VeGrenan Kennel Chatter

Traps

2011-07-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Regardless of your thoughts on trapping, Conibear traps are in New Brunswick and this video could save your dog's life: http://youtu.be/2zlWzkfRJRI

However, the best way to keep your dog safe is to keep them on a leash when in the woods or on unfamiliar trails where trapping is allowed.

Chaleur Dog Show

2011-07-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I attended the Chaleur Dog Show. In previous years this was a very small show, while one of my favorite, I was always worried about its lack of entry support. Well - I have to say I worry no more. The club put an enormous effort forward and this was an amazing show. They had tons of vendors, lots of room, excellent parking and an air conditioned building. Plus, they had four large screens up for better viewing and ring announcers. Hats off the Robert and his team.

I had two female GSD's entered and did not manage to get past reserve female but have to say that there was a very nice GSD entry. However, I did have one super star of the weekend. Ch Lady Olivia CGN PCD RN OFA h/e was dusted off and drug to the show despite her protests of not having been on a leash since August last year and having just whelped 11 puppies six weeks previous to this. Despite all that, she managed to pass the first leg of her CD with a 186 under judge Donald Wallace. Poor Olivia, this just means that I want this title now and she will have to go back :)

I encourage everyone to attend this show next year. I assure you that you will not be disappointed.

NSGSDC Futurity 2011

2011-07-07T08:33:00.000-07:00

What a great day. It was wonderful to see old friends and meet new ones. My girl Nina showed very well for a young dog and was expertly presented by H Smith. This was Nina's first outdoor show and she was a bald as a cucumber. However, even with no hair, the judge took the time to tell us that she "loved the color, nice movement, pretty dog but too bad about the coat" and gave a good hard look for Reserve Female. These were encouraging comments. Nina has done well in very limited showing picking up 5 points and group 3rd. Everywhere she goes I have people telling me "you have a nice girl there, hang on to that one".

This years Specialty was host to a wonderful group of dogs. nice to see both "styles" of German Shepherds well represented.

My Congratulations to all the winners. I am already looking forward to next year.

2011 Futurity Hopeful

2011-06-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

Well it's that time of year again. German Shepherd Specialty time to be exact. While I promised myself that I was taking this year off from the shows ( so far so good ), I just could not help entering my 12 -18 month female in the Futurity. I kept telling myself it was just a formality in order to be able to attend the Maturity next year. However, as the date keeps getting closer I have become more and more excited ....and then what happens.....the darn dog must have felt it to, so much so all her coat blew out, just in time for the show. Well, wouldn't that just grab ya? Regardless, she is entered, she will get bathed tonight and I will take a critical look at her the morning of the show. Good Luck to all GSD's at the NSGSDC Specialty this weekend. See you there, either from the sidelines or in the ring - that is yet to be determined. :)Either way, I will be cheering you all on.

Happy Canada Day

2011-06-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

Happy St Patty's Day!!!!!

2011-03-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

10 years

2011-02-21T07:10:00.000-08:00

It has been 10 years today that I said good bye to a very special dog. I love all my dogs but this girl was "it". There was nothing she couldn't do and she was always by my side. She was the best ambassador for her breed that there ever could be. Everyone that met her loved her. Even though it has been 10 years, I still wear her collar on my left wrist. I have a new special dog now - Miss Vivian - although she can in no way hold a candle to this dog, I do feel that she has been sent to me to help heal a hole in my heart that just could not fill.

Not a day goes by that I do not think of you and miss you - RIP Gretchen- rest assured, you can and will never be replaced.

Off to a Good Start

2010-10-12T11:55:00.001-07:00

Talk about making a debut. Nina came out as a Junior Puppy and went Best of Breed, Best Puppy in Breed and a Group Third. This little girl shows remarkable promise.

Nina has the darkest eyes I have seen in a very long time. She is very clean in her movement but I would like to see a little more front reach. I am sure that will come as she gains confidence on the mats.

Nina is very soft in temperament. She gets along well with the other dogs and loves to play. She is going to be a fairly large girl but I do think she will keep her femininity. I love the dark dark colors but not so sure the judges will take to the non traditional markings. Will have to wait and see. So far it seems to be working in her favor.

