The day after we lost Marley, the girls and I hit the road to San Diego for the Vizsla Club of America's National event in Del Mar, CA. We only participate in conformation but they also held rally, obedience and agility events. On Tuesday, Sparrow and Paloma had their teeth cleaned and without sedation. I was so surprised the girls were able to lay still and let the dentist clean their teeth. They suffered no ill effects from having to be still. Their pearly whites were so pretty!! On Wednesday, I attended a talk by Dr Jaime Modiano of the University of Minnesota. The VCA gives money, along with the Golden Retriever and Boxer Parent Clubs, to study Hemangiosarcoma. He informed us of a promising treatment which comes with a high cost. In the end, he wasn't able to give us any guidelines for prevention. Of course, I'm watching the other dogs show each day, too. Thursday morning Sparrow danced her way, with handler Moira Hanley-Cornell, to a First Place in American Bred. Marley won that same class at Nationals in Bakersfield in 2005. She went back in for Winners Bitch but wasn't able to garner the points. Darn!! We'll be working on her last major a little while longer.
Thursday evening was the Parade of Titleholders. Each of the girls had their turn around the ring, even Marley.
Friday was Best of Breed and then it was over. Brianna and I enjoyed a last lunch with Karen Walker, Jessica Vetter and Marty Sanford. And, before we left, Sarah Hayes and Karen Bravender joined us. We had the best time at this year's National event.
In the morning, we headed to Arizona!
