In the ring and the grooming area first show of the New Year

So with the impending bad weather I couldn't go to my daughters bridal shower on Sunday in Indiana. Trying to save my time off for her wedding in March. We are planning a local one here at home in February so  what do you do instead you go to a Dog Show. Now I am spoiled with the Motor Home and don't use grooming areas but I had to bite the bullet and use one here. We had a nice end spot which was great but the noise and being stuck there all day was not a great thing for me. When you put the dog on the table the people who want to touch the dog is unbelievable but my dog loves the attention me not so much. Once we arrived I had a lady come over and introduce her self. She too has chows. We get to talking and discussing the chows entered. Now I have a friend who has two bitches she only shows one at a time each day. The first day was her little black one called Blanche lovely little girl just at 8 months has a standing for judge issue. I made the statement that if she was still this way I didn't think it would be an issue getting out of the breed and how I would love to do well in the group. So when my friend got there I told what I had said and she laughed and said I know poor Blanche, I just wanted her to know I was not dissing her baby. Just concerned as I had just gone through all that with my Tillie. 

Blanche is a beautiful black girl with lots of coat. I would love to get my hands on her coat and my friend knows this. See that is why we are friends because we can talk about these things. And she doesn't get upset like a lot of people do. She is very proud of this litter that she bred. As she should be. I had to laugh when she came out of the ring she said the judge told her lovely puppy but you have homework to do with her. 

I love the pictures my husband takes so I can see what I have done and what I may need to do. But I so hate that I look so fat. I lost over 50 pounds but boy oh boy you sure can't tell. My friend and I had a wonderful day visiting. I had also stated that I was sorry that a certain special had not entered I would have loved to see if my boy could take breed over him. Isn't that what we all want. Not taking away from this special he is an awesome dog but it would have been nice to see my boy do that. Now back to the woman I first met that morning she was very nice and talkative till my friend arrived and then I was invisible but I am used to that even if it was nice to meet her, But you come into my area that I am grooming in and talk to someone else then you say good bye to my friend and turn your back on me and walk away with out a goodbye is just plain rude.

The next day I was excited because my friend was bringing her cinnamon to the show. If you have read the other blogs you know my heart belongs to them. This puppy is the complete opposite of her sister and a really sweet little girl with an awesome personality hard to believe sometimes that they are sisters. I couldn't wait to see her in the ring. I knew that it was not going to be an easy walk in the ring. Cinnamon's are not easy to show in the ring as they are a diluted color and you have to be sure pigment is perfect and some judges just don't like them. Sophia was groomed so nicely and her little tail was just a wagging and she loved meeting people. 

My friend should be very proud of her babies and this litter has been very good. Now if her house would cooperate that she just bought she would have free time to work on her babies she told me. But she is doing a great job and is just so happy to be back in the ring. Gotta love people with this attitude. Now my man showed better the second day in the breed ring. But man oh man did he decide to puppy it up in the group ring. If I could have found a hole to crawl in I would have. Bad so bad he was but he is still a puppy and for him he had had enough. 

But Hondo I love you and your antics are so funny at times. But please next time lets save play time till after the ring. 

Well until the next show or when the mood hits me love those babies 

  

So when one decides to show dogs

          So when one decides to show dogs many do not think of what is needed before you even get in the ring. Well we all know you need a dog and good show quality dog. Then there are the other things. Being gone of over 18 years I still had things but the question was were the functional and working.

         Right before the end the first time I bought a tack box back then it was top of the line and cost about $125-$150. That tack box had sat in the garage for years was old now and rusted. Could it be usable, First we removed all the hardware, Then we sandblasted it then new hardware and you know what it looked brand new. So I had a place to put my supplies so what supplies do I need. None of the combs or brushes were usable. But the question what were people using So we look and see and now we have combs all kind of sizes.brushes, slickers,. I had a dremel it wasn't a great one but worked. Years ago my husband had made me a grooming table but it was heavy and it too from years of sitting had rusted.. I guess I wasn't thinking the first table I bought would only last while a chow was a puppy and as they grew it became to small. So a second table was ordered.