Watch for Nina to come out in the 12 - 18 month class early 2011.

Rumors????

2010-10-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to say that I am so pleased with my little puppy "Rumor". She is now sitting on 7 points, multiple Best of Breed wins( over Specials), multiple Best Puppy in Breed wins and now a Group 3rd. Quite a start for her career.

Rumor is a very pretty little dog. She has excellent pigment, very clean movement and beautiful little cat feet. I would like to see a little more equipment in the rear, longer croup and stronger back, but, overall she is a nice pup.

Rumor has an abundance of energy which can actually make her a little annoying at times. Let me correct that, she is very annoying at times. This however, does not take away from the fact that she is proving to be a wonderful little show dog. She hates it but with only 3 points left to go, I am going to enter her again.

I am not sure if Rumor will stay with me forever or if she will find a home somewhere else in time, but for now I will sit back and enjoy the roll this little home bred puppy is on.

Yep - not bad for a puppy that was sold to a show home and returned because she was not what they wanted for the shows. We all have different tastes and maybe she would not have been a puppy that I would have picked but I am sure glad she is carrying my name.

Exciting News

2010-10-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this link. Very exciting stuff for shelters and responsible breeders.

http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Richmond+votes+draft+banning+sales+stores/3630156/story.html

Happy Halloween

2010-10-01T11:58:00.001-07:00

Miss Vivian showing her true colors.

Another Show - Another Title, or Two

2010-09-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

The August show was well worth the trip. My Bullie girl Olivia pulled off another excellent performance to obtain her Rally Novice B title in consecutive back to back wins. This time she went Third High in Class out of a class of thirteen dogs. I would like her to tighten up her heeling a little bit but we will work on that for next year as we hopefully head off to the CD ring.

It has also been a grand year for my young GSD female - Smartie. She finished her PCD Title at this show. I am hoping to finish her Rally Advanced B this year as she already has two legs. Smartie will be in the CD ring early next year.

Keep checking the website for updates on these two girls and all the other members of the VeGrenan family.

VeGrenan Bullmastiff in a Cat Tunnel

2010-09-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Sooooooooo Happy!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

I am so happy and beyond thrilled to announce that my "baby" Miss Vivian finished her Championship this weekend at the Glace Bay Shows. Vivian went Best of Winners and Best of Opposite for her last points. Huge thank you to Judge Ole Neilsen for seeing what this girl has to offer. I of course think she is perfect but, in reality I know better. Regardless, she is finished and I am happy. It is now off to the obedience rings with her - I think - she may have other plans.

That same afternoon, Edward finished his Champions by going Best Of Winners under Judge P Wolfish. Edward was nicely handled by Lee McKeigan Dempsy - this is her first big win and I am very proud of this team. Lee will be taking Edward on to his CGN this fall - as long as Edward can stay on his feet long enough.

This day was truly taylor made and could not have went any better if I planned it ahead of time. Six hour drive one way but it was so worth it. My dad actually came along for the trip and was a huge help in the driving.

Aiko and Rumor

2010-08-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Sooooooo proud of my boy VeGrenan's Aiko the Terrible RN (owned/trained/loved by

H. Smith). He earned his Rally Advanced Title today at the KOC Show. Aiko earned this title by going High in Class three straight trials in a row. Way to go guys!!!!! He is such a handsome dog and he turns heads wherever he goes.

The pleasant shocker of the day of was my little Junior Puppy Female GSD "Rumor". This young cutie actually went Best of Opposite over a very accomplished Special today at the NBKC show. This puts her at 5 points already. Have to say that so far she and A. Sauliner have made an impressive team. Watch for Rumor at the coming Halifax and Trenton Shows in September 2010.

On a down side, I hurt my knee so badly in the Group Three ring at this show that I can hardly stand let alone walk. Looks like I might be sidelined from competing for a little while.

NBKC and KOC Shows

2010-08-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of three of my girls.

On Saturday August 21 2010 - Olivia earned her Rally Novice Title. She went Third High in Class B out of a huge class of 13 entries and earned a score of 96. Olivia never skipped a beat and earned this title in three straight tries. While there was some begging and pleading on a few exercises, we managed to get through and did better than I expected.

