We are in we are here and we are sweating already. After lugging two crates, two tables and two extremely excited Giant Schnauzers through the crowds on 33'd Street. Can you beleive it, crowds at 6 am! That makes for a good start and everything can only get better from there! Dogs settled in and watered, walked in the sawdust pens... oh yes they don't mind and I got my second and - hmm third cup of coffee. My husband Ben is currently blowdrying big boy and our girl is snooring in her crate on the bench. I was convinced that she would not sleep but I was wrong. Thats great!

The breed judging started at 8.30AM with the National anthem and standing straight in the back listening my thought went to a friend of mine and a friend to the whole dog world that just passed away, Mrs. Clark. For many of you that is a known name but if you are new to the sport of dogs she was one of the greatest. She was supposed to have judged here but illness cut her life short a few weeks back. Dear Annie, we are all thinking of you.....

Excitement, and screams of joy are heard from each and every corner of the green carpet below constantly! I see familiar faces from all over the country, and students of mine from Owner Handlers Association on Long Island and when they come running with a ribbon, bearhugging - you just feel great!

I have to go groom now and get soaked washing my girl so I will check back later. Don't forget to check the schedule here on the website to see when your favorite breed is judged. You can catch the judging about 2 hours (could be sooner!) after it's finished here on the website.

Until later!