            Now dryers right before I stopped I bought a duck, don't laugh if you have been in dogs long you know it was the best for a handheld dryer. Now I will say my duck still works after all these years. But I wanted a normal dryer I bought an in-expensive one, I still have it and use it but I found out it was not strong enough for double coated dogs. So I then was introduced to I believe a k-9 but that price was stiff to me so I found one comparable one. Now I know people say you have to use the best and but I found if you did your research the best may not be your only choice.  

          So now I have the dog, the tack box, combs and brushes table and dryer, Now I need shampoos, sprays and this and that and this and that. Who knew that there was so many kinds.SO which one is best? Years ago it Bio-Groom was the go to, although they are still around apparently not the go to any more. With this it is going to be hit or miss Till I find what works for me and I like. So far there are a couple.


          So with the motor home I need x-pens so I bought one and as the dogs grew I know have either 5 or six. I don't set up individual pens I do make one big one and all my dogs go in there together. Right now that works for me. I also have a stool to use for my table and I broke down and bought a new dremel. From our softball days I have a canopy we place over the x-pens so I don't need a covered pen. I looked at  trolley's but again my dogs lay at me feet, and just because others have them does that mean I need it.  If I bought everything every one else has I would be a lamb and years ago my made made the comment be a wolf not a lamb don't follow any one,.

         Speaking of my mom she gave me good advice once when in the show ring dress to impress.Bad thing is there is a Dillard's outlet here and I may have went overboard. And I may have dropped 50 pounds now I have a several not so fitting clothes. Guess I better learn to sew. Make -up I don't like it never way everyday. Too much trouble but to show I put that face on. Mom said your lips always need color.

          Bottom line I show my dogs because it is fun, My husband and I have something we do together, My youngest daughter now shows she bought herself a Frenchie. I don't need to keep up with anyone, I don't see the reason to but things because others have them. I have never been that way and have taught me kids to be that way.

Till next time keep looking for that Best In Show I know I am

I have talked about dogs, lets get to know me

          So I am going to put myself out there.I have been at my job for over 20 years been in this kind of job for over 30 years. I manage Subsidize housing I do both Multi-family property and then a elderly property. It has it's challenges, pressure and heart warming moments. In my younger days i have held all kinds of jobs, I have been a Grocery checker , waitress, Cocktail waitress, sold shoes,sold western wear, sold jewelry, worked in a bank been an appointment secretary, and work as a collection person for portable toilets,Sold newspaper ads, put up hardware display ads and work as a dog groomer. Hard work has never bothered me. Learning never came hard, If I enjoyed what I did I went far I explorined my options and learned to adapt to almost anything.

        I was born the second child of 5 in Brentwood New York. My father worked for Air Canada and when I was 8 transferred to North Miami Beach Fl. Where I graduated high school in 1977. Left home in 1978 thought I was in love and moved to Illinois, married my first husband  in 1980, left him in 1981 after less then 6 months and files for divorce. One can only be physically and mentally abused for so long. The turning point was the night he tried to strangle me. When I got away I never looked backed. I also made my self several promises 1. No one will ever lay a hand on me. 2. I will always stand up for myself. 3. No one will tear down my self esteem and make me feel worthless and helpless.

        It wasn't long after I left that nightmare that I met my now husband. If one was to be a soulmate then Jeff would be that. We didn't have much in common but you know what it worked and worked well. During this time he was then laid off from his employer and started to seek employment all over. He sent a resume to Oklahoma and I was on to my next adventure. We were there a year 1983  when we married and for once in along time I felt safe and secure.  We had many adventures him and I but we didn't share a lot of the same hobbies. I went to all kinds of things he enjoyed and liked them but I needed something for me. That was when in 1984 we got Sheba our first chow. Well I won't bore you with all that as I have already written it.

