Mia and I traveled to Maryland for dog shows and then went to spend some time with Mia's breeder, Linda Hartheimer. We had a great time and came home with lots of advice from everyone. Everyone loved Mia's solid temperament and complimented on how cooperative and easy she was to work.
Looking out the window of the hotel room.
Mia was expertly handled by Pat O'Brian (the owner of Mia's sire, Zeke (Ch OB's 38 Special). He showed her Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Mia worked really well for him and looked beautiful in the ring. Mia even went reserve to the major on Sunday which was nice! On Friday, Bonnie Lane handled Mia in the ring. Unfortunately, they didn't win anything but Mia showed well (thanks to Bonnie) and had a great time!
On Monday, we got to go field training with Linda and some of her dogs. Mia had a blast running in the field (and needed the opportunity to run after being cooped up in a hotel room for 4 days).
Nice ears!
Mia was very interested in the birds but wasn't sure what to do with them. Hopefully, I will be able to do some more training with her and possibly enter her in the WCA ratings test this fall.
On Thursday, we got to take the dogs for a hike at one of the nearby parks. Mia had a great time running around. I even got a chance to try and get her to swim. She is still reluctant but was less resistant each time I took her in. Hopefully, she will start swimming on her own in the near future. In addition to all of the shows and field training, I got to work with Kathy Santo on some of Mia's obedience. I plan to enter Mia in novice obedience this winter. In the meantime, we got some ideas and strategies to help us improve. On Tuesday, we got to go to Long Island to see Bonnie and Steve again and go to handling class. Janet, the instructor, gave me some great tips on how to get Mia moving well. Hopefully, those tips will help us get a major at the upcoming shows in Greenville, SC.
We had a wonderful time on our trip and especially enjoyed meeting so many "weim" people. They have offered a ton of support and encouragement and I am truly thankful. Hopefully, I will make them all proud.
It was a wonderful week with you and Mia! You have already made us proud and there is no doubt that you and Mia will accomplish great things together. We can't wait to hear updates on the shows and how the training is progressing. We'll have to plan another Grayhart reunion!
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