Patty, I can relate to this. I was participating in my very first Futurity and my bitch was handled and doubled to perfection (even a newbie could see that). I can still picture her - totally awesome. The judge not only would not look at her but put her to the side. I was devastated - all that preparation, hopes, prayers and Capri wasn't allowed to even "play the game". I was crushed.and as she was my first breed dog I was ready to quit. Capri, too, became "AOE pending" Select Excellent Ch, Debonair's Surprize Package. Luckily I had fantastic handlers, friends and mentors who made me "keep the faith"! but yes I do know how hard it hurts Ann > > > Well the pet went on to be AOE 2 x Am/Can Sel. Exc. Ch. Utopia's Cliche' > > OFA > > H/E, CGC, RN, TC... > > > > The moral of this is.....critiques are one persons opinions and it doesnt > > mean they are correct.. > > A bad critique on a "newbies" dog could send them packing..and say screw > > this. > > > > NO I will not tell anyone..not even in private who the judge was... > > > > Patty Szymczak > > > ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2006. 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 - URL temporarily deleted due to AOL issues ============================================================================