       Then in 1986 when things were getting slow in Oklahoma again laid off from his job we seek employment else where.Which brought us and me back to Florida. It wasn't hard to secure a job for me as I had gained apartment experience in Oklahoma and we seemed to be set. Jeff had his racing and I had my dogs and life was great. 1987 was exciting as we were expecting our first child. When my children were young people would always ask if my four children had the same father. I know it was hard for them to believe but one was born in 1987,1990,1997 and 1999. I always joked we did it for the Grandmas 2 born in Florida and 2 born in Illinois.

       In 1994 my husband was offered a job back here at the original place he was laid off here in Illinois so we have now come full circle and moved back here. So that was that.

      I have several hobbies, besides the dogs, I love to take pictures and would do it at the sporting events, dance events or any event my children were involved in. I love to cook and bake and this carries over to the motor-home where breakfast, lunch and dinner is always cooked.i bake in the oven too. This is a huge distress for me at dog shows. I collect a few things, Rudolph the Red nose reindeer items at Christmas one room is dedicated to this lovable misfit. Angels angels angels in my living room. In the living room all year round you will find miniature lighted Christmas trees.

       Now the motor-home as my daughter will tell anyone I am ready for the Apocalypse you name it I have it.and every thing has it's place we won't starve and I am prepared for anything humane and dog wise. But I will tell you I have always been that way. Dance, pageants softball if someone needed something they would find me because most likely I had it.

       Now me I have a very bold, very guarded demeanor about me.lots of times people don't know how to take me, I can be standoffish look like I am angry or very welcoming. I listen to what people say and I do not ever pass judgement.I also don't forget, I don't hold grudges but stay away from people who I feel have used me for what ever reason they may have.I stand up for myself and I do speak my mind. I don't like people who lie and support or try to the downtrodden.  I am also not one to approach someone and start a conversation. I have broad shoulder and tend to be a good listener and don't judge a person and don't carry stories. I also care what people think and I believe that is my biggest downfall. I also try very hard to support every dog auction silent, raffle this I am a sucker for,.I also am not ignorant and sometimes people are not how they seem or what you may have been told.

Now the motor-home is decked out in Chow items, It is what some would say over board but I like it. from the rosettes hanging from the lights, to the Led lighted chow, To the many chow pictures won at auctions. To the photos of all my chows hanging from the lights in the other window.

 These pictures are old and there have been changes and decorated more.So if you see this motor home by all means stop by for a cold drink Alcoholic or none, Have dessert  and good conversation. We could sit by the fire and have smores.


Well that is it. Remember never judge a book by it's cover you may be missing out.

Chapter 12 I have read some where if you dream it you can achieve it

   So if you have gotten this far you have read through all 11 installments and I know what you are thinking. Why do I know what your thinking because through the years I have thought the same things over and over. Why would someone put themselves through all the heartache and misery for dog shows. This person really has bad luck and you know your right. But sometimes there is a silver lining in your everyday life. I always had a saying there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, one day my ship will come in and I will be at the airport,

In April memories were not the only things I brought home from Nationals. Let me introduce you to
Elites Storming the house at Jepa's other wise known as Hondo

These two photo's are Hondo winnibf back to back Majors at the Wisconsin Specialty 

My Chow family 

So in the end even with the bumps in the road. and all the heartache I am still in the mist of following my dreams.

Romeo is a major and point shy of finishing 

Hondo has 8 points and both Majors

I also have a wonderful new mentor 

Everyday I remember more then I forgot and no longer will I feel inferior to people who don't want to understand or cut a person a break and offer to help.