On the same day, Smartie ( Handled by A Saulnier ) earned her PCD Title. Way to go!!! Watch for Smartie in the Rally Advanced Ring at the Halifax Shows in September.

And, little Rumor won her class at the Sat show and Took Best Puppy in Breed at the Maritime Group Seven Specialty. No Points but this win looks great for her. April and her looked very nice together.

Olivia will be taking some time off while I choose another "victim" to work with. I am hoping that there will be some babies in Olivia's future.

Watch for Nina and Uno at the shows this Fall.

Moncton SPCA

2010-08-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

Moncton SPCA

CBC News - New Brunswick - Moncton SPCA overflowing with animals

2010-08-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

CBC News - New Brunswick - Moncton SPCA overflowing with animals

Sad Day

2010-08-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

It is with heavy heart that I say Good-Bye to Priscilla (Bullezeyez Priscilla VeGrenan). Cancer has taken this young girl from me far too soon. Priscilla was always such a busy little thing and I would often times find myself a little frustrated with her over the top antics - I feel awful about that as I now know that she was just trying to cram a lifetime of living in to 13 short months.

She was a ham at everything. She loved to show and was very successful, having quickly earned 8 points towards her championship. I know this little girl would have gone far.

Dear Priscilla - I hope you know that you were loved by all that met you, that I am very grateful to have called you my own and that I hope you will remember as you play at the Rainbow Bridge.

Good Bye - RIP.

June 22 2009 - August 9 2010

Jumping Dogs

2010-08-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Many dogs greet us by jumping up and trying very hard to lick our faces. While the dog seems to be having a great time during this, it is not always so much fun for us. A jumping dog can scratch us, knock us over, rip our clothing and sometimes cover us in muddy pawprints. The dog is simply trying to gain the maximum level of social contact with us that they can get. This stems back to an instinctive behavior where puppies will jump up and lick at the muzzles of adults returning to the pack in hopes that they might be bringing them food.

To stop this inappropriate greeting, you must be very consistent with your dog and what signals you send them. Your dog does not know, or care that today you have on "good' clothes and that you do not want them soiled with mud, hair and doggie drool.... but yesterday it was OK to leap all over you. To even begin to expect that rationalization from them is truly unfair.

First you will need to have a family meeting to ensure that all members of the household are on the same page when it comes to deterring your jumping canine greeter. You will all need to make sure that this behavior is not a rewarding one. I DO NOT mean punish the dog. You need to understand that if your dog jumps on you and they get petted, spoken to or hugged, they are being rewarded. To make this unrewarding, you need to ignore the behavior.

The easiest suggestion I have is to physically and verbally ignore the dog. Offer no positive reason for the jump. Turn away from your dog so as to offer them your back and not their goal, which is your face. Do not speak to, look at, hug or reach out to touch your dog while they have two ( or less ) feet on the ground.

Once your dog has offered you an alternate greeting, one with all four feet on the ground, you can then pet and gently praise them. Do not become overly boisterous with the praise as more than likely, your dog will start jumping all over again in excitement and you will be back to square one.

Another suggestion is to take your dog's collar when you first come home and hold the dog, not allowing them to jump. Praise this and make sure they know how good they are for having all four feet on the floor.

Remember, the most important part of this training is to be consistent. The dog cannot understand when they are allowed to jump on you and when they are not. Once you have your dog greeting you in an acceptable manner, you may want to teach them to gently jump up on you as a command. Then this action is your choice, not theirs. This way, you can control when those feet hit you and when they do not.

Remember, have fun and teach with patience.

And Again

2010-07-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

What an exciting weekend we had on the Island. I am beyond both thrilled and proud of my dogs. This has been an amazing year for VeGrenan and this weekend has been no exception, in fact, it is one of the most successful so far.

July 10 & 11 2010 - PEI Shows.

On Saturday Aldercrest's Miss Smartie Pants RN CGN SJATD successfully passed a leg of her PCD (handled by A Saulnier). On Sunday, this team passed the first leg of Rally Advanced B with a second highest in class. This little dog has been amazing and she just keeps getting better.

