Well, after driving many hours and spending almost as much time grooming, Billy and I came home empty-handed. He was a bad, bad boy in the ring, and so the judges just couldn’t award him the points. Personally, I don’t blame them. The other puppy was quite nice, and VERY well behaved. I have to admit to feeling frustrated and disappointed yesterday. This was Billy’s last hurrah before he goes to his pet home, and I really wanted him to earn that Champion title. But the drive home (5 loooooong hours) put it into perspective for me.

I’m sure that Billy (in his own quirky way) was telling me that he’s just not interested in being a show dog anymore. Yeah, he was happy enough in the ring, but he was pulling all over, desperately trying to get to spectators and dogs outside the ring. He was far more interested in being a social butterfly than being a show dog.

I don’t have it in me to send him to another show with a stranger, just to try and get those last 2 points. It’s not worth risking his wonderful temperament and loving personality. So, he retires with 8 points.

As his new mom said to me, he was a “bold, brazen article” this weekend (she’s Irish). And she thought that was great So at least I know she will appreciate his antics, and love him even when he’s a bad, bad boy!

I’m finally home for a while . . . no travel for business OR pleasure. I love the thought of my own bed, and hanging out with my man Farley. He’s been missing me a lot, so we are going to have some one on one time over the next little while. That will make us both happy!