I can remember my first specialty show like it was yesterday. I entered my obedience dog who's sire & dam were imports to help the entry at the prompt of the President of the club. (obviously never belonged in the show ring,,,,but heck we had a blast) When i saw the doubling i thought, these people are a hoot,,,,,,,,they are so intense on their dogs,,,,,,,,,however i loved the quality of the dogs and their beauty and elegance........not knowing a whole lot about movement at that point. The doubling never did offend me or never did i think i would write to AKC because i just knew these people loved and adored their dogs............ The whole scene of excitement and superior quality made me want to be a part of it..........noone was especially welcoming and in fact knowing now what i do, i am sure my dog brought many of snickers........... But i was hook line and sinker just from having a ball being there with my dog & hubby and watching all this excitement...........and from there it's all fun history :))))) Boy am i glad i was prompted to enter my dog, win, lose, or draw for, i may never have had the great times i have had......... Amy Safdir Almanya Shepherds www.almanyagsd.com ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. 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 - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================