01/30/2025
A little late posting – 2025 sure came in like an unrelenting lion, but I want this memory to come up on my Facebook memories in the future – so please indulge me.
Rona – The 2024 Year End #5 Bitch in the Nation (Canine Chronicle Breed) and #7 Bitch All Breed. I’m humbled every time I say that. When we sent her to Janice, we had no idea she would be our first top 20 ride, picking up BISS, multiple group wins, SDHF and a Jam at the National along the way. She’s such a dream in the field and obedience ring alike, that was where we intended to keep her. But that thought quickly changed when she won the group her first weekend ever showing, from the classes, and we haven’t come back out of the clouds since.
In just 9 months from the time Rona stepped into the show ring for the very first time, until the end of the year, she climbed the ranks of Top 20 stats for both rankings, even with a long summer break. Jessica and I are so grateful for Janice taking such great care of Rona, and us, during this whirlwind ride. I’ve shared before, but it is worth sharing again, Janice was a huge driving force in me sticking with show dogs. She told me more times than I care to recall to put dogs back in the truck – meanwhile making sure I knew it was possible to get where I wanted to be, if I persevered. She always answered the call – from grooming to pedigrees, to what color street nail shade is the perfect match for Westminster – after all she nailed it when she won with Buddy! She let me cry on her shoulder when things didn’t work out, but then helped me get back on track after I’d licked my wounds long enough. Not just a class act in the ring, but a cherished friend and mentor who I anticipate continuing to hold me accountable for as long as I’m in dogs. Thank you Janice for taking us on this unforgettable ride! Thank you to the judges who found our girl all year long. Thank you to all the breeders who played a part in this pedigree culminating in our special girl.
Here are a few of my favorite pics of the dream team that I haven’t gotten around to sharing yet.