NEPGP 2009 - debuting an original style

Ah, the "home show" for us New England groomers.  We really are lucky to have such a dedicated club that offers so wonderful an event each year.  Great atmosphere & people, awesome competitions, and even better prizes than some of the bigger shows, excellent seminars, and considering it's "just a small regional show" there's a decent turnout of vendors.  Being that it's currently in RI, it can be a bit of a trip for those members residing in the northern states, but unless they live on the border and want to attend a Canadian event, NEPGP is also the closest trade show/competition... and well worth the drive, too! :-)

This year was new for me traveling with two dogs.  Made life interesting trying to keep the puppy off the clean contest Poodle for two days! LOL  But tagging along was a good experience for Tripp, since he'll be up on that table one of these years!  Chaz, as always, was a good sport, and his incredible coat held up all that time with barely a touchup before competing.  Next year perhaps I'll work up the nerve to add another dog to the mix and enter more than one class??  Gotta do it one of these years, I suppose!

We drove down Saturday morning, and made it in time to catch a seminar, do a little shopping, and watch a bit of the contests.  Sunday of course I rose early for ring time at 7:30.  This was going to be the official debut of my original Poodle design!  I came up with "the Bandu" several years ago.  The basic trim is a "Banded Dutch" (hence the name) - pajama/sweetheart style body, with deep crest on the neck to promote balance, and English Saddle style legs, with bands on the front to match.  I decided long ago that if I were to ever compete with this trim, I needed to add a little flair to it with a fancy body pattern, just to make it a little more special.  After many tweaks on paper, I finally came up with the perfect design just last year.  Of course putting it on a dog is a totally different thing than drawing a 2-D picture!  And then there is the whole part of waiting for just the right dog to try it on.  Any style of Dutch clip can be tricky to make balanced, so the dog must have rather good conformation to pull it off.  Chaz, being a UKC CH and AKC pointed, with that to-die-for coat, is an excellent choice for any style trim.  Still, it was a process getting it just right.  My first attempt over the summer at setting the body pattern fell a little short.  But after one or two touchups I managed to get it the way I wanted.  I double checked with NEPGP that it wasn't against the rules (or just plain ridiculous) to enter something this creative in a regular competition, and was encouraged by both the club and fellow groomers & Poodle friends to go for it.  I'm glad they talked me into it, as I've been saying for years that I'd like to see and do something different in the ring, rather than the same old trims.  As absolutely beautiful as those are, we groomers are generally an artistic bunch, and most would appreciate a little variety in grooming styles.  And what better venue to display new trims than at a grooming show?  I must say, I did see a couple rather creative trims in the mixed breed ring this year.  Very nice. :-)  There was gorgeous grooming being done across the board in all classes.  Excellent turnout in every division.

Oh, before I forget again, I also wanted to thank whoever left their hydraulic table in the ring and offered it's use to whoever wanted it for the Poodle class.  It was in my assigned spot, so our "pit boss" said to go ahead.  Must say it was a great help during grooming, though did make me want one of my own all the more. LOL  Anyway, thank you so much for your generosity!

So the competition begins, and I get to work on my Bandu trim.  Setting the pattern took up half the allotted time.  I knew I was probably shooting myself in the foot entering such a complicated design, but what did I have to lose?  As long as it turned out presentable.  I did get nervous when they called 45 minutes remaining and I hadn't even scissored the legs - yikes!  Luckily he wasn't terribly overgrown in that area, so could get by with just a quick tipping of the hair.  Still, the finish was a lot rougher than I'd hoped, plus the topknot needed tons more work to be correct.  And somehow I managed to miss several spots on his face - usually my clipper work is much better than that!  But at least I was quite happy with how the body turned out.  Overall it was pretty well put together, so I'm glad it had a decent unveiling.

I'm told that there were several positive remarks made by spectators, who, no doubt, were impressed to see something different being presented.  And I was pleasantly surprised to be given very positive feedback from several top competitors and judges!  That alone made it worth the entry.  Alas, I did not win anything, but hey, at least they didn't laugh me out of the ring! LOL  I was also up against some stiff competition with seemingly flawless grooms, so it was no surprise, either!  My photos don't really show all the imperfections of my groom.  Of course, I'm never really happy with my work at first, anyway. ;-)

The critiques I received were very consistent, yet rather ironic...  Everyone agreed that the body pattern was very cool and well done, but the banded legs were distracting - taking away from the Celtic knot design, as well as making it hard to judge balance/profile.  But as previously described, the legs are what make the Bandu special, and the knotwork was thrown in more as an afterthought!  Therein lies the irony. LOL  I do understand their point, though, and looking from their viewpoint I kind of agree.  But it's still really funny! hehehe  Many encouraged me to try again, keeping the body pattern and just doing regular Poodle puppy-style legs.  Whether or not I do so remains undecided.  Part of me is tempted, hoping to do better and perhaps earn an award (wow, when did I get so competitive?), but the other part wants to move on and try something else.  I have a year to decide and play around with Chazie's hair, so we'll see...

