Blah blah blah, my brothers a star, blah blah blah. . .

Hullo.  I guess I have an announcement.  The Momma took my little brother away for the weekend and came back and told me all of this cool stuff about Riggs.  I know I act like he annoys me sometimes but I guess I'm kind of proud of him.  I just don't want to tell him because he doesn't need to get a big head.

At the Scottsbluff kennel club show on april 30^, 2013 “Rigsby”, Ch. beeCreek’s State of the Union CGC, TDI, RN, BN earned his championship under judge Dr. Robert Smith.  Owner-handled by the momma.

To ensure he outdid his stellar performance, the following day, April 31, 2013, Rigsby took best of breed under Judge Robert Stein and went on to the group ring and took a group IV placement! Owner-handled by the momma.

We caught up with Rigsby and attempted an interview about his feelings on winning best of breed just 5 minutes prior to going into the group ring, and found the new champion in a deep state of meditation on his grooming table:

Surely after taking a group IV, Rigsby would be eager to speak with us after his big win, however just 5 minutes after exiting the group ring, we found him unable for comment as he was reflecting on his monumental day:

Oh Dog, my mom just took the keyboard...this might be worse for you to read than it is to listen to elevator music. . .

Rigsby and I started on this journey just this past August as we entered our first show, both novices in the world of conformation.  My first show dog, I couldn’t ask for a more patient, loving, trusting companion as we learned and grew together in the conformation ring.  When I first spoke to my breeder about getting another Newf, I told her, “I might want to try showing, I’m not sure but above all else he must have a sweet disposition”.  I have formed an inexplicable bond with him by handling him and grooming him for shows.  We have an early morning date as he gets bathed on show days with the moon still out and temperatures close to freezing with the early morning chill.  My hands become numb from the cold water coming out of the hose, and I take breaks as we are greeted by onlookers asking about Newfoundlands, commenting on how good he is with his baths, and the never-ending question of how long it takes to dry him.  I am usually equally as wet as he is, but he and I are a team, this is part of our ritual and we are together.  When we return to the grooming area I throw his leash over his back and he leaps up to his table, knowing our routine well.  As I dry him, he licks my face and eases any nerves I have as ring time grows closer.  Once ringside he relaxes as my anxiety increases.  We enter the ring together like dance partners, each knowing what is expected of the other.  He knows my cues, and I know his.  Stacked, he raises his head and his eyes meet mine.  His expression melts my heart and makes me fall in love with him all over again just like the first day that we picked him up from the breeder.  And suddenly everything that I was nervous about prior to entering the ring disappears.  He speaks to me through his eyes, and tells me it’s just Rigsby and me in that ring, no matter how crowded it might be with professional handlers and other beautiful dogs.  And so, when the judge tells us, “down and back” I whisper in his ear and tell him “lets dance” and we move together, trusting each other knowing we are both going to do our best for one another no matter what the outcome.  

If you asked me about 6 months ago, I would’ve told you I didn’t particularly care for showing, coming from primarily doing working and obedience with my other Newf, Bojie.  Spending weekends away and hours and hours in preparation for just a few minutes of ring time has made us bond in a way we wouldn’t have otherwise.  We both appreciate just being in each others presence. You see, the truth is, it's not about those few minutes in the ring with the judge.  It's about all of those hours leading up to it, and all of those hours after it.  And sharing my leftover dinners with him back in the hotel room later that evening.  And most nights, even sharing my bed.  It has also allowed me to spend a lot of that time with some wonderful mentors and friends who have guided me in the conformation world.  Riggs wants to thank all of our very supportive friends who trained his momma not to trip over her own 2 feet (well, ok, just that one time…)  

Our friends have been so awesome sending Riggs cards, flowers, cakes, texts and emails.  (Note from Bojie: Guess what guys?  I got to have Rigsbys CAKE! If it means special cake he can get his championship EVERY day! Also, the balloon was pretty cool. Oh, and yes, we also got blue TOW HITCH TESTICLES! Our very own! If you need to remember why they make us so happy read our story about them here: http://bojthenewf.blogspot.com/2013/01/are-stars-really-big-and-bright.html

Also, you should never wonder why tow hitch testicles would make someone happy.  Ok? They just do). 

For those of you who are thinking about showing. GO FOR IT! You might just find that you like it…and *GASP!*, you just might even be good at it, and guess what? You get to bring the best dog home.  Every time.