To Navasota this weekend for the Brazos Valley KC shows:  as pleasant a drive as can be imagined with the wildflowers beginning to bloom and, as a contrast to the coastal plain, rolling hills in Waller and Grimes counties with ranches on either side of the road featuring new calves and foals.  Our own little part of Kentucky here in Texas.

These were Ilya’s first shows since the 2009 BCOA National Specialty (which was his first show).  Although a big, imposing dog with a nice body, his inexperience in the ring showed and he placed second in a class of two both days.  Brother Dutch was Best of Breed both days for six more points to his Grand Championship; with 24 points he needs but one.

Nothing in the group either day, not with Brian Livingstone’s Pharaoh Hound and Gerry Thornton’s Saluki there.  Looking back at Lacey’s show record, she didn’t pick up her first group placement until she was well past three years old.  Dutch just turned three in January and still has some maturing to do as well as acquiring the winning attitude that made his aunt such as success in the ring.