by Penny Pyrbred
Wow! Doesn't it seem a little warm for April? This is Penny's sarcastic way of pointing out that the humans are just getting around to publishing the April issue of the Pyr-A-Scoop in June! Rumor has it that one of our editors partied too much at the National Specialty and is still recovering, although the humans are trying to blame El Nino. In any case, Penny has had to keep updating her column.
And speaking of the National Specialty, it was a real western extravaganza according to Penny's sources. These sources include Forest Wilson, an 8 week-old Pyr Shep from Canada, who reportedly flew to Phoenix in his mom's purse and got to go to all the meetings, but missed the Pyrenean Ball because it was past his bedtime. For coverage of the evening events we rely on Justine Cole, a charming young bitch from Oregon who bunked down in the infamous "Room 176." Our sources are somewhat remote because, as far as Penny can determine, not one Penn-Dutch Pyr made it to Phoenix.
This did not prevent lots of Penn-Dutch people from attending and having more fun than humans were ever intended to have. Whitney Coombs, Maureen Simon and Janet Ingram went "native" and donned western attire for the humans' banquet, which was an outdoor western barbecue (click here for photos). Room 176 became famous because Sue King from California served up the best Margaritas in Arizona while Nancy Cole (Justine's mom) demonstrated lots of neat magnetic gizmos to help the aging human or Pyr keep limber. Rumor has it that Maureen Simon was permanently magnetized, so watch out when you get close to her. Your show collar or rabies tag could end up stuck to some part of her anatomy.
The Arizona Pyrs hosted a blowout western shindig of their own for the visiting canines, and everyone had a great time, although Penny remains dubious about the appeal of chili flavored Milk Bones. Justine made some new friends, and we hope she will make it to an East coast National someday soon so the Penn-Dutch Pyrs will get a chance to meet her.
Oh, yes. There was a dog show. The people crowned CH Winterwood Summerhill Bingo, a 9 1/2 year-old bitch, the fairest Pyr in the land (a blow for veteran bitches everywhere), and selected the studly Supreme (CH Rivergroves You Be the Judge) as Best of Opposite Sex (click here for photos).
While some folks were off at the National in Phoenix, Penn-Dutch Pyrs kicked fuzzy Pyrenean butt here in the East in the Cherry Blossom Circuit of shows. Both Woody Simon (Rivergrove Whitehope Woodsman) and Woody Manwiller (Pyrdom's Wood If I Could) obtained their championships, as did Gunner Migas (Maranatha's Cold Blue Steel). Cheryl Seigfried-Champion's and Nancy Coombs' Cory took a Group 1 at the South Hampton KC Show, and a Group 3 and a Group 4 at the Harrisburg shows. Way to go, guys!
For those not inclined to competition, May 3rd brought the Chester County SPCA Dog Walk in Exton, PA. Penn-Dutch had a very successful educational display organized by Patti and Jeff Bechtel, assisted by Karl and Ann Edinger, Fred Unger and an assortment of Penn-Dutch Pyrs. This was followed on May 16th by a very successful Walk-in-the-Woods at Nockamixon Park, again organized by the Bechtels. While Penny prefers more urban entertainment, she understands that both Pyrs and people had a very enjoyable day.
The next big event on the Penn-Dutch calendar is the Pyrenean Fun Day, Saturday, July 25th in Lancaster Central Park. At press time the details are still being worked out, but lots of fiendishly clever canine games are promised. This is always the highlight of the summer for Penn-Dutch Pyrs, so Penny hopes to see lots of you there (bring your people, too). Sasha Denyer, our foreign correspondent from across the pond in England, is sending her folks over to take part in the fun, so be sure to give them a warm, Penn-Dutchie welcome. Alas, Sasha herself won't be coming due to Britain's strict quarantine laws which would require her to cool her heels in a kennel for 6 months upon returning to the UK.
The Denyers are reputed to be bringing some really neat Pyr-related items from the Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club gift shop for donation to the silent auction, so bring your wallets!
Fall brings Penn-Dutch's 10th Anniversary Regional Specialty, Saturday, September 12th, at Macungie Memorial Park (near Allentown). Whether you show or not, come out and cheer our entries, and then stay for the after-show festivities. Show Chair, Dianne Migas, has lots of treats in store for Penn-Dutchies and our guests from around the country.
Then for the rugged outdoorsPyrs, there is the Fall Walk-in-the-Woods scheduled for October 17th at Nockamixon State Park. Penny probably won't be attending, but then, you never know.
With this issue Penn-Dutch begins a year-long celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Club. Beginning with the inspiration of a few people enjoying a tailgate party after a dog show, Penn-Dutch has grown to be the largest regional club affiliated with the Great Pyrenees Club of America. Even in the five years Penny has been associated with the Club, she has seen it grow in size and vitality. So, to all the Penn-Dutchies, past and present, fuzzy and not so fuzzy, Happy Anniversary!
Enjoy the summer.
