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reserved professional handler Janice Hayes. To the delight
of everyone attending, Robyn was a fan of using the
FURminator, but Janice was not so sure about using that
tool as a grooming solution for taking out coat. Watching a
professional handler groom a PBGV is eye-opening to say
the least. Janice was quick and decisive as she borrowed
PBGVs from the audience to groom. One lucky owner was
thrilled as she watched Janice totally groom out her PBGV.
She was even more thrilled the next day as the newly coifed
Max was awarded Select Dog at the regional.

In talking with Janice later, she expressed her thanks at

being allowed to be involved with the grooming seminar.
“Not being one to speak much in front of people, Robyn
outdid herself and really made it a fun time for all who
participated. I hope everyone got something out of it as I
know I picked up some tips as well. Though the FURminator
is still not my favorite, I am a little more open to using it
on the pets!”

The Back-to-Basics workshop was conducted by a number

of breeders led by Helen Ingher. Many of our long-time
PBGV breeders brought a few of their dogs and talked to
everyone about what they
liked about different PGBVs
they chose to keep in their
breeding program. They
were honest about some of
the health problems in the
breed and discussed fully
their concerns.

The regional was held on

Friday and was a great lead-in
for the national on Saturday.
Watching puppy sweepstakes
and seeing a puppy go around
the ring (or not) is certainly a
great way to start any day. I
like finding my favorites and
wondering what the next few
years will hold for them —
will they continue in the ring
or decide they don’t like
showing at all and retire at a

young age? One puppy I met last year in Charlotte running
around the grooming room (Mirepoix’s Figgy Pudding) was
all grown up this year. I loved seeing her win Best Bred By
and AOM at regional and then Reserve Winners Bitch at
national on Saturday.

On Friday evening the judges’ education seminar was

held. Having signed up for this seminar at three previous
nationals and never finding time to attend, I was deter-
mined to make it this year. Led by judge (and PBGV breeder)
Nick Frost, it was very informative as to what judges may be
thinking as they go over your dog on the table. I would
encourage every PBGV owner showing in conformation to
take this seminar. The best part was being able to go over a
number of winning dogs and having an expert tell you what
was good (or could be better) in the structure of the dogs.

Saturday morning was buzzing with activity and

excitment. I had promised to help one of our younger
owners, Kristina Krieck, groom one of her dogs while she
was competing in obedience and rally with another.
Kristina flew to Mesa by herself from Canada with three of
her PBGVs in tow. I am amazed that she made the trip by

herself, changing planes
and getting from the
airport to the hotel — how
does anyone manage this
by themselves with three
dogs? Young and energetic,
Kristina is a delight to
watch. She ran from the
obedience ring to the
grooming room to check
on my progress with her
dog and give more
instructions about the
grooming. Of course I
was telling everyone
sitting close that I assisted
with the grooming when
Kristina’s Polygor’s Stolen
Moment placed in
Open Dogs.

continued on page 49

Saber Tails

June 2012