On Saturday, VeGrenan's Trapped Ina Secret (Rumor), at only 6months and 5 days old went Best of Breed over Specials to obtain her first 2 points. She wasn't done showing off yet because on Sunday she went Winners Female for another 2 points (handled by A Saulnier). The icing on the cake was after the show when a judge (not judging at this show) came over to our campsite to compliment me on this puppy and to discuss her future. Yep, I was flying high after that.

On Saturday, Ch.Lady Olivia CGN PCD, entered the Rally Ring for her first (and my first) time ever. She performed wonderfully and went second High In Class Rally Novice B with a score of 98. Sunday, she passed again but topped her previous performance by 1 point and went High in Class with a 99. There was some begging going on on my part for a few of the sits but overall I am soooo proud of her. Hoping we can finish RN this year.

Sunday, Bullzeyez Priscilla VeGrenan (handled by L McKeigan-Dempsey), went Winners Female, Best of Opposite in the morning show and picked up 1 point. Priscilla is working her way towards her championship in fine style and having fun along the way. Her handler was so happy as it was her first win on a dog and it gave her the encouragement she needs to keep showing.

The Cinderella story of the weekend for me though is my baby girl Viv. Miss Vivian of VeGrenan went Winners Female, Best of Opposite both shows on Saturday for 4 points and did again on Sunday in the afternoon show for another point. A 5 point weekend for the "Baby" made me sooooo happy.

Anyways, that is enough bragging for now. I am sure my streak will end but in the meantime - I am going to enjoy every second of it.

See you at the shows.

Make That Five

2010-07-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

For the 5th weekend in a row, VeGrenan has been well represented at the shows. July 3 & 4 2010 was the weekend of the NSGSDC Specialty. The weather was wonderful, there were some gorgeous dogs there and I had a blast watching the whole event. It was well organized and the judges did a great job. I would like to congratulate all the winners from this show and I hope that next year proves to be as great.

My boy - VeGrenan's Aiko The Terrible RN - handled and owned by Heather Smith - turned in a stellar performance in the Rally Rings. He went back to back High In Class Rally Advanced on his first attempts at this level. Keep watching for him as he tries to make it three for three. Very proud of this team.

Ch Lady Olivia CGN PCD

2010-06-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the newest picture of my girl Olivia. Such a nice dog. She has always come through for me and has always pulled off everything I ask of her.

We hope to give Rally a try next. Keep checking for updates on how we make out.

New Champion

2010-06-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of this team.

Presenting New Champion VeGrenan's Trapped Ina Moment handled by Heather Smith and shown finishing under Judge J Ireland at the Oromocto Dog Show. Thank you Mr Ireland for recognizing this beautiful young dog.

Watch for Appy in the working rings this fall.

Four in a Row

2010-06-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

Once again VeGrenan was well represented at the shows. This time on the gorgeous island of PEI.

The weather was great although a little hot for my taste Saturday. Sunday was much nicer and the rain held off just until after we were finished showing.

Edward went Best of Winners Saturday morning and Sunday morning for an additional 3 points.

Priscilla went Winners Female Saturday morning for another point. Her and Edward seem to be gaining towards their championships in a pretty even race.

However........the Cinderella story of the weekend for me was my "baby" Miss Vivian going Best of Winners on Saturday afternoon. This gives Vivian her major win and with that I could have just floated out of the ring. Let me say that this little girl earned her cheeseburger treat this day.

Yes, I said cheeseburger. The show rule is, any dog getting points or earning a leg at a show gets a cheeseburger on the way home. So this weekend it was cheeseburgers all around.

While I am sooooo happy to be on such a role, I have to say that I am looking forward to a few weekends off from the shows. I just hope it does not put a jinx on my hot streak as I will be back at it July 10.

However, next weekend at the NSGSDC Specialty, I will be a proud Grammy watching from the sidelines as VeGrenan's Aiko the Terrible RN tries his "paw" at Rally Advanced. Good Luck Aiko!!!!!!!

Third in a Row

2010-06-15T13:30:00.001-07:00

WOW - We had yet another amazing weekend at the shows. This was the Oromocto show. I love this one because it is such a pretty site.

