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The 26th Annual Portuguese Water Dog National Specialty was held in Warwick, RI the week of September 8 - 15, 2017. Shelley and Barb once again packed up the van and headed off on their annual trek of fun, food and lots and lots of dogs! We took three dogs with us this year - Maura, Tempest and Markus. Our dogs were entered in many events and they rose to the occasion each and every time! We could not have been more proud of their performances in everything from water to Conformation.
The 26th Annual Portuguese Water Dog National Specialty was held in Warwick, RI the week of September 8 - 15, 2017. Shelley and Barb once again packed up the van and headed off on their annual trek of fun, food and lots and lots of dogs! We took three dogs with us this year - Maura, Tempest and Markus. Our dogs were entered in many events and they rose to the occasion each and every time! We could not have been more proud of their performances in everything from water to Conformation.
Our week began with the water practice for Markus on Saturday, the 9th of September. He was a little nervous with all the dogs and people but I was able to get some wonderful tips from our buddy Martha Ruskai who worked with us for a little while and I remained optimistic. Sunday was the day for both Tracking and Water competitions so Shelley headed up with Tempest for her attempt at her Tracking Dog title and Barb remained behind with Markus and Maura. Tem tried her hardest but it was not her day for a tracking title that day. Markus had a great day. He was happy, enthusiastic and his practice session obviously paid off big time. He passed his Apprentice Water Dog test with flying colors, wagging his tail and happy the whole time! I was so proud of him. And he can now add AWD after his name! And thank you to judge John Brock for making it such a fun, relaxed experience for our young boy.
Markus in Water Work
Monday was a wonderful day of visiting with friends and grooming dogs. Markus was entered in Futurity that evening and he needed special attention which he lapped up with joy. The Futurity and Maturity competitions are held in the evening traditionally and this year was no exception. The dogs entered in these two events were nominated for competition by their breeders before they were even born. This is a special avenue for our PWD breeders to showcase their breedings and to highlight the long term planning and consideration given to each breeding. To be able to anticipate show quality puppies before a breeding even takes place takes skill, knowledge, experience and, yes, some luck thrown in for good measure. Markus was wonderful that night and took first place in his class! Bravo Markus!
Markus in Futurity
Markus in Sweepstakes
Tuesday was another for Markus to have some fun in the show ring. He was entered in Puppy Sweepstakes. So it was time for some more primping and brushing and sprucing up. He had a much better time in the ring this day! He earned a ribbon but no first place.
Wednesday, the 13th, was a busy day for both Shelley and Barb. We had Obedience, Rally and, once again, Markus was entered in Conformation. This time he was competing in the regular Class Dogs competition. Maura was entered in Novice Obedience and Tempest had runs in both Rally and Beginner Novice Obedience. Tempest qualified in both her runs. Whew! It was a very successful day with the girls performing like stars and Markus winning his class in Conformation. Well done!!
Tempest in Rally
Tempest in Obedience
Maura in Obedience
Markus in Conformation
Thursday was another busy day (not too unusual at a National Specialty!). Shelley was showing Tempest in Obedience and Rally. Barb had Markus in Rally and Maura in Rally Obedience and Working Bitch Conformation class. What a successful day! All dogs qualified in Obedience and Rally. Tempest earned her Rally Novice title and her Beginner Novice Obedience title! Markus earned got his third leg in Rally for his Rally Novice title! And Our Maura came in second in a strong Working Bitch class. She had a so much fun showing in Conformation again! Well done! What a great day!
Markus in Rally
Maura in Obedience
Maura in Working Bitch Class
Friday, September 15, was the last day of competition for our Specialty in Rhode Island. Barb was able to sit on the sidelines and cheer on all the beautiful dogs that were in the ring that day. Shelley was kept very busy showing young Tempest in her first Best of Breed Nationals venue. And Tempest did not disappoint. She never tired in the heat. She was a happy girl with her tail wagging. She did everything Shelley asked of her. And she made it all the way to the final cut! What a wonderful working girl!!
Tempest in Best of Breed
The last night of our Specialties is always reserved for a final get-together and our annual Awards dinner. This year was especially memorable as both Maura and Azul received their Bronze Register of Merit Awards. The awards are an acknowledgment of outstanding working ability and versatility in the Portuguese Water Dog. To be eligible for the Bronze Register of Merit, a dog must have four titles from at least three different areas of competition. Bravo mother and daughter team - Azul and Maura!!
Rhode Island was a memorable trip. The Afortunado crew had a marvelous time. We spent hours talking dogs with enthusiasts from all over the country, we ate some wonderful food, we met new people and had an opportunity to get re-acquainted with old friends. Thank you to all who made this event possible. It takes a lot of people to put a celebration of this size together and we are very happy that we were able to take advantage of that!
Rhode Island was a memorable trip. The Afortunado crew had a marvelous time. We spent hours talking dogs with enthusiasts from all over the country, we ate some wonderful food, we met new people and had an opportunity to get re-acquainted with old friends. Thank you to all who made this event possible. It takes a lot of people to put a celebration of this size together and we are very happy that we were able to take advantage of that!