My mom and I got there an hour early and were walking around. A jr(well, she's actually 19) that I know from an online forum found me and introduced herself. Just as we began to talk, a man rode by, stopped, and started calling out Marq's name! He was calling my dog, and knew his name! I was puzzled, and a bit weirded out. Then I saw his UKC shirt. Just as I realized who it was, he introduced himself. Haha! It was Wayne, Marq's co-breeder and the president/CEO of UKC!! He was definitely excited to see Marq! Soon he had to be on his way, but he promised to be watching Marq and me throughout the day!
Marq's breed competition didn't show up, so he automatically took breed.
After breed I had a couple hours to kill, but the Jrs eventually came around at 1:15 pm. I ended up winning my jrs class. Marq showed alright, though, I've seen him better. He was a bit fidgety, and kept moving that one back foot! But, I think it actually worked to my advantage! The judge saw him moving the foot, and actually kept a closer eye on me. I think she got to see how I was watching him very closely(for him to switch his weight before he moved that foot). When I saw him starting to switch his weight off of that one back foot, I could reach down and touch his leg, and he wouldn't move it. So, perhaps Marq's imperfection actually helped us to win our class!
Not long after I got out of my jrs class, the Gundog breed winners were called and told to stand ringside and be ready. So, I had to miss BJH. I have to admit, I was VERY nervous! I'd only ever been in a breed ring a few times with a few different breeds. And I never got past best female or male. Group was a brand new experience for me! A bit intimidating! But I loved it! The ring was so big! I had ROOM! Haha. Marq showed very well on his individual exam. He moved well, and held his stack better than usual. But, by the time the judge got through all of the group, Marq was becoming very impatient and fidgeting everywhere! He was totally distracted and wouldn't pay one bit of attention to me. He kept moving his head on me, and his feet. But on the last go around(one at a time), he got SO excited! His tail was wagging like crazy! And he was actually Bouncing! I should have noted his excitement and started out a bit slower, but started in at our normal, faster pace, and he broke out into a short sprint. But a short pop fixed that, and he transitioned into a BEAUTIFUL trot! I think his side gait on this go around really impressed the judge, and that is when he moved me ahead into 3rd instead of 4th.
My first time ever in a group ring, and Marq and I get a group third!! I was in shock, bewildered, but VERY excited! I'm sure my grin had to be a mile wide! And after exiting the ring I had my own little fan group! Wayne came bouncing up to us with a gigantic smile on his face! He was so excited! That is when Wayne informed me that the dog that placed second in group actually was at westminister! And that the Curly Coat that got 4th, well, that he was actually surprised we beat such a nice dog!! And of course, I had freinds, friend's parents, my trainers, and strangers congratulating Marq and me!
....what a weekend!
PS: No pictures.
My mom doesn't know how to work the digital, and when she actually does try the pictures always just come out blurry.