PNWBC Goes To California!

For those of you that have been following the breed ring here in the Pacific Northwest, you know that entries in Briards are down. As such, three PNWBC members headed south to the Briard Club of Northern California Specialty and Supported Entries at the Dixon May Fairgrounds in search of points.

The trip south was not without challenges -Judy had to be towed into Medford for repairs which meant she had to find a place to get Elle groomed since they would be arriving in Dixon later that anticipated. From Port Townsend WA to Dixon Ca it is 788 miles. Mapquest claims it is a 13 hour drive but Thom and Gabrielle chose to break it up with a stop in Mount Shasta. This made for a short leg the second day, allowing them to arrive at the show site early on Thursday and lay claim to the "PNWBC Compound". RV spaces were "reserved" but ended up being a 1st come 1st served situation. Sonia, Bruce and Judy did eventually arrive safe and sound and the shared space for parking, RV, tenting and grooming meant there was a place to relax between ring times. Thanks to Judy's RV, there was always a cold beverage to be had.

Entries at the Specialty where as follows: 6 to 9 Month Dogs - Bodo Dega Gebreab Tyohannes owned by Tom & Nicole Jakaby and Bodo Dawit Tomas Tesfasilassie owned by Chuck Christianson; Open Black Dogs - Lebec's Bodo Andy Medeiros "Andy" owned by Wayne & Gaylene Allen & C. Christianson & J Lorang; Open Tawny Dogs - Cachet Deja Vu Andantino "Andre" owned by Sonia Thompson & Bruce Barnbaum, Avantage Czech Connection Lebec "Mendel"owned by Jeanne Lorang & Janet Couture, and Deja Vu Back Seat Driver RN PT "Nash" owned by Gabrielle LaRoche & Thom Wylie; 6 to 9 Month Bitches - Bodo Devenny Lucas MVP owned by Sally Dobbins & Trevor Barlow & Chuck Christianson and Bodo Devenny Mitchell owned by Kelly & Joe Johnson & Chuck Christianson; 12 to 18 Month Bitches - Briardale's Camille Lebec "Elle" owned by Judy & Dallas Meggitt; Open Black Bitches - Nuage D'Or Adieu Le Alibis "Alibi" owned by Michelle Griffith; Open Tawny Bitches - Unbelievable Unity Moravia Campanella owned by Carmen Griffith; and Best of Breed - Ch Lebec's Magical CEO "Chief" owned by Pat Cardone & Jeanne Lorang and Ch Lebec Bodo Beto Bloxom "Beto" owned by Chuck Christianson & Jeanne Lorang. A huge thanks is owed to Chuck Christianson for ensuring that there were majors in dogs!

It turned out to be a particularly good weekend for Deja Vu Back Seat Driver, RN, PT, CGC, JHD-s "Nash" who finished his championship with 2 BOB's from the classes and 3 major wins! And last but not least, Sonia and Andre were winners at the Halloween costume fundraiser - Andre dressed as a "Taco" and Sonia was "Belle" - costume design courtesy of Judy Meggitt (sorry, no photo available).

This is a show worth traveling to. Dixon May Farigrounds are a lovely venue. The weather was in the low 80's, dry with a pleasant breeze. The Briard Club of Northern California prizes were huge rosettes, embroidered towels, etched glassware and BCNC logo pins. There are also three challenge tophies: for BOB the Barbara Ruby Memorial Trophy and the Shaka Challenge Trophy; and for Best of Opposite the Ch Jessica James De L'Etat D'Or Memorial Trophy. Obedience is also offered although not Rally.

PNWBC Honors Passing of Two Members

In an on-line vote, the Pacific Northwest Briard Club decided to honor the passing of two members. A donation has been made to the Briard Medical Trust in the names of Briarders Michelle Clevenger and Ray Ronell.