Chapter 11 Still following that dream

          So I am going to put myself out there.I have been at my job for over 20 years been in this kind of job for over 30 years. I manage Subsidize housing I do both Multi-family property and then a elderly property. It has it's challenges, pressure and heart warming moments. In my younger days i have held all kinds of jobs, I have been a Grocery checker , waitress, Cocktail waitress, sold shoes,sold western wear, sold jewelry, worked in a bank been an appointment secretary, and work as a collection person for portable toilets,Sold newspaper ads, put up hardware display ads and work as a dog groomer. Hard work has never bothered me. Learning never came hard, If I enjoyed what I did I went far I explorined my options and learned to adapt to almost anything.

        I was born the second child of 5 in Brentwood New York. My father worked for Air Canada and when I was 8 transferred to North Miami Beach Fl. Where I graduated high school in 1977. Left home in 1978 thought I was in love and moved to Illinois, married my first husband  in 1980, left him in 1981 after less then 6 months and files for divorce. One can only be physically and mentally abused for so long. The turning point was the night he tried to strangle me. When I got away I never looked backed. I also made my self several promises 1. No one will ever lay a hand on me. 2. I will always stand up for myself. 3. No one will tear down my self esteem and make me feel worthless and helpless.

        It wasn't long after I left that nightmare that I met my now husband. If one was to be a soulmate then Jeff would be that. We didn't have much in common but you know what it worked and worked well. During this time he was then laid off from his employer and started to seek employment all over. He sent a resume to Oklahoma and I was on to my next adventure. We were there a year 1983  when we married and for once in along time I felt safe and secure.  We had many adventures him and I but we didn't share a lot of the same hobbies. I went to all kinds of things he enjoyed and liked them but I needed something for me. That was when in 1984 we got Sheba our first chow. Well I won't bore you with all that as I have already written it.

       Then in 1986 when things were getting slow in Oklahoma again laid off from his job we seek employment else where.Which brought us and me back to Florida. It wasn't hard to secure a job for me as I had gained apartment experience in Oklahoma and we seemed to be set. Jeff had his racing and I had my dogs and life was great. 1987 was exciting as we were expecting our first child. When my children were young people would always ask if my four children had the same father. I know it was hard for them to believe but one was born in 1987,1990,1997 and 1999. I always joked we did it for the Grandmas 2 born in Florida and 2 born in Illinois.

       In 1994 my husband was offered a job back here at the original place he was laid off here in Illinois so we have now come full circle and moved back here. So that was that.

      I have several hobbies, besides the dogs, I love to take pictures and would do it at the sporting events, dance events or any event my children were involved in. I love to cook and bake and this carries over to the motor-home where breakfast, lunch and dinner is always cooked.i bake in the oven too. This is a huge distress for me at dog shows. I collect a few things, Rudolph the Red nose reindeer items at Christmas one room is dedicated to this lovable misfit. Angels angels angels in my living room. In the living room all year round you will find miniature lighted Christmas trees.

       Now the motor-home as my daughter will tell anyone I am ready for the Apocalypse you name it I have it.and every thing has it's place we won't starve and I am prepared for anything humane and dog wise. But I will tell you I have always been that way. Dance, pageants softball if someone needed something they would find me because most likely I had it.

       Now me I have a very bold, very guarded demeanor about me.lots of times people don't know how to take me, I can be standoffish look like I am angry or very welcoming. I listen to what people say and I do not ever pass judgement.I also don't forget, I don't hold grudges but stay away from people who I feel have used me for what ever reason they may have.I stand up for myself and if

Chapter 10 Showing dogs just isn't in the cards

       Where we left off I had just showed Tillie in her first 4-6 puppy class. I was thrilled at how well she did and made plans to show her in her first confirmation show as soon as she turned 6 months old. Now we had a month between where my son was graduating High School so she was on a little break from class as there was so much going on.  But we were ready the motor-home was loaded and off we went my Husband and I went. Now the first several months Tillie was the only Chow in the classes but I figured its not too bad it gives us experience.  It just didn't give us the experience I had expected. Some where in those thirty-days Tillie had a change one I was not prepared for. My perfect puppy no longer would stand, loud noises made her jump out of her skin, people looking at her had her cowering. So it started just look at this babies body language you can see she is distressed. Now I showed her for over a year, with meds prescribed from a doctor, over the counter calming medicine. I talked to exhibitors, judges, handlers,other chow people. I tried                                    

