In 1985 I had a dream to show dogs, be a respectable breeder and to breed Chows for the betterment. It took a while to get the right dog and to be on my way. I had so many dreams of success. It took till 4/1987 to achieve my first Champion, But I was not on the other end of the lead as I was almost 8 months pregnant and my mother was concern for the welfare of my unborn child and she got her handler friends to show my dog. Even though I am in the picture and proud as punch I didn't finish him myself. Gunner (Asho-Fanci Jepas gunslinger) was a special dog and so deserved to be a champion but I always question was it the dog or the handlers that got him where he was. After the birth of my daughter my dog showing days were over. Not that I didn't have dogs just very difficult with a baby. Gunner never saw the ring again after that day.
But I didn't achieve any of the goals I had wanted back then. To be honest dog showing was the farthest thing on my mind. I put all my energy into raising 4 well round, respectful, talented children. Who either have very promising careers or very promising futures. Oldest is an attorney for the State of Indiana, the second eldest is in the United States Air force stationed overseas with his family, the third child is in her final year for early education to teach in elementary school, The 4th and final has just finished the sophomore year and plans a to be a DNR officer. So I feel that the trade off dogs for kids worked out well.
So as I start over with the dogs as my children are on their own courses. Respect with in the dog world is very hard. Breeders these days are unlike the breeders of yesterday. If one thought 32 or so years ago it was hard for breeders to give you the time of day they have not meet the breeders of today. Even with today's technology cell phones, internet and such no one really wants to help the new person on the block.
I am going to be looking to enhance the chows I already own by adding to my herd as I call them in the near future. Where to start remains to be seen, but I know I want to add a female and a male to the herd. I enjoy showing and when I finish Romeo I will be done till I can find something as I feel Hondo needs to mature into himself. To be honest I don't want to be done so this will be hard. Showing is my life now and I don't want to put it on hold. The Motor home is my domain it is where I can forget the world and live for me.
Now I met so many people at the Chow National hoping this time they take me serious in my quest to have good dogs. This to will remain to be seen.
Speaking of remains to be seen it happened a horrible picture both me and the dog. But I had to buy it as it was the New Champion photo
