Summer 2017 Saber Tails 15
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America
have at least one to take home. Some members dressed in
their PJs to qualify for additional prizes and the Lacey Ken-
nel group even dressed in their rabbit onesies! This was a
fun way for owners and their dogs not entered in the Na-
tional Hunt Test to use their nose and try “indoor hunting.”
The PBGVs and their handlers had a great time. Thanks to
Wendy for having plenty of prizes to go around.
Thursday came and, thanks to Conformation Chair Barbara
Pepper, Chief Ring Steward Anne Gallant and Ring Stew-
ard Sue Smyth, we kicked off the Regional. Trophy Chair
Sandy Bustin did a beautiful job with the Regional trophies
featuring the 2017 show logo. Sandy also co-sponsored
the pillows for top Regional wins with PBGVCA member
Deborah Dobie. Debby designed and sewed the trophy
pillows in true French Rabbit tradition. A qualifying trophy
and rosette was presented to each placing PBGV. Puppy
and Veteran Sweepstakes were first and judged by Anja
Mellema from the Netherlands. Also offered was the 4-6
month old Beginner Puppy Class judged by Carol Brown.
A number of puppies received their first taste of the show
ring and had a rollicking good time. Junior Showmanship,
the Breed Classes, and Best of Breed were then judged by
Ellen Frost.
After conformation, it was time for Carol Mett to judge
Obedience and Rally. Chair Mike Williquette with helpers
Tony Childs, Ross Litman, Gary Wood and Paul Urban over-
saw the change out of the ring. Even though PBGVs are
sometimes known for not being obedient, 10 out of the
20 entered in Obedience qualified. In Rally there were 39
entered with 29 qualifying.
Thursday evening was filled with the Awards Banquet
chaired by Beverly Childs with a fun Power Point created
by Joan Burke. Committee member Vickie Willman helped
with keeping everything in order for this special night.
Awards night is always a fun dinner recognizing PBGVs
earning AKC titles in 2016. It is topped off by recognizing
the Number One PBGV in Agility, Conformation, Obedi-
ence and Rally. Once again Hospitality Co-Chairs Michael
Edwards and Fran Keeley changed up the crown center-
pieces with a fun look.
Friday morning began with National Obedience and Rally
judged again by Carol Mett. Eight out of 22 entered quali-
fied with Coolspring Bonnie Bluebell PCSH CDX RAE com-
pleting her Utility Dog Obedience Title. The Obedience
High in Trial was a different PBGV at the Regional and Na-
tional. Rally had 41 entered with 29 qualifying.
After Obedience and Rally on Friday, a number of educa-
tional seminars were offered along with the PBGV DNA
blood draw and the eye clinics chaired by Mary Fluke, DMV.
Maintaining Your PBGV was presented by PBGV Breeder of
Merit Jan Zigich demonstrating grooming techniques for
the head and ears. Noted PBGV Breeder and AKC Judge
Nick Frost hosted a seminar on the PBGV Standard. Judge
Frost has bred 143 PBGV Champions during the past 40
years. His presentation focused on type and what makes
the PBGV the hound it is. Dr. Natasha Jaskiewicz, BS, DC,
CAC – The Animal Chiro – presented on restoring the
body’s ability to function at its optimal potential by using
gentle adjustments to correct imbalances that interfere
with the nervous system. Judges education and ring side
mentoring was also a big component of our Nationals and
was presented by the lovely “Kitty” Steidel. Kitty’s Judges
Education is a staple of each PBGV National.
Friday night was held ringside as we celebrated the 30th
PBGV National and the Top 20 competition. The room was
awash with purple lighting as PBGVCA member Nick Frost
and the Blue Ridge Combo played during the Cocktail
hour. The “Night of Celebration” was sponsored by Dina
Manship Planche, Lynne and Mark Florian, Jeanne and
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