Family Reunion!

I've been away for a long road trip. Ms. Alpha packed all matter of important stuff—brushes, show lead, lots of kibble & vitamins, toys, Vet Man, Green Ball, bed, dishes, towels, water, treats  AND ME—into my den on wheels. We drove all the way up to Long Island to visit with her family. That was a lot of fun 'cause when she wasn't looking, her brother let me on beds and fed me cheese. I also got to play with a human pup and follow him around. He likes to play ball as much as I do, so we got along great.

The next morning we drove to Connecticut for a special All Border Collie Dog Show!!!! The newly approved AKC club, Nutmeg Border Collie Club held a fun match.  Ms. Alpha helped with their logo and my breeder worked tirelessly to help get AKC approval. We just had to be there to show support for this new club for my kind and celebrate.

I was dizzy at excitement to see so many "xeroxes" of me! Imagine a mass of swirling black and white fur (with one lovely gold & white dog in the mix) who had as much limitless energy as I do. Ms. Alpha was pleased to see that I was NOT the loudest dog in the bunch. There were lots of other bark-screamers and whiners and they made me look like a peaceful cherub. Of course I added to the cacaphony from time to time, but there were a couple of howlers and yodelers that were truly world class. I was so impressed and picked up some pointers. Trust me...I will be expanding my repertoire of noises.

It wasn't only Howling Lessons....I also took a Master Class in Obedience from my breeder. She is totally awesome. I was SO happy to see her and I flung myself at her in a giant extended wiggle of joy when we again met. She showed me in the conformation fun match and helped me look pretty enough to win this wonderful new squeaky bear toy. I like it so much that I decided not to shred it.

My pride and joy!

I will take good care of my bear. 

This is so much better than a ribbon.

This is my lovely mama Devon. 

She is a Queen. Don't you think she looks regal? 

Devon has so many titles: conformation, agility, obedience and herding. 

She was even at Westminster one year!

Mama Devon and my lovely sister Ella.

She is so refined, like porcelain, and such a perfect lady.

Here is my big brother Chance, aka The Wag.

He is beautiful, too, but in a very manly way.

Chance is a very happy dog and a real pro in the show and obedience rings and on the agility course. Sadly, he does not care for me. Perhaps, if I lost my jewels, he might change his mind. That's a lot to give up just to establish a friendship, don't you think?

After the dog show we drove to Westchester and I got to see my friend Tigger again. I just can't help around him and try to kiss him all the time. Tigger doesn't look particularly pleased with my constant show of affection, does he? If you could read his mind he'd be saying, "How do you turn Fenway off?"

I had such a good time and I'm glad to be home. But I wish all the dogs I met on the trip could have come home with me. Just imagine....a Fun House O' Border Collies!!! I'm sure Ms. Alpha isn't down with that. She says I am dog enough for her.

So now I am settled back home and into the Fenway Routine. As usual, we cuddled on the couch after dinner. But the last two nights were special. Lo and behold, there were hundreds of dogs walking in the Box the Alphas call TV. We watched the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

I decided to have some fun and mimic some of the dogs I saw on TV. Here's my impression of a basset hound:

And guess what? My friend Airly (Ch Borderfame Signature) and my good pal Reggie Moorehead (who has taken moi around the ring a few times) WON the Border Collie Best of Breed! And, won it for the second year in a row! They were on the TV box on Monday night in the Herding Group. I am so happy for them both!