Hotel Reserve

The Canadian Ridgeback National Specialty was yesterday and there are some nice wins to report. Because of the time difference I haven't heard yet how the afternoon show went for Zero and although no news usually means good news, in dog shows it generally means no news. He did, however, win Reserve Winners Dog  at the National Specialty which basically means he came in second of all the class males - there were approximately 25 entered. Reserve means that should Winners Dog not be able to fulfill all the duties of the win (as in, he loses his points because he's disqualified for some reason) Zero would get those points. It seems kind of silly to have the win in some respects because usually by the time you've found out you get those points your dog is already a Champion and doesn't need them!  At any rate, the win comes with some nice ribbons and trophies and I am proud of Zero's showing so far in BC. He has a few more shows to try and get his Canadian Championship, otherwise he will have to return at a later date for unfinished business.

Also, a member of Invictus' extended family has had some very impressive wins in the last couple days. Atlas, Ch. Charisma's Mischief Managed w/ Coso has won Best Puppy in Breed every show, including yesterday when he took Best Puppy In Breed at the National and was in consideration for an Award of Merit (an unofficial award). Then, in the afternoon at the All Breed show he won Best of Breed over 51 Ridgebacks and then went on to take a third in the Hound group. He is just 11 months old and this is an impressive start to this young dog's show career.

Atlas is out of Ch Invictus One Magic Christmas (Karma) and sired by probably the most winning Ridgebacks in the history of Canada - Argos.  Atlas breeding took into account the desired result, pedigrees and the individual dogs themselves - that is how responsible breeders do it anyway. Decide what you want and using the dogs available to you attempt to get it. I worked closely with Atlas' breeder Adine, discussed it with Argos' owner and ultimately we all agreed this was the best match for what Adine wanted in a show dog. I think we (mischief) managed it!

And if you don't remember, Atlas is the dog who contracted parvo as a 5 month old puppy and through incredible persistence by his Mommy, lived to take on the National Specialty weekend with a vengeance. I think we can all agree he was worth the effort.

Congratulations to all the winners so far this weekend - I am jealous I couldn't be there to see all those fabulous dogs!