC registration removed so we can show him. I'm giving him time to adjust before really hitting the training. He is really smart and picks up on stuff easily. So hopefully it won't be too long or hard teaching him to free stack.

Our first priority is confirmation and a close second is dock dogs! Casco has been jumping into Seneca Lake at the encouragement of my brother. He also even jumped into our pool once after Darren, He is well on his way to rocking the dock. We will be heading to dock dog practices with both Camden and Casco. I am excited because I think he might actually go in the pool easier and faster than Cam. Camden is still working on her confidence with swimming, but I hope that it well soon become second nature to both of them. Dock Dogs would be something our whole family can enjoy! 

I really can not wait until we are flying off the dock and strutting our stuff around the show ring. The field work will take longer to master because of the level of training involved, but that is something my brother and I really want to do. With a duck and a pheasant in the freezer, I plan on taking a vacation in the fall to help work with them on basics and introduce birds to Casco. Cami has already seen and held a duck at the Toller Field Fun Day, but even then she was not too sure what she was supposed to do with it.  All I can say is BRING IT ON team toller trouble is ready! 

Topsfield Cluster

“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ” ― Roger A. Caras

I'm struck by the truth in. She his quote. As I sit here and think about my dogs and the dogs of friend's, I'm forced to reflect upon my own life. If only we could all be more like the furry, loving creatures who warm our hearts and beds. They give us so much yet ask for very little. Take a moment and hug your dog... for tomorrow is not a promise or a guarantee, but yet a question yet to be answered. 

Day One

The day just felt good. You know that feeling when everything seems to fall in to place and it all just clicks. Well this was one of those days...

One of my favorite things about dog shows is the hustle and bustle. There is a dull hum of conversation and lingers throughout the grounds. You wind through mazes of grooming tables and kennels... bags and trunks. A roar from a blowdryer and a whirl of a dremel is enough to start a chain of grumbles and barks. People pass, with or without dogs, and children point and wonder about all the different breeds. As ring time approaches, all seems to slow down. The chaos that consumed you just minutes before becomes a distant memory as you march towards the ring. 

Camden was once again going into the ring with Marcy. She seemed relaxed, which is more than I can say for myself! I was a wreck. For the first time ever there was a possibility that I would have to enter the ring. You see, today was a big day... lots of tollers and Debbie and Melissa were going to show Kelty and Jake. They are two finished champions and would only enter the ring during the 'Best of Breed' judging. What does this all mean... Camden or Miss G would have to be named Winner's Bitch. This would be something neither of them had done before.

One Classy Broad

Camden and Debbie entered the ring and so it began. Cam did well and really was gaiting beautifully. After her evaluation and while doing her go around the judge went to check the standard. Melissa and I thought it was game over... he was checking up on the high white. While it isn't a disqualification... it's a fault. Things weren't looking good. After Marcy's evaluation it seemed as if we were right. It seemed as if he was giving the first place ribbon to Marcy.... but at the last second he seemed to change his mind and put Cami up! Oh be still my heart... my girl did it! Another blue ribbon and another first placement in her class. 

12 & Under 18 Months, Bitches - 1st Place

Could it be?

It was then on to Winner's Bitch. Camden once again hit her stride, but sure enough this is where the high white was going to really come into play. 

I was shaking in my flats. If Camden somehow did it... if she managed to get Winner's Bitch. "Breathe," I had to remind myself, "she has yet to do that!" Off they started around the ring. Camden just was on top of her game... she was bringing it tonight. It was like she was daring me. "I've done it mom.... I'm out here. It is your turn now!"

And just like that, the judge pointed to Camden. She had done it... she had taken winner's bitch. She got her first two points towards her championship. Now, I don't know if she will ever get her CH but I'm so very proud of my girl and I can't help but smile!! Today was a good day. One I will always remember. I do hope that it is the first of many and we can work our way towards that CH that I know she deserves despite her high white.

Best of Breed

No, Camden did not win Breed that day. I didn't care... at that point I was just so happy and overjoyed. Of course I was flung into the ring beside Camden. I could have done a better job at handling her... true, but HEY it is my first time. I'm still a newbie to all of this! I know some of you are wondering how that went... so I've included the video. Unlike the one above I can't get it to load in this post. So I will make a page dedicated to videos. Enjoy..... oh, and no laughing! 

Camden's Picture for her First two Points! 

Where in the World is Camden?

I have been seriously neglecting this blog. I apologize. I keep writing a little bit and never actually posting. There has been so much going on since my last post that it is hard to remember all of the things that have occurred. I will do my best to get you caught up in our journey!

