I was on cloud nine last Sunday.
Those of you that have been reading my blog know that I've had some difficulty getting in the Christmas Spirit this year. That changed abruptly when I received an invitation to a Christmas get-together at the Barking Dog Ranch in nearby Apache Junction, AZ.
This was not just any get-together mind you! This was a Christmas luncheon for a group of Phoenix area friends, lovers and owners of English Cocker Spaniels AND their dogs!!
Why was attending the party such a big deal for me? Well, twenty some years ago, give or take a few, I was deep in the middle of the AKC dog show conformation world and English Cocker Spaniels are my 'breed'. I was not a big time breeder or competitor but I am proud to say that I produced a few Champion dogs. As I no longer breed or compete in the show ring anymore, I have only one ECS left and Alfie is back home in Indiana. Every winter I spend in Arizona I go through withdrawals for this special breed.
I can't explain how devoted to English Cockers that one can become. It just occurs. There is something unique about them. Their long silky ears, zany antics, merry attitudes. And so much more!
So when Sunday came along, I could hardly wait to attend the Christmas gathering. Yep......it was kinda like a kid on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa to come.
Isn't that the most beautiful mush face you've ever seen!!!
The black and white puppy with his back to us is about 3 months old.
And his better side!
Ok, I have to show some of the two-legged attendees too!
More humans!
The host of the event, Dave Kaubisch.
THIS is what it's all about, right Marla?!
How many dogs can you count?
Dinner is served (with just a few ECs underfoot)! English Cockers are such chow hounds they are just waiting for someone to drop food on the floor!
The food was outstanding! Turkey, ham and so much more.
Our wonderful Host and Hostess at Barking Dog Ranch, Terry and Dave Kaubisch.
It doesn't get much better than this. Relaxing with your best pal on your lap after a wonderful meal and the Superstition Mountains behind you.
Gathering after desert and coffee.
And for the finale.......this was the best desert!
Such a great time was had by all. Dave and Terry were awesome for opening their home and providing such a wonderful meal. Humans went home full, dogs were exhausted. And me.....I went home with.....visions of English Cocker Spaniels dancing in my head!
There is something about dogs that just make me happy. Glad you had a wonderful time. The dogs are beauties by the way.
ReplyDeleteTesting...did my comment come through?
ReplyDeleteNope, I forget that you have to go back to the bottom of the page again and do a WV.
The first comment was so wonderful, I don't know if I can duplicate it!
I love the breed and love the chocolate color.
It is good to see a group dedicated to this dog and its proper breeding. It has become increasingly difficult to find English or American Cockers that are without genetic problems, due, I believe, to those who breed nonselectively for the dollar and not the dog.
I shall remember this time to go back and verify.
Glad you had a wonderful time.
Merry Christmas!
I am so glad you had a good time. You definatly needed it. I think that would be my favorite kind of party. But I have 3 different kind of dogs so two would be left out. That would be a bummer. Who keeps your dog while you are away for the winter? I think that would be enough to bum me out at Christmas. I am glad you are in the spirit and I hope it continues.
ReplyDeleteI too have to remember to go back and verify the comment. I made a comment yesterday and didn't go back a do the word thingie and ran out of time before I went to work. I told myself that I would re do it when I got home. I couldn't remember my clever comments no matter how long I thought. Oh well, I generally am not clever, I am used to it. Have a good day.
Karen glad you had a great time! They do have a very sweet mush face :) I can't help but notice that the weather looks right up my alley out there right now. We have snow and freezing rain heading our way Friday.
ReplyDeleteCool cookies!
Oh HoneyS!
ReplyDeleteKaren ~
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to attend to help get you in the Christmas spirit.
We each have our "breed", don't we? It's funny how a breed can speak to a person. The ECS sure are adorable.
Hugs :)
Lauren
Sounds like a great time. I'm another one who has had a particular breed speak to her. It's Standard Poodles for me, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't love to be surrounded by a gaggle of ECS - they are wonderful dogs.
ReplyDeleteLove Standard Poodles. When our public boarding kennel was open we had two that were regulars with us. I'd have a Standard anytime!
ReplyDelete