I just wanted to add that Judy volunteered at the Welcome Waggin at her first National! She was even there first thing in the morning after Pixel was hurt, even though we assured her that she would be covered and that she could stay with her bitch. Once she knew Pixel was okay, Judy was front and center with her wonderful personality and positive energy. I hope to see you and Pixel at many more Nationals, Judy! You and Pixel are both winners! Zoa Dr. Zoa Rockenstein www.riverrockshepherds.com ----- Original Message ---- From: juel <juel@xxxxxxxxxx> To: Showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 4:58:18 PM Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] The National from the Newbie Perspective Well I am finally settling in and wanted to take the time to post on my experience at the National - my first official one. I went with the expectation of meeting many people, letting them get to know me, watching some great dogs and learning lots while having fun! (And of course going into the Mountains!) Well, I did all that! Pixel completed her Herding Instinct Certificate with great comments from the judges. I did not have to bring home a sheep on my trip, was worried if it'd fit! *grin* She almost Q'd her first excellent run in agility - we had just bumped up to excellent. (If she can get her Excellent title, I do believe she will qualify for the PAM award?) But that level requires a PERFECT run and her NOSE got her in trouble and earned the NQ - she had to stop and smell what the wind brought her just as she was supposed to enter the weaves. OOPS...can we say REFUSAL? Oh well, we had fun. Second day, she was the victim of the wind. She took a horrible fall which I thought would end her show career at the very least, if not cripple her for life. Well she is one tough bitch - she is totally fine. All X-rays are normal and she shows no symptoms of anything! God answered this girl's prayers! Wanted to make Pixel's name known - just not this way! LOL! So the rest of the week I got to be a spectator. Took the initiative (I believe us newbies have that responsibility too and not to just reply on others knowing we are newbies...) and introduced myself to many (I am sure I may forgot to list everyone - forgive this overwhelmed brain!!!) Got to meet the infamous Flower Boy - got a chuckle when I heard his booming laugh and for some reason before I even saw him that it had to be him! Met Evan again -- great Blog Evan - kudos for all your hard work!!! Got to finally meet Carolyn Martello, without her I would not have my Pixel! Will have to wait until next year to meet Sandy Bruner who's also responsible for my Pixel....met Carolyn McKenna again. Thank you for taking me under your wing here and there and introducing me! Terry Cochran, love your photography! And thanks for the beautiful picture! Judi Bendt - what a pleasure! John (thanks so much for your answering all of my questions! And making me smile!), Molly (hope you are feeling better!!) and Char.....and who can forget Duane Sibley? You're going places big guy! Cyndy Davis - you had so much on your plate! Work, work work and no time to play! We'll chat more and next time put me to work! Lew, Nicky, Julie -- Thanks so much for all your help with Pixel! Give Yankee a hug for me! Bill and Susie from Kansas -- are you guys on this list? Contact me! And I got to chat with others I have met before too! So many people to meet, so little time! Thank you to everyone who worked to make this a memorable first time for me! I may be new and don't know all the ins and outs that went on at the National, but I thought it went well and I know how much hard work it is! Hats off to all of you! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Judy and Pixel UKC GR. CH/IABCA Int'l CH. Samuri's Pixel Perfect, TC, RN, CD, NA, NAJ, OA, HIC - multiple BIS, Groups, and now OFA CHIC! More to come! Stay tuned! Herding and Tracking on the agenda next! www.freewebs.com/samurispixelperfect/ www.crazy-dog-lady.com ============================================================================ 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 ============================================================================ ============================================================================ 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 ============================================================================