Opening
season of 2004 didn't offer us much in the way of local shows. Odessa,
TX was having a big 4 shows in 2 days weekend, so we decided to make a
vacation out of it and go. And we went BIG! We knew we would be taking
I I dogs and were concerned for their safety as well as comfort. In addition,
we were in for a long ride and didn't want our dogs to get sick or overheated
with the long journey, so we rented a motor home from cruise America and
we were off.
Our first stop along the way was to the yard of Gary Hammonds. Gary is a really nice guy and showed us all of his dogs, including his Boston terriers and Patterdales, as well as a few fowl and barn cats. Gary has a really neat set up and we were glad we could make the stop and meet with someone who has been in the dogs for a long time and has a wealth of knowledge about them. Thanks Gary!!!!
We
made another quick stop to check up on one of our dogs that is now stationed
in Texas and satisfied that he was in good hands, we continued on to Odessa.
We got there about I I pm Friday evening and we were pooped! We finished
the night walking out all I I dogs and slept for what seemed like only
an hour before the sun was upon us and we were registering for the shows.
The event was set up in a covered horse arena and made for a nice place
to show the dogs. I must say that the Texas Black Gold and Golden Horseshoe
clubs really have their act together. They entered the dogs for every class
on a laptop computer and did their best to make the shows run smoothly.
We even received a newsletter from them a few weeks later listing all the
winners from every class. What a great job and effort! In all, we entered
10 dogs and placed 8 out of 10. We took a Best Puppy, a Best in Show, and
brought home a Champion. We had a really great time and felt that it was
over with much too soon.
Sweetwater,
Texas is host to one of the largest rattlesnake roundups in the country.
We were disappointed that we could not stay longer for that event. But,
maybe next time. Enjoy the PICS.
