It certainly was great seeing everyone in Colorado. Everyone was very supportive of each other, it was nice seeing friends win and heartbreaking to watch others not achieve their quest. It was my first National back in the ring after a 3 year break. I had a broken toe, but worse off are my aching calves from not being in 100% shape to handle that huge ring! I want to comment on Ricky White. Ricky started to handle for Melissa when I retired from showing dogs. He finished a male for her that had some nice major wins - needing singles to finish. Ricky took on the task and easily finished her dog. To my knowledge, this was Ricky's first real go at "handling". Ricky is local to Atlanta, he is known around here as a true gentleman and team player. He and his wife will do anything to help out friends. They have supported many local shows with their dogs to help hold majors. Ricky has never been a pro handler- he has been a go to for many green dogs and puppies who needed a good experience in the ring. How dare anyone take away from his win. I know first hand how much Ricky practiced with his Futurity Dog to be ready for the National. He was beaming with his win and put a great deal of effort, passion, and practice into the performance. He is NOT a professional by any stretch and we should ALL dedicate ourselves as much as Ricky did in this venture. I know first hand the practice he put in for this National and the pride he feels. If I could scream through this post I would. Can't we just be happy for the winners and not try to shoot holes into their joy? Grrrrr and shame on those who are discrediting his deserving win. JMO Lindab ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2007. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - www.showgsd.org ============================================================================