So, we're back from our first puppy show. Yes, this weekend Kona was a show puppy. That l'il gremlin girl! She did good. I think she went through a very big learnin curve this weekend, with being in the show ring for the first time, being in this crazy, busy environment for the first time, and having so many people want to pet her for the first time!! I know that some show dog owners won't let the public pet their dogs; it's for their own reasons I know, but we let everyone pet Kona. Of course there is the disclaimer we always say first..."She does jump on people and she still likes to nibble once in awhile. She also likes long hair! So petter beware" And then we try and hold her down (teaching her to keep 4 feet on the ground) while she gets some adoration. She loves it. And at the end of each day this weekend we've come home with a very tired but happy (I think!?!) puppy. This weekend was good practice for her.
She's just on the cusp of actually being able to show. Puppies are not allowed to be entered until they are 6 months old. Kona is 6 months and 1 week. And it shows. She's not as husky and heavy as the older dogs. Which is fine. She was the smallest dog there in stature. I do think she will be of a taller sort when she gets older though. And she was the curliest in coat. Which isn't always a good thing as labs are only allowed to have a 'wave' to their coat, not the actual curls that Kona has on her bum. Whatever, I like her curls. It makes her unique. She showed the best on the second day, Saturday. She trotted well around the ring and she stacked herself when standing (this is when the feet are placed parallel and appropriate in order to make the dog look good when standing and showing). She naturally places her feet appropriately and shows off which makes it easier for the handler! And what her handler (hubbie!) liked best were all the compliments Kona got. Definately made him feel proud about her.
Now the two of them are asleep on the couch. Yep, it's been a long but busy and good weekend.
Here is Kona posing outside on the 'not quite spring like conditions' grassy patch.
She's closing her eyes to the competition here. What one doesn't see, doesn't make one nervous! Kind of a good strategy I guess. But I don't think she was nervous. I was nervous enough for all of us! And I didn't have to do anything but carry poop bags and last minute grooming tools...not that there is much on her to groom either....but just in case. Just to get that last minute flyaway! 
And here is what happens at the end of a really long weekend! It took her a matter of seconds to find a comfy spot in the back seat of the truck and fall asleep!
