2013 BCCA National Specialty

Published 09/11/2013 | By timandcasey@verizon.net

September 29-October 4, 2013

Photos by PupArt, Cathryn Hoare, and Dina Delsman

The Moonstone dogs had a great time at the BCCA National Specialty show at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO. There were many highlights including an Award of Merit for Heart, Diesel got his Beginner Novice and Rally Advanced titles, Swagger qualified in 2 our of 3 of his agility runs, and Scarlett placed 3rd in both of her classes and qualified in Rally Novice (her first time in the ring:D)

We started the week with Spike and Scarlett competing at the HT level in the herding trials. Unfortunately the sheep weren’t of a mind to cooperate with either of them. While Spike was close neither qualified in the event. In fact, there were no sheep qualifiers on the first day of competition at any level test or trial, but there were a few in the trial the following day.

Spike and his sheep

Scarlett and her rogue sheep

On Monday, we did Agility in the Purina center. Good runs were had by all, but Swagger was the big winner, qualifying in 2 of his 3 runs

Tuesday saw Rally, Obedience, and sweeps. We started off the morning bright and early with a Q for Scarlett! Diesel followed that with a Q and his title in Rally advanced, despite barking his way around the course. The judge was very generous and I was very surprised. He never barks in rally or obedience, except going over the jump. Einstein wasn’t so lucky in his advanced run. He was very distracted by all the other beardies outside the ring… we’ll give it a try at an all-breed show, I think. Diesel followed up his new RA title by also qualifying in Beginner Novice Obedience and acquiring his BN. In Sweepstakes, Ace and Denton showed in 6-9 month dog, Lily showed in 6-9 bitch, and Scarlett showed in a big 9-12 bitch class and placed 3rd. It was a long wait for the girl as she was the last puppy into the ring for her class. Diesel showed in 7-10 dog and Heart won her 12-14 Veteran bitch class.

Diesel in Rally	No, really, Diesel, you never bark in rally	Sittin’ pretty
Denton & Dina, Sweeps	Photo of Ace Coming Soon
	Scarlett, Sweeps 9-12	Moving in Sweeps
Scarlett knows when to take it easy in the ring. Last dog in a class of 10, she needs a nap before her individual exam	Heart in the ring for sweeps, 1st place 12-14 class	Heart moving in Sweeps

Wednesday is dog day with both Ace and Denton in 6-9 dog. Despite being very naughty both boys made the cut in this large class and Ace ended up taking 3rd. Then, Diesel showed in 7-10 veteran dog

Ace, 6-9 puppy dog

Denton, 6-9 puppy dog

Diesel in for Veteran Dog. “Whatchooo looking’ at?”

Thursday is bitch day with Lily in 6-9 bitch, Scarlett taking 3rd in 9-12 bitch, and Heart winning her 12-14 veteran bitch class. We also showed Getcha in Brood Bitch with the terrible two boys 😀 There wasn’t significant improvement by their third day of showing, but these boys sure are fun. Getcha was 3rd in brood bitch

Scarlett and Casey, 3rd 9-12 bitch

Scarlett’s 3rd place photo. Judge Pat Hasting

Lily and Kim

Friday is breed day and Heart also got to show again having won her Veteran bitch class. Swagger and Spike both showed, and Kylee made the first bitch cut. Finally, it was time for Heart to go back in. A long day, 3 days of showing and agility on Monday, and the girl was still ready to go. She ended up making all the final cuts and walking away as one of 10 Awards of Merit. Very grateful for this honor for our special girl. It was definitely a good way to end a fabulous week, making this the best.national.ever.