COVID-19 has really cancelled all our showing plans here on the West coast. I have a bunch of youngsters I want to get into the ring in 2021 so I decided I need to get creative about how and where to show.

I have a friend who breeds beagles in Louisiana called Jennifer Bell – her kennel is Fleur de Lis Beagles. She is also a professional handler. Knowing she has a few girls to show right now, I asked her if she would be interested in showing one or two of my boys this year. She said yes and told me about a couple of shows she thought might work. A mutual Serena, friend was flying across to one of the first shows in Starkville Mississippi – it seemed like everything fell into place for Gordon to get his first ring experience.

A huge learning curve for this young boy who had his first solo flight across the country and stayed with new people. His first experience in the ring and with a judge and all the things that go along with that. Not a bad thing at all.

On Saturday, under judge Mr. Dana Cline, Gordon went Winners Dog and then Best of Opposite beating 2 champions to get a 3 point major from the 6-9 month old class.

Then on Sunday, under judge Mr. Jerry M Watson, Gordon went Winners Dog and Best of Winners for a 5 point major from the 6-9 month old class!

I couldn’t be more proud of this sweet young boy who in his first weekend out has 8 of his 15 points. I had hoped to show him from the “Bred By” class, but have let that go knowing that I need to keep what is most important in mind, and that is chasing dog shows, wherever I may find them.

I am beyond grateful to Jennifer for showing him and Serena for taking him to and from. Of course I am thankful also to the two judges also for recognizing my boy both days.