First of all...

Camden is a fully registered member of the AKC. She has had her limited status revoked and this has allowed her to enter some shows. It is allowing me to follow this crazy journey and has also opened up a world of possibilities that I never dreamed of! I'm beyond excited to have so many possibilities in front of us!

IT'S OFFICIAL! FULLY REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE AKC!

Second...

Camden is officially a show dog!! She entered her first show on Thursday, May 16th, 2013. It was a series of four shows over four days in our home town of Scarborough, ME. She did wonderful! I could write a novel about that weekend and how many great memories were made.

I had to work on Thursday and Friday. It was pretty heartbreaking to not be there the first time Camden stepped out into the ring. She was making her debut and I was nervous only a couple miles away at work. Debbie was amazing and really embraced show Camden for me. I was able to drop Camden off before heading into work and Debbie and Melissa did the rest. They had a total of four dogs to groom and show, but they did it all with an optimistic attitude. I owe a huge thanks not only to the both of them, but my amazing father. For without his support and time I would not have seen Camden's first two days of showing at all. He left work and headed straight over to the show. He made it there in time to see Camden enter the ring and video tape all of the action so I could watch it later. Camden came in second in her class, but she did well. She strutted her stuff with the best of them. More importantly, she loved it. I don't think her tail fell even once.

Camden's First Ribbon 

Debbie said that Camden was easy to show and it has been said since that Camden shows herself. I would like to say that was all me, but in honesty... it was Camden. From day one of our conformation class until now she has always been easy. Teaching her to stack and stand for examination was a little difficult, but she listens so well that she made even the hard seem easy. I now look back on the first day of our conformation class and smile. The instructor was so pleased with Camden's reaction to a show lead. She put one and never looked back. That's my girl! Always looking forward. 

On Friday's show and on Saturday's show Camden also received a second place. Ever day she did well and was having fun. I was thrilled to get the chance to see her on Saturday and my heart just swelled with pride. 

On Sunday, the last day of the weekend shows, Camden seemed to really hit her stride. She was stacking and gaiting and really strutting her stuff. She even had fans that came out to watch her! Another thank you to Laura, her husband, and their wonderful daughter Sophia. I was so happy that you all came to watch and cheer Camden on. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

With fans in the stands and my parents there... she did it! She got first place in her class. She went on to the Winners Bitch, but that was taken by Miss Cay (another Seastar dog and a good friend of Camden's). I couldn't have been happier. It was such a great feeling and I was so proud. I still am so proud. 

Camden's First Blue Ribbon - June 19th, 2013

Fun in the Sun

The following weekend we were off to see good friends of our compete in a Dock Dogs event in Foxboro, MA. The Rock N Dock event was amazing. Dogs from all over coming out to compete and support Down Syndrome Awareness. Go Team 21 was there in full force and Camden got to see some of her favorite "pup-letes" compete! To top it all off it was located at Patriot's Place (a favorite place of mine since I am a huge Patriots fan). To be able to watch these fine athletes compete right near where some of my favorite athletes play was awesome! 

Not only did we get to enjoy the action on the dock but we also got to watch some action in the ring! Near by in Wrentham, MA was another dog show. This time we weren't entered by some Seastar friends were! Not to mention many other tollers Camden considers her friends. At the show there was a "Doggie Fun Zone" set up and if you have never seen this I suggest you youtube it right away. So cool! Camden almost jumped into the ring and really wanted to go chase the object whizzing around the course! 

After the show Camden and I swung by Debbie's house for Melissa's graduation party and got to see their tollers take on the pool. Highlight of my day as well. I just love to see a group of tollers playing. The weekend was a huge success and a nice break from the stresses of the work week.

On to the Field! 

After that amazing fun-filled weekend I was looking forward to taking Camden to the Toller Field Fun Day! Located at Nod Brook WMA in Simsbury/Avon CT. It was a weekend filled with Tollers, water, and Camden's new favorite thing... ducks! Jason and Kelli Cyr put on a wonderful fundraiser for the 2013 Toller National Specialty. Jason and their dog London have been making a huge name for tollers in the world of field work. London is a truly amazing dog and you can tell a lot of time and patience has gone into his training. To see him work was worth the trip alone. Camden got to go out in the field and learn about what it takes to be a field dog. She also got introduced to ducks. Jason had made a drying rack for the ducks and Camden went timidly up to the ducks and started sniffing and it was all over. She fell in love. She kept wanting to head back over to them. When it came to her turn she bounded right after the duck and tried to figure out how to grab it. After some playful teasing by Jason she actually picked it up and shook it for good measure. Only once, but that was enough to make my weekend! 

