National Speciality

What an exciting time it is each year as the Newfoundland Club of America’s National Specialty approaches. Preparation to go begins months before with reservations, entries, grooming appointments, and catalog ads made. Anticipation is in the air. Newfy friends make plans to meet. For newfy lovers, the National is a special time, never are more Newfies in one place and what a sight to see!. Each newf , whether a rescue or the future Best in Show, is a special dog sharing the experience with their human. There will be drafting,, obedience and rally competition, conformation, rescue and honors parade, and living legends will be honored. Nearly a week of sharing with other newfy lovers where the topic of conversation is newf.

Packing to go to the National is quite an undertaking, not unlike packing for an infant to travel for a couple of weeks. Everything needs to go, food, bottled water, food dishes and pails for water, towels and drool clothes, crates for the hotel, drop cloths for under the crates in the hotel room and any medications the dog may need including, something for diarrhea. Now that is just what is needed for the dogs. Then there are show clothes, rain gear, and the usual odds and ends needed when away from home. Finally the day to leave arrives, the vehicle is serviced, packed, and gased up and off we go.

In 2010, the National was in Frankenmuth Michigan, from Florida, a distance of about 1200 miles. With frequent stops for walking dogs, the drive took the better part of 3 days, stopping for 2 nights along the way. The first night was spent in Knoxville, TN. The 2nd night was a short detour to Western Ohio and a puppy fix at Jennifer Beals. What adorable pups! Of course, all pups are cute, but these pups were extra special because these guys were also my “grand dogs”. After a photo opp with the pups and Curie. the Great great grandma, a delicious home cooked meal and newfy talk, it was off to bed. Morning came early and it was off to Frankenmuth to keep the first grooming appointment.

For Sandy Cove Newfoundlands, this was the year of the veterans. Curie, 12 years old, received her “Living Legends Award” and could be seen in the conformation ring, competing in both sweepstakes and the regular veteran’s class. Curie was the second oldest newf in conformation, the oldest newf only 6 weeks older than Curie. Cyrus, 9.5 years old, took 4th in Veteran’s Sweepstakes and 4th in the regular veteran’s class. Elizabeth, 8 years old, took a 4th in veteran’s obedience. Excited over the ribbons and awards earned, Curie, Cyrus, and Elizabeth remain a credit to their breed, but more than this, what a way to celebrate life with my veterans!