The dinner was exceptional in Albany. But knowing from past experiences that these banquets are usually not my main interest, expensive and certainly not complementary to my palate I more often than not used to go to places of choice with my friends and had a marvelous time. The one thing that attracted me at the banquets were the judges' speeches and interesting people to meet, not the food which is just a distant second or third. I also am in favor of putting the dogs first on our agenda and the flying of dogs is also my concern. I have once flown bringing a dog home and while waiting at the airport for the next flight saw my dog sitting in his crate in the hot sun. If you don't think I raised the roof.....5 minutes later I looked out and saw an attendant move my dog in the shade. This is why I would like to insist on a direct flight. So, a major hub is very important to me. Lee Liane (Lee) Fossland Steppenwind German Shepherds www.steppenwindgsd.com Home of Ch. Donar, Loni, CD, Auburn, KaraMia & Windy ============================================================================ 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 ============================================================================