The little red engine that could- did! On May 27th under Judge Jane Forsyth, Keepsakes Mikey Likes It took his 5th Major and became a champion at 17 months of age! His show career began last October and by his third show, he had picked up his first major win.
Denise Buntjer, co-owner and primary handler for Mike, showed him beautifully right up until the last show. Unfortunately, she was not able to show him for the last win. Instead, with many nerves and a willing heart, I put him through his paces in front of the wife of the husband and wife team who wrote The Forsyth Guide to Successful Dog Showing, ( Robert & Jane Forsyth).
Well, I must have done something right (thank you Vern Wheeler aka "Big Daddy Wheeler" who encouraged me from the sidelines when I hit that "deer in the headlights moment" in the ring) as Mikey took Winners Dog and Best of Winners for a three point Major thus finishing him on the last day of the four day Spokane/ Cour De Alene circuit.
Also thanks to Judge Ed Embry Bivin who put up Mikey for Winners Dog and Best of Winners under Denise's handling on Saturday, May 24th.
In other Show news, Keepsakes Burgundy Amulet of Quilceda (Trinket) also took a 3 point major under Judge Bivin the same day! No other Keepsakes dogs were entered- Ollie (Keepsakes Burgundy Kissed All Over) is still angry at me about this.
Keepsakes Chihuahuas was cooking that day! Watch for win photos to appear soon!
As a footnote, we couldn't have come this far without all of the love and encouragement from all of the people who we participate with in this wacky sport! Kristi, Melissa, Toni and Ken; Brenda; Marie, Norm and Sarah; Linda, Darcy, Gary, Mike, Sharon, Jill and all of the other people who were so supportive, helpful and genuinely thrilled for us when I screamed from the ring at the top of my lungs that Mikey was finally a Champion!- Professional? It wasn't my best moment- Passionate? Yes, and if I ever lose that, I hope I have left the showhalls long before...
Thanks to all of you reading this too- What a great fan club "the little red engine that could " has had!
It was a tough show you guys! There were "top ranked" dogs, international dogs and champions in the ring. Keepsakes Mikey Likes It- the little engine that could- took Winners Dog and Best of Winners on Sunday over a field of 18. CH. Dragon Lair Wildrose Mojo Risin won Best of Breed and Cutie Doll JP Helios won Winners Reserve I do believe, but the whole thing was a blur- Mikey now has both Majors and all but 6 or 7 points to go for his championship. THANK YOU JUDGE KEATING! He is just under 15 months and has been showing since late October. We hope that he achieves his championship within the six months- what a fun "claim to fame" that would be. Regardless of the time frame, little Mikey Likes It will be a recognized champion! And he already is, with us!
Stay tuned-
Carole Paulson
Keepsakes Chihuahuas