Appy finished her Canadian Championship under judge Jack Ireland. Winners Female in the afternoon show on Saturday. She got to stay home and relax and basque in her glory on Sunday.

Edward picked up four points. Best of Winners both shows on Saturday and once on Sunday.

Priscilla picked up two points going Best of Winners Sunday morning and Winners Female Sunday afternoon.

Hoping to have yet another great weekend coming up. Watch for us at the PEI shows.

Proud of Olivia!!

2010-06-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

I am such a proud dog owner right now. My young Bullie has obtained two titles in one week. The first being her Canadian Championship last weekend in Beresford NB and now her PCD obedience title this weekend in Lunenburg NS.

Olivia has never ceased to amaze me. She is a "worrier" and always seems to have the weight of the world on her shoulders. Oh, don't get me wrong, she loves to play and has a great time with her sister, but she takes things very seriously, and yet, she has always came through when the pressure is on. I may be on the end of the leash, but all the credit for her three titles goes solely to her. She has always been a champion in my eyes, but now she has the certificate to prove it.

What's next? - well Ch Lady Olivia CGN PCD goes in for her hip and elbow OFA's next week. After that, I am hoping to try the Rally rings with her. If all goes well, she will be a mama late Fall 2010 or early in 2011. I just know I will be keeping a daughter. Already have a named picked out.

See you at the shows!!!

Sad

2010-05-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have been showing dogs for over 25 years.....and I have only just recently had a truly bad experience under a judge. My heart was broken with one quick comment.

So far this show season, I have watched a particular dog constantly win even though it is a truly poor example of the breed. I have listened to comments from surrounding people and they are also amazed and appalled that this dog continues winning and quickly racked up a championship.

I recently saw a dog dismissed on the 4rth show of a four show weekend . This little dog was trying hard and showing it's little heart out, but the judge deemed it unworthy of the ring even though it was pointed and just went thru three other judges that same weekend. Why??? Why dismiss this little dog and leave an animal with disqualifying faults in the ring.........I know I will continue to show - but, after having seen this, it will take time to get my heart back into the shows and to restore my faith in some judges opinions.

I guess it is true - even though I have defended against this comment for years and continue to handle my own dogs - sometimes it really is about who is on the end of the leash.

A New Puppy

2010-05-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

I have occasionally received calls from families within a day or two of them having purchased their new puppy from a breeder or adopted a new dog from their local animal shelter . They tell me that their new pet will not come out from under the table or is hiding under the bed. They are concerned because the animal will not eat or drink. They are very upset and state that the animal was fine when they picked it up from the breeder or shelter but now that they have them home, they are just not the acting right.

Well, I understand that bringing home a new pet is a very exciting time for a family. People generally tend to want to have all of their friends come over so that they can show off their new furry friend. Everyone will of course want to touch the new pet and hug it and pick it up and walk it and feed and and and and......After all this, the family will sometimes even take the puppy/dog to the park or somewhere public, and once again everyone will want to say hello to it.

Through all of this commotion you are undoubtedly having a great time showing off your new best friend. However, you need to realize that this is all new and very exhausting to the animal. The whole experience is very overwhelming and in all fairness, the pet should be given a few days to settle into the routine of a new household and have a chance to get to know you as their new owner. You need to remember that even though you are thrilled and want to share this experience with the world, your pet needs a little time to adjust. They have just been taken from a familiar location, placed in the care of a stranger and moved to a new place where nothing is the same as it was. It takes time for them to settle in.

So you may find that for a few days, your pet is tired and just wants some time alone. remember, they are most likely a little stressed, exhausted and just want to get to know you.

You may also notice that the new puppy/dog may have a little diarrhea for a day or so, this can be normal. You have to take into account a change of diet ( suggest you feed the same as they were eating before and change gradually ), change of water and the stress factor. But, if this continues or seems excessive, it is ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry. If you new puppy/dog is showing extreme health signs such as continued vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy, consult your veterinarian immediately. A puppy/dog can dehydrate very quickly and this can lead to further complications.

If the puppy/dog does not engage with you and remains unsure and unsettled you should consult a trainer.

