Today in Marshall, MI, Moose went Best of Breed over Guy Fisher’s and Mel Holloman’s specials.  WooHoo!!!!!  What a great team. 

Right after Nationals we got the devastating news that our handler, Jack Brown was gravely ill.  Genine and I made a trip to Jack and Bridget’s home to picked up client dogs.  On the way home about 100 miles south of Louisville I knew something was terribly wrong with the van.  It was running, but we had no power.  We managed to limp to an exit.  When we got to the bottom of the exit ramp, there was absolutely nothing but a stop sign!!!!  Now what?  Fortunately, we were sent some really wonderful people who helped.  A young lady took our phone number to a garage several miles down the road.  The garage owner brought a tow truck.  He couldn’t work on the van, but found someone else that could.  This was at 6 p.m. on Monday.  The second garage owner found a fuel pump.  His wife went and picked it up at the auto parts store while we were being towed to the garage.  Genine and I then sat on their porch swing overlooking the hills and a beautiful sunset while the van was repaired.  We were also entertained by their 7 year old son, his dog Winchester and his rabbit, Precious.  We were back on the road at 10 p.m.

We transported some dogs back to their owners, some to my house to stay until their owners could pick them up and others on to the show in New Castle, PA.  While in New Castle, Wee Geordie (owned by Linda and Rod Norris of Rodlin Kennels) took two majors with Kay Palade on the lead. 

On Saturday, we got the devastating new that Jack has passed away.  After much discussion, we all decided to stay at the show and kick butt for Jack.  Tammy Davison (we co-own Moose with her) gathered up all her courage and went into the ring against all the professional handlers.  She had done this the previous three days but without such a heavy heart.  This day was to be special.  Moose took a 5 point major and finished his championship!!!!  Tammy said she had “help“.

We packed up and left New Castle on Monday afternoon.  By 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, Tammy and Genine were at my house after taking her motorhome to a friends house to park.  At 6 a.m. we hit the road for another mad dash to Alabama.  We attended Jack’s funeral.  It was a beautiful service, but heart wrenching all the same.  Then the long trek home.

Genine and I headed to Toledo the next weekend where Geordie pick up another point.  He just needs three singles to finish.  Genine also put a point on Stormy and Myah.

I got to stay home this weekend, but Tammy ventured to the Tree Town Boxer club shows where in three days Moose has picked up 10 points (including two majors) toward his Grand Champion Select title.  Way to go girl!!!!!

We are off to Wooster and the Ohio Boxer Club specialties with Carli.  I am showing her in the Bred By class.  Carli needs 5 point (including a major) to finish her championship.  I want to get this done for Jack.  The bitch deserves to be a champion.