Proud Breeder Moment - Acadia Trusted Opinion wins under respected breeder-judges, and Cassia gives her blessing

Tristan went to his first dog show and had a Great Day! The Colonial Shetland Sheepdog Club held 2 shows in one day. 

 The morning started with a Puppy Sweepstakes.  A fun competition open only to puppies and it is a great way to get them in the ring and "loosened up" before the "real" show starts.  Tristan began the day by winning Best In Sweepstakes.  The judge, Linda Loring, said, "he is the total package".  :-)

The AM show had Breeder-Judge Ellen Worthington. She has bred many top producing and top winning dogs including an ASSA National Best of Breed winner, many important and influential ROM's and dogs that I have long wanted to incorporate into my pedigrees. One of the many traits I have valued about her tri-color dogs is the truly black pigment most of them have. 

 I have shown to Mrs. Worthington before. The last time was when Gregory and Warren were in the 6-9 puppy class. It was the weekend they were both turning 6 months old- so they were "Babies". There was one other puppy in their class, and he was closer to 9 months. He won the class, but before handing the 2nd and 3rd place ribbons to Gregory and Warren (in that order) she said, "these are both really beautiful baby boys". That meant a lot to me. We didn't win, but it was so nice that she thought they were worthy of being at the specialty show. 

 The time before that I was showing Cassia- GCh. Acadia Presence of Mind in the Bred-by Exhibitor class and Mrs. Worthington awarded her Winners Bitch for a specialty major. I was on Cloud 9! Yesterday, Mrs. Worthington awarded Cassia's grandson Winners Dog at a specialty. When we were taking pictures she asked me if he was related to "those lovely bitches of yours". I am SO Proud that Yes! He is!. She told me that she felt Tristan "favored his mother's side"- What a Wonderful Comment! Such a Proud breeder moment. 

 The PM show had Breeder-judge Lyn Leininger, also a breeder of top producing and top winning dogs. Her dogs have also won big awards at the ASSA National including Winners Dog (more than once). I love the distinct family traits of her shelties. She has not been judging long, but she has fast become a respected judge and has had assignments all over the country. For example, just last weekend she was judging in Minnesota. Just before she handed out the final ribbons, she told everyone how lovely the entry was and how she enjoyed the assignment. Again, really nice to hear that the judges felt they had good dogs to choose from. I was so honored that she awarded Tristan Winners Dog and Best of Winners! 

 In one day Tristan won both majors for a total of 8 points. Pinch Me! That never happens (to me)!! Not only is the hard part over (winning the majors), but he won them under breeder-judges that I really respect. That just makes me feel so good. I sure had a "Proud Breeder moment" yesterday.

Addition:  GCh. Acadia Presence of Mind, Cassia, passed away 6/2/2022- exactly 1 year ago on the day that Ellen Worthington awarded her grandson WD.   Sometimes things occur that make my heart skip a beat, my eyes tear up, and I say an Extra Prayer of gratitude.