I can't wait to find out what next year's 30th anniversary show brings! :-)

Cross #1 Off the Bucket List!

Geez, is it still raining here?  That's it, I'm moving to somewhere there's sun! ;-) 
Well, I soaked up a few rays this past weekend in Florida... not exactly "the sunshine state" at the moment either - rain every day, too - but at least they only got pop-up storms with sun & blue sky in between.  Wish we could get some of that here!  The humidity was high, but otherwise beautiful down there.

We left last week for Orlando to attend the wedding of an old family friend.  Of course, since we'd be in the area, we figured why not take a couple extra days to enjoy some of the attractions.  This was my first time in FL.  Wasn't looking forward to 90 degrees, though even that was a welcome change from the ongoing crappy weather in NH.  Obviously didn't have time to do much in just 2 days with scheduled events, but what we did experience was worth the trip...

Blue Man Group @ Universal Studios:  This was for my dad, but we all loved it.  The concert was entertaining before it even started!  I won't spoil it for you, but if you like interactive performances, comedy, and music, then I highly recommend seeing a Blue Man show.  I'd love to see it again!  Hmm, maybe sometime when they are in Boston.  :-)
We also enjoyed CityWalk, which is part of Universal, winding around the different theaters, restaurants, shops, etc.  There's live music, DJs and dancing in the street, lots of fun.  Margaritaville lived up to it's name, serving a very good drink.  They even brought out the chef for me to personally discuss allergies and food options with, which was wonderful.  Very classy of them!  Fun, laid back atmosphere.  Excellent service.  Great food & drinks.  Wish we had time to go back at night - apparently there's even more fun after dark.  But lots to see outside... I imagine it's a popular place for locals, as you only pay for parking to get in, so easy on the budget.  I really loved the DJ & dancing in the street - I could've stayed all night just for that (though my parents didn't have quite the same youthful enthusiasm at the idea, LOL) but we needed to get back for a good night's sleep after the show, as the next day's schedule was busy...

Discovery Cove: This was for me! :-D  For more years than I recall, I've wanted to swim with the dolphins.  If I were to make a solid "bucket list" (i.e. "things to do before I die"), this would be #1!  Sea World is one of the few places that offers this experience.  We started the morning snorkeling the manmade reef with various fish and sting/manta rays.  (Actually I removed my snorkel after a few minutes, as it was just easier to hold my breath - maybe if I had a quality snorkel with a longer air tube and a ball inside I'd enjoy it more - better yet just try scuba diving!)  I could practically live in the water, so after the initial temperature shock (low 70's is nice at home, but damn cold when the air is in the 90's!) it was awesome.  It would've been perfect if flotation jackets weren't required - boy, those things made diving hard work! LOL  At least they were streamlined neoprene, rather than bulky life vests, TG!  Easy enough to swim in, just the underwater play put extra pressure on my lungs.  Oh well.  After the reef, I had to stop in the ray lagoon to pet the sting rays.  Just couldn't get enough of these beautiful creatures.  Very cool to stand in the water surrounded by a flock of them; even cooler being able to touch them. :-)  Loved it! 
Their wind-away river was heated pool water, and flowed around most of the park, through an aviary, and under waterfalls.  Quite nice for some lazy floating.  Though we had to reacclimate to the cold salt water before going in the dolphin lagoon! LOL  The dolphin experience was incredible.  Everyone split off in small groups with a trainer.  Our group got lucky with double the fun - "our" dolphin was a new mom and we got to interact with both her and her baby, who was just learning the ropes.  Everyone had the chance to feed, touch, and give hand signals.  We all had photos taken of kissing the dolphin; and aren't I special - I got two kisses! hehehe  My hair got in my face the first time, so the photographer insisted on a second take. ;-)  Works for me! LOL  And of course we all got to "ride" the dolphin, holding her fins as she pulled us across the lagoon.  Needless to say, that was fun!  Hated to have to leave.  Hmm, maybe I need to revise my bucket list to include an "expanded" dolphin experience - they do offer trainer for a day packages!  hahaha  Guess I can't die happy just yet.

A Month (or two) of Dog Shows!

Intergroom kicked off a steady stream of canine activities for my schedule. That was the week after Easter... just now (June!) are things getting back to normal (whatever that is ;-) around here. 

