Make My Day...the First Day of Summer

The Fountain of Woof

It's the first day of Summer and the longest day of the year where the sun doesn't set until after 8:30pm. Of course I spent most of the day indoors at work and missed the sunset and watching the moon waxing to almost full and seeing the planet Venus full and bright in the summer sky. The dogs awaken early in the morning and are ready for their nice long walk before it gets too warm. Before our walk I gave Hummer a good brushing- out and combing which I will do again before his bath this coming weekend. He will also get a deep coat conditioner and a good trimming over the weekend. Alexander went to the groomer's and got his nails trimmed. He will also get a good washing this weekend and practice being on the grooming table and stacking. It may be June and the first day of Summer, but what it really means is that the Carmel Dog Show is just around the corner!! My favorite show of the year, Hummer got Best of Breed last year and we hope we will have another shot at that this year. Staying again in Carmel Valley, we are minutes away from the showgrounds and the town of Carmel where we can enjoy a nice stroll by the art galleries and shops and enjoy a great dinner at one of the wonderful restaurants there. This year we hope to get a photo in front of the Fountain of Woof!! Dog-friendly Carmel is a great place for a dog show and a great place for fun in the Summer. We will spend the next few weeks thinking about and preparing for this special dog show vacation. Maybe we will see Clint Eastwood strolling around the streets of Carmel.... that would make my day!

Reach and Drive

As one of the most beautiful and elegant of Giant Breed Dogs, THE NEWFOUNDLAND is  classified as a Working Breed,  capable of covering a lot of ground and pulling heavy carts as well as rescuing a person or a stranded boat in deep water. While observing the side gate of the dog in the show ring, one should notice a tremendous reach and drive as the dog propels itself across the ground with his large frame and well-developed muscles. The gate should be smooth and appear effortless while the tail functions as a rudder and should not be curled over the back like that of a Malamute.  The Newfoundland has a strong shoulder, well-muscled rear assembly and straight top line which is covered with a long dense coat. These photos are a primary example of a strong mature Newfoundland capable of demanding work.


Thank you Terri Muro for your excellent photography.

Hats Off!!!!

Hats Off!!! to the Chicago Blackhawks for winning the Stanley Cup in Ice Hockey 2010!!! And a special Hats-Off to Antti Niemi, the Finnish Goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks who worked his way up from Juniors and the AHL to show his talent and determination facing countless pucks to win the Stanley Cup for Chicago. Having had a son as a Goaltender in Junior Hockey in California and Canada, I know what a tremendous effort this has been for Mr. Niemi and what a fabulous job he has done for the Blackhawks team. He deserves his MVP status for the Stanley Cup, for without his astute attention to where the puck was at all times, there would have been many more goals. Niemi, your talent and athleticism pushed your team to the top. A jolly good Hats Off to you and your team. Competition is more than just winning.

First in Line

FIRST in the line up at the Hangtown Kennel Club show, Hummer got a good look from the Judge and moved in full gear as he ran around the very nicely groomed ring in Placerville over Memorial Day Holiday. Sharing the same ring times as his brother Alexander, they had their handler hopping from ring to ring. It was great fun!