everything, I would take her to the grooming area and we would try to play touch my dog. I took her to have her back adjusted, I took her to a behaviorist. Nothing that I could think of caused this and nothing I have done has helped. I spoke with her breeder and was told "you had to do something to her", she isn't a golden retriever, I don't breed bad temperaments. This breeder was at a show where we were and knew what was going on and not once did she approach me to discuss my poor Tillie. Now don't get me wrong I love this bitch and do not plan on removing her from my home. But damn it I paid for a showdog and I should be able to show her. I didn't pay pet price and the breeder takes no responsibility for Tillie. I am tired of what I work so hard for and my dreams shattering because of breeders who can not breed a sound dog. Breeders who refuse to health test any part of the required testing to ensure that the simple of things are bred out of our breed. .Breeders who know they have several dogs out there from their breeding who have this issue but choose to ignore it or place blame anywhere but where it belongs with them. Who advertise puppies for sale and state they have had their health clearances fancy word for vet visit when all you have to do is look at pedigrees and see no OFA numbers at all. As I type this it appears Tillie may now have a new issue and this one if it is what it points to will be a genetic issue. In the morning I will be calling the vets office to have her thyroid tested and sent way to be tested to get a correct reading on her panels. But again I am the one with the shattered dreams 

Chapter 9 Miss Tillie

   Miss Tillie as sweet a puppy as sweet can be, Although born in January and I brought her home the end of March she was almost 3.5 months old. So we had to start right away with getting her ready for the show ring. Goal was in April at the end to show her in her first 4-6 puppy class. Because it had been years with training a dog I chose to start out with 2 days a week with two different conformation classes. I would then decide which one I liked better. Tillie went every where possible with us she could as I knew socializing was the key to help round out a good puppy. One of her trips to Lowes.

We wanted to do things right by her and be as comfortable as we could at dog shows and to be honest I despise grooming areas and so many people we went out and got a motor home. It is nothing fancy and quite old but you know what it is ours and I have made it our chow home on wheels. I can cook, relax and not stress  the dog out. But people look down on it and it is quite fine as I don't owe a dime on it and it is mechanically sound. Showing dogs doesn't mean we have to go in debt to keep up with the Jones. I can also promise you that if you forgot it or need it I most likely have it. We also may not have a trolley or a covered ex-pen or other things people have or think they need to have to fit in. I don't need to fit in I just want to show dogs. So back to Tillie, her first time in the show ring is coming up and my first time in almost 18 years is coming. I think I am ready! 

Tillie did an amazing job and then went on to win a group one in the B match they were holding that night. I was back and my dream was taking place and you know what it felt so good. So all those years ago were distant and I had thought just wait I don't think history will repeat it's self and I was happy. But was it real or was it a cruel joke 

Chapter 8 a thought maybe dreams could come true

           As my children all begin to leave the nest. My life is changing again I have to figure our how to find me. For years it has been all about my children and their wants and needs. This is hard as my last child graduates high school there is no more football, I had already lost dance and travel Softball. What does this mother do with extra time on her hands. My life and world had changed as the last child was about to graduate.

            So I had a thought could this now be the time, the time for me to follow those shattered dreams? Could it be my time, the dog world had changed I had lost contact with any one I had known in the Chow world I wanted to go forward not backwards. So in this day and age we have the internet and I joined every Chow group I could find. I tried to chat with breeders from all over. But you know somethings don't ever change and very few gave me the time of day. I re bought books, relearned things I forgot I had a thirst for knowledge I read everything.