After returning from the NJ grooming competition, I promptly headed south again to attend a UKC show in MA the following weekend.  I don't often take two Saturdays off work in a row, but as UKC events are relatively rare around here, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.  A friend was showing her new puppy, as were several other Poodle people I was acquainted with.  It was wonderful to watch & cheer on, and help as needed.  Indeed, I actually did a slew of grooming that weekend (so much for a day off, LOL)!  Working on my friend's Poodle was a given, but after watching another puppy in the ring, I also offered to tweak his outline as needed.  Do I get to brag now because he got nothing in the first show, but went on to win after I groomed him? hehehe!  Following that success, the owner had me tweak her other dogs a bit as well.  On the second day, just before the final ring time, I fixed the style on another dog I know who's campaigning for GRCH.  All weekend he was beat out by the competition.  "Shear perfection" strikes again - after my grooming adjustments, he too won! :-) hahaha  Okay, so I know it's not all about the hair (esp. in UKC), was a different judge/opinion each time, and the quick touchup trims were certainly not perfect, but we must admit a well balanced outline draws the eye and accentuates the dog's assets.  In any case I was happy to have been some help and gain more practice in show grooming.  I even handled a dog for someone with two in the same class.  It all went pretty quick, but it was fun and offered a smidgen of practice for when I show my own!

The next weekend brought further grooming practice as I took my friend's pup overnight to prep her for a local AKC show.  I'd noticed her profile looking a bit long and mane getting floppy, so I tightened it up quite a bit.  It was a wonderfully drastic makeover, which I'm quite proud of.  One handler critiqued that she needed just a bit more hair over her thighs, so I made note of that for next time.  Otherwise she looked nice and square and plush.  No placements, but she showed well.  (What?  Did you expect an owner-handled puppy to win over AKC politics? hahahahaha!)  I drove up to watch the show that Sunday, meet another Poodle friend, chat with a couple breeders, and check out the vendors.  I also ran into another groomer friend and talked for quite a bit. (Great to see you again Jeri! :-)  All in all a very nice day.

For a slight change of pace, Mother's Day weekend brought the local kennel club's fun match, which I was invited to judge at.  How about that - limited show experience and I'm already judging! LOL  Seriously though, they don't require pros for fun matches, only knowledge of shows and breed standards.  My grooming certifications helped with the latter.  While I only had all of three Toy breeds to judge, it was an interesting experience.  Hopefully I did a satisfactory job; I think it went fairly well.  A perk - I received an Iris (my favorite flower!) as a thank you gift.  How cool is that?  I also met up with a Cocker breeder who I'd previously talked with about contest dogs, so it was great to chat in person.  Seemed to be serendipitous that she was there.  Now to find the time to get together for some grooming!

The next Saturday was a break from dog stuff, as I had a wedding to go to, but after that came Memorial Day weekend.  Along with family stuff, we caught some of a Disc Dog trial in CT.  While I didn't get to see as much as I'd hoped, what I did watch was very cool.  Got some great pictures, and talked with really nice people.  The atmosphere was quite comfortable and laid back.  Beautiful venue as well (Wickham Park).  I'm now looking forward to trying some frisbee work with my dog, and knowing me I'll end up competing in that sport too... or maybe pass the disc to my dad or niece to handle! :-D

From NH to CT on Saturday, then back to NH on Sunday, and once again I turn around Monday and head to MA.  Jillian held the first APAW fundraiser, which went off very well.  The music was fantastic, and the demos were excellent.  Poodles everywhere... couldn't ask for more!  I did a mini-grooming lesson; my first time "teaching" for an audience.  At least a couple people found it helpful, and I definitely learned some things about presentation, and things I'll do differently next time.  But overall it went pretty well, I think.  Thanks for the opportunity, Jillian! :-)

Finally, last weekend (end of May) brought a second UKC show, which unfortunately I was unable to attend.  I did however groom my friend's Poodle again for the show (and babysit her boys while she was away, plus give them a makeover).  Much better trim on the puppy than at the last UKC event, and it paid off!  She breezed through each show as winner, and earned her CH title by the third ring time!  Didn't beat the adult in the 4th, going for Grand, but there's always next time.  This week she'll be going into Continental trim (which I'm setting from scratch - oh boy!), and once grown out a bit, I'm told she'll be unstoppable.  I'm just excited to be her "exclusive" show groomer. ;-)

Next up: sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for puppies to be born!!

