On May 22nd and 23rd, Mellie had a most incredible successful set of runs at the American Rottweiler Club National Specialty all-breed agility trial at the Washington County Fairgrounds. She qualified in 5 of her 6 runs, placing in all five runs. Three first place ribbons and two second place ribbons. She really earned one of the first place ribbons, as she was in a run-off for her Exc. B. Jumpers with Weaves run on Friday. She managed to run that course clean both times and with a time as fast as she has ever run. I could not have been prouder. We also did the new FAST runs as they were offered both days. With qualifying runs both days, she earned the second and final legs of her Novice FAST title. She double Q’d on Saturday, but a mis-step in the chute on her Standard course on Friday, kept us from earning one that day. She managed to rack up 60 more MACH points for those two days as well. Helps to get those high placements and earn some multiplier points.

Abby was entered in 6 runs as well, but she qualified in only one, her Open Standard run on Thursday. She did do all her contacts (including the teeter!) and earned a first place finish to get that elusive first leg to her OA title. Unfortunately, some trial stress crept in and she had some issues with weaves and the teeter for the remaining courses. She did do the distance challenges in her FAST runs, however, and once we get some more trial experience, I am sure we will get those legs soon enough.

The weather was just idyllic and it was a very enjoyable day challenging ourselves on the courses. Both girls had a good time and we are looking forward to more outdoor trials in the summer months.

Abby, not to be outdone, absolutely excelled in her Jumpers run, she was debuting in the Exc. A. class at this trial. She was 15 seconds under course time, a phenomenal 4.95 yards per second speed. She took first place and her owner’s unending pride. She would have beat many dogs much larger in size and stride. Unfortunately, she continued to have some issues with refusing the teeter and hesitant with the dog walk, so no qualifying leg yet in Open Standard. All in all, a great day at the agility venue!

Alasera Phalenes all went to the PCA National Specialty in Frederick, Maryland from April 21-April 27th. It was a long drive out to the East Coast. On Monday, Mellie and Abby competed in the National Specialty agility trial. Mellie qualified in her Jumpers with Weaves run and in the FAST run. Mellie had never ran in the FAST class, which requires some distance work as well as some obstacle strategies to gain points. She took second out of over 25 dogs in the Novice B FAST class. Only one point out of first place!

Abby only qualified in one run, her Open Jumpers with Weaves class, but she made it count. She earned a second place finish with lots of time under course time. It was a superb performance and earned her High Scoring Phalene in Trial! She got a huge beautiful rosette and a lovely commemorative tote bag. It was also her third leg of her Open title so she earned her OAJ title at the trial as well. She had a few issues with her contact obstacles so it is back to the drawing board there!

Later in the week, Ace competed in the Open dog- drop ear conformation class in the PCA Specialty show. He took third place, earning a nice rosette and a beautiful print of a Phalene by the beach. He was lovely in the ring and has really come alive in the show ring.

Mellie, not to be outdone, took fourth place in the Open bitch-drop ear class out of 7 bitches entered. She has been out of the show ring for two years and I was happy to see that she is ready to come out of retirement. She moved beautifully and loved every minute of her time in the ring. She also earned a nice rosette and took home another Phalene art print.

Ripley was not entered in the conformation show, but enjoyed our outings. We took the dogs to the Capitol Mall in Washington D.C. where they were a hit with the crowds. They posed by some famous monuments and enjoyed the beautiful spring weather.

On April 13, 2008, at the Indianhead Kennel Club dog show in Eau Claire, WI, Abby went WB, BOW and Best of Breed to finish off her American Championship. She was flawless in the ring and looked every inch a Champion. This is the first Champion conformation dog for Alasera kennel. I am grateful that Abby’s breeder, Anita Jonsson, trusted me with Abby.