         The hunt was on to find that perfect show male that would take me back in the ring. But that dog ad eluded me. I did have contact with a breeder and we chatted for a while and she had a Bitch puppy for sale. Now I guess I should have noticed the red flags but then again this dog world had changed, I asked for videos and pictures several times before they were sent. But as a puppy she appeared confirmation wise to be sound, So I sent a deposit, I was to pick her up in Chicago at the Chow Chow National in March. Now the biggest red flag was if this puppy wan't what I was looking for would she have my deposit there to refund me back. I was not to thrilled in really buying a puppy site unseen. I would let you decide what the answer was.

      Off we went to Chicago March of 2017 to see this little baby that would come into our lives.
       and enter into our lives Charmar-Jepa Times up game over ( Tillie)
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Part 7 Shattered Dreams it doesn't end

       So with Lilly, Kemo and Echo being only household pets there was no Chows for show and in that time enter child number 4 Jacob, Also in this time I lost my most valuable mentors. My mom and Dad and also my brother. I spent the next 18 years raising my children. With out replacing a Chow  As my dogs left this earth and crossed over they were not replaced with any more Chows. We had a golden, a chihuahua, two Bichons a few guinea pigs, hamsters a few birds a couple of mixed breed dogs but never a Chow. But I had four wonderful children who kept me busy with Football, Baseball, Soccer band, track, FFA  travel Softball and competitive dance. We also were sucked into the world of Child Beauty pageants for awhile.  Although I did learn pageant people are ten times worse then dog people 

My children were my dream now, I had to make sure I taught them well enough to live their dreams and not to give up. They all needed to go to collage and be better then I was. I didn't want my children to never feel like there was nothing to their life and they couldn't do anything they set their minds to. I never regretted giving up any of my dreams so they could be successful in anything they wanted to do, 

 it was the best decision I could have ever made.

My Children will be my legacy 

Amanda who is a Assistant States Attorney for the State of Indiana 

Anthony who is stationed overseas in the United States Air Force after he completed 4 years of collage 

Hannah despite having several  medical conditions which includes seizures is a JR studying early elementary education  

Jacob who is a Sophomore studying agriculture education 

So my choice to turn all my efforts into my children may not have been part of my dream but it has the best outcome in the world to shattering my dreams    

Part 6 Life with out Chows in it

     After the loss of Rosie I took a vow no more Chows no more dogs. But any dog owner will tell you that it is a lonely feeling when you walk through the door and there are no butt wiggles, no barks of happy to fill the air. Even with people husband, and children life is lonely and I missed all that, 

     After a year and a half  I made the call I called Marilyn to inquire if she had any puppies. Marilyn was getting up in years and had stopped breeding a few years before. She said she would make some calls as she knew where there were  dogs out there that had her line in the back. In the mean time enter my third child Hannah. when Hannah was about 3 months old she also entered my life PAO CHAI'S STANDING  PRETTY  since she was born on Easter Sunday she would be forever known as Lilly. Was the arrival of this pretty red girl the reboot of my dream. Now I can not tell you how hard it is to show a dog with a baby. People are also not very nice to you when you have a non walking child. I was lucky as my older daughter loved being around the shows. So she would try to take care of her sister but nasty comments would make this hard. Even though it was hard I did manage to put 5 points on her, So I was back in the ring and trying to juggle it all. 


       But as shattered dream have a way to follow me Lilly had entropian and even with surgery she never made it back in the ring. So as history repeats its self entered Kemo a dog who would grow to be a big beautiful blue boy. He would never see a show ring as he had two pink spots on his tongue,

This could not  be happening again was I never to show again never to be in the ring and never to be able to follow my Dreams.

So I tried another breeder and enter Echo who was a pretty chow and I had hope. Now in all the chows I had owned the temperaments have always been awesome including my back yard bred female Sheba. This is until Echo who was food aggressive, dog aggressive and people aggressive. Echo holds the honor of being the only dog other then the Shepard to bite me and draw  blood. So again we have shattered dreams and not sure I ever want to Show again