Next came the water series... for most of you this means a dog retrieving a duck or dummy out of the water.... and it did mean that eventually, but first came my water series. When we entered the park there were some puddles and a trickle across the road. Nothing major and the tropical storm Andrea had already moved through the area. The skies were blue and the sun was shining. No signs of the massive amounts of rain that had come through over that past few days. The entrance road to the park and our field work had become extremely flooded while I was introducing Camden to ducks. There was no way to get out but to go through the flooding. I had used my father's car, a tiny red Honda Civic, to make the long trek to CT. After much debate, Jason came to the rescue with a tow strap and guts! We hooked up the Civic and Jason told me to hold on and freak out (in so many words) and we were off. I could hear the water hitting underneath and around my car. I was petrified the engine would stall and that the civic would die. Camden was sound asleep in the passenger seat without a care in the world, after all... she wasn't the one in the water. After rounding a corner and coming face to face with cameras and cell phones all in various stages of videotaping or taking pictures my car was pulled safely up on to the dirt road on the other side. People cheered and I breathed a sigh of relief. Toller people do NOT let a little bit of water ruin a good time! It was on to the water series!!

Towing the Civic Through the Flooded Entrance Road - NOW ON TO THE REAL WATER SERIES!!!

Camden didn't do as well with the water series, but I had known she wouldn't. She had yet to really swim and was still pretty unsure of herself around deep water. Also, she doesn't really like dummies. She just wants her ball. This is no doubt something that needs to be worked on, but we have been so busy with showing and life that dummy work has fallen by the wayside. Camden was very intent on watching the ducks and the other dogs do their thing. I hope she picked up a few pointers from the more experienced pups. 

Relaxing by the Water Series and Taking it all in! 

Overall, we have been having a great time getting to know the world of conformation and field work. Also every Toller person we have met is just wonderful and welcoming. I am so glad to be a part of this world and to get to share that journey with my sidekick! 

On to the Future

Camden hitting her stride at the dog show on June 18th, 2013

Keepin' it in the Family

A Great Day for Seastar & Cooper!

Camden is very proud to be a Seastar Toller and Cooper pup!

Fitchburg was, in one word, fun! I love being around all the different breeds and people who share my love of dogs. It makes my soul happy.

Our day started out a little crazy. I don't know why but we thought it was only going to take about an hour and 20 mins to an hour and 30 mins to get to the show. It took "over" two hours according to my GPS. Oh boy! Talk about panic... on my part, not Camden's. She just slept the whole way. I managed to get there in a little less than two hours and make the end of the toller judging.

THE RESULTS

BOB: GCH Lennoxlove Susqudilla's Mini Cooper (Cooper - Cami's Dad)

BOS/WB: Seastar's Northern Cay (Cay)

BOW/WD: Seastar's Northern Jumpin' Jake Flash (Jake)

SELECT DOG: CH Seastar's Welcome Brother (Emmet)

Camden got a good once over from Robyn (Cooper's owner) and the results are good. Laurie said she definitely gained some leg since the last show we went to in November!! Her high white is only about two fingers too high so not that much. Not bad, but some judges won't like the fact the other one has next to nothing. I'm so glad to hear that they all think we should give it a try and have fun with it! Seastar is all about having fun with your dog. 

Jane & Robyn were so nice and down to earth. Just like all "toller people" I've met. I also got to meet Hope, Magic, and Sadie (the original Toller in Seastar!) Jane was nice enough to bring them. They are still beautiful dogs even as they age! 

Laurie brought her dog and was showing me what to do for some basic retrieval training. She also brought three dummies for Cam-cam to use! Camden wanted to chase it down and did a wonderful job... until it came to picking it up. I don't think she has had any "toy" in her mouth with that much weight to it and that large around. She would rather just pick up the throwing rope. Laurie showed me how to make it fun for her and teach her how to hold the dummy at the same time. We have already had a "training session" at home and she got really excited about it. We will just keep working on it until she can hold it herself for longer than a few seconds. 

Overall, it was a really fun day and we learned a lot. Debbie has offered to go in the ring to show Cami and we will most likely take her up on that offer since I am not that comfortable going in to the ring yet.  Probably going to hold out a little for some more training and for her coat to fill in more. Jane said that a lot of changes come between 8 and 12 months! Looking forward to those changes and all of what 2013 has to bring! 

-Ashley