If you have a new puppy/dog, congratulations. I truly hope that you have many many years of fun together.

Please remember to spay and neuter your pets!!!

VeGrenan Bullmastiff

2010-05-06T08:40:00.001-07:00

VeGrenan Bullmastiff
Originally uploaded by VeGrenan

VeGrenan's Trapped ina Moment

2010-05-05T12:24:00.001-07:00

VeGrenan's Trapped ina Moment
Originally uploaded by VeGrenan

Bullmastiff Gaiting - VeGrenan Dog - Lady Olivia CGN

2010-05-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Love 'em Hate 'em

2010-04-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

There are times when I am just tired. Times when I am heading home and the thought of hours worth of chores discourages me. Times when things do not go as planned. Times when they make a mess and it just enrages me. Times when they want something and I cannot give it. Times when they need to get up and go out in the middle of the night. Times when they get sick. Times when they eat grass and puke it up in the house ( usually somewhere in the dark in the path of my bare feet ). Times when we loose to a lesser dog. Times when they break their stay on the long sit. Times when they roll in the mud just after a bath before a show. Times when I run out of the favorite cookie..........and on and on and on.

Then there are times that they make me smile for no reason other than I know they are happy to see me..... yes....I DO love 'em.

No matter how many reasons I put into the first list...... I only need one in the second list to make it all worth it.

Puppy and Car

2010-04-28T13:11:00.001-07:00

One of the baby's had their second car drive today. Let me say that it did not go any better than the first one.

Was driving along thinking that maybe, just maybe things were going well. No noise and no foul smells coming from the crate in the back of the car and then wham.......just about bring tears to your eyes. Poor little fellow, by the time we got to work, he was covered in nasty stuff. So...had a bath, and I will hope for cleaner and happier car ride home.

Behaviors are definitely hereditary. His dam never made it to a show because she gets violently car sick. Sire - loves to travel. Hope he gets over it.......and soon!!

Fun Dogs

2010-04-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh at my young boys this morning. There are three of them under one year old. They all play well together and still enjoy to wrestle and chase. There are several girls in heat at the house and even though I have seen the youngsters sniffing the air for a few seconds, they are still more interested in playtime than anything else. Thank Goodness, I am in no hurry to have them grow up.

Well, this morning the young ones were going about the business of seeing who could chase each other up and down the hill the fastest. The Shepherd - Lhektor and the Bullie - Edward - came tearing down the hill and rounded the side of the house. They stopped up short and put on their best manners when they seen the king of kings - the alpha male standing there. The young Rottie - Vhegor - was coming full tilt and did not see the alpha male and ran smack into him. Knocked the wind out of both of them. The look on Lhektor and Edwards' faces was priceless. You could see that they could not believe what just happened.

All ended very well. Trapper - the alpha - was very patient and just gave the young Rottie a growl and a stern look as much to say "you are not worth my time".

I am so fortunate to have a pack that I can run several dogs together. I have heard from other breeders that there is no way this can happen and that I am full of ....well you know.

I am very careful and monitor who can run together and who should not. However, that said, it is not uncommon to see 6 -8 dogs of both sexes playing together in my yard ( not mixed sexes when the girls are in heat of course ).

Would like to hear from others that are able to run their boys together.

Docking

2010-04-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Tail docking and ear cropping is a hot topic in the dog world right now. While I have mixed views on this, I do feel that declawing cats should be listed in the unacceptable acts performed as well. We do all kinds of invasive things to our pets....while I do tend to agree that cosmetic things are not necessary, I do think that the removal of rear declaws off dog should be performed for safety and to prevent future health concerns.

How do you feel?

New to This

2010-04-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone - decided to try Blogging....I am sure that there will be times that I will be absent for a few day but I promise to make up for it.

Topic rattling around in my head today is whether or not to enter a particular dog show. There are two events taking place on this weekend and I need to decide. Of course, the dogs should come first. They always seem to come first. But, this second event is something that I have a personal interest in outside the dogs. Classic cars.......as I sit her and watch my little Bullmastiff ( she is young - hence the little part ) I know that I am going to the show.

I guess, what I am looking for is for some other dog obessessed person to say that they know how I feel.