Intergroom 2009

So this is a first... I went to a grooming convention and didn't attend any seminars!  *gasp*  I know, shocking, esp. with all the pushing I do for continuing education.  However, I certainly can't say I didn't learn anything!  Grooming competitions in and of themselves are a learning experience, particularly when contestants get critiques from the judges.  You can also pick up little tidbits just walking around the trade show.  Seminars are of course best, but sometimes you truly don't have time for both competing and classes in the same day.  (I'll make up for that at the next convention!)

Apparently I've gone into dog show mode - traveling hundreds of miles just for a scrap of ribbon. LOL  I had hoped to take the opportunity of being back at Intergroom to certify in another group, but unfortunately couldn't find a dog in time.  (Happily, I'm told NDGAA will likely return to RI again this fall, so I may get my chance yet!)  Still, I had that free contest entry from last year's win, so just for fun I took my friend's Standard Poodle. 

We headed south Friday morning for a two night stay, reaching NJ in time to register and do a bit of shopping.  Saturday was grooming day, thankfully an afternoon class, so I had time to relax and eat in the morning before prepping my dog, then competing.  I even had time to pick up a couple more things at the trade show before and after!  I swear the shopping deals alone almost make the trip worthwhile... almost. ;-) 

Everyone probably knows by now that NJ is not my favorite place.  I swore I wouldn't go back for a while after last year, but you know me - got a free ticket (yet again!) so just had to go. LOL  At least this time the trip went smoother, only a couple minor traffic snags, but nothing too stressful.  Even the new hotel was excellent.  I honestly think that was the cleanest room I've ever been in!  Impressive!  I'm actually kinda bummed that they're moving the show (What's up with that?!  After all these years!?) - in 2010 Intergroom will be in northern NJ, just a few miles outside NY City, if I'm reading the map right.  It's nice that it'll be closer to me now (and less travel into NJ, hehe) but too bad they aren't staying with that great hotel.  Hopefully the next one is also clean & comfortable.  But I don't plan on finding out for a few more years... seriously this time. ;-)

The grooming competition - I'm still amazed at the size of the Poodle class.  I'm told there were over 30 groomers in my division alone!  Obviously I had no shot at placing; maybe at a smaller show, but there were some fabulous stylists in that huge crowd.  I didn't make it easy for myself either - my Poodle had four months of growth and of all things was groomed in a modified show trim.  [The HCC (Historically Correct Continental) is a shorter version of what you see in AKC shows, and is closer to what Poodles traditionally wore as working hunting dogs.]  Chaz is a retired show dog, UKC CH, AKC pointed (hey, they told me to get a better dog than last year's rescue Mini! haha) with a coat to die for, so while I won't likely be getting any "points for difficulty" with this boy, it does make my job a lot easier and opens up endless styling opportunities.  (I'll actually be getting creative next, with an original style of my own!) 

Anyway, I'm not entirely solid on the Continental pattern, and as always tend to be a bit slow, so I was ecstatic to do as well as I did.  He actually turned out fairly presentable, and the bracelets were some of the best I've ever done!  I got some wonderful compliments from the judges, so that made me feel good.  Of course the groom was far from perfect, so they also pointed out the snafus.  There were a bunch of little things, like slightly crooked hip poms that weren't round enough (but not terrible considering I had to reset them from scratch!), minor uneven spots here and there, and a somewhat "mushroomy" topknot that even I wasn't happy with.  But overall, good enough to send home without touchups for now.  I tracked down two out of three of the judges for critiques, and the pointers I got will be very helpful come summer when I do a "real" show groom, taking my friend's new show Standard from Puppy coat to adult Continental.  Between the competition/critiques, and Chaz winning BOV twice after I groomed him last year (and even messed up once!) I'm feeling more confident in my show grooming ability.  Can't compare to the real pros, but I'll get there eventually. :-)

Now I'm off to another dog show... I seem to have one every weekend lately!  And I don't even have a dog (yet)!  Scary to think what next year's schedule will be like when I'm showing my own (although that will only bit a little UKC and performance)!  Unfortunately I do have to work Saturdays once in a while too.  LOL 

Next up is a hard-to-come-by UKC weekend tomorrow & Sunday, and then onto the AKC shows...  York County next week, which I'll stop in to watch on Sunday...  After that is a fun match on Mother's Day which I'll actually be judging at!  Should be interesting.  Will have to do a quick brush up on my breed standards...  Then there is a DiscDog trial near East Hartford over Memorial Day weekend which we're planning to make a family outing of... Plus the fundraiser for American Poodles at Work on Memorial Day, which I believe I may be teaching a mini grooming workshop at...  Who knows what else is going on this spring - I can't keep up!  I know one of these weeks I need to find time to get back to studying for my final ISCC tests!  Along with a dozen other things on my to-do list! LOL