BSCA National Specialty Report 2002 

by Kathy Lang 

Day One – April 2

Our trip started on Tuesday.   My traveling companions, Annette Sullivan and her 8-year old daughter, Alyssa, brought their two dogs (Baccarre’ & Passion) and all their luggage to my house mid-morning.  Since I live 10 minutes from the airport, they left their car at my house and I took them to the airport for their flight.   Monica had the day off from work so she generously offered to take me and may gang (Crystal & Flame) to the airport.  It had been a couple of years since my last dog-flying adventure, and I had not flown at all since 9-11, so I was a little apprehensive.   

Check-in at Sea-Tac took a little while.   Not that the lines were all that long, but the delay was due to the fact that I had to un-strap my grooming tub from my crate dolly because the two together would not fit through the x-ray machine.   (All luggage was x-rayed both coming and going.  Some people even had to have their empty dog crates x-rayed.)   Thank goodness Monica was there to help with that ordeal!    To make matters worse, my crate dolly-grooming tub combination was overweight (the tub contents included a full bag of dog food), so I had to pay an additional fee.   (The dogs consumed enough food on the trip that I did not have that problem on the return home!) 

I changed the way I “lock” the dogs in their crates from the last time I flew dogs, and was happy with the new system.  (Instead of using a strap to keep the crate closed in the event it gets dropped or a baggage handler decides to open the door to pet the puppies, I drilled holes in the kennel near the door (top & bottom) and used nylon cable ties to lock the dogs in.   In case of emergency, it would have been easy enough to cut the ties to open the doors.   I carried nail clippers (human kind) with me to cut the ties on arrival in Dallas.   (Fortunately they were not confiscated by security.) 

I also used a new type of “tape” to mark my crates plus all my checked baggage & grooming tub.   It was much more visible than the old tape I used to use.   (FYI, I found wide black & yellow striped ‘CAUTION’ tape at Office Depot.   It’s a heavy duty vinyl tape that held up well.)   An American Airlines agent also commented that the tape made it easy to know what went together (which bags were mine). 

Once the dogs were taken away and my baggage was cleared, I made the trek through security to the gate.   (If you know Sea-Tac Airport, you know the American Airlines gate is quite a walk.)   I was one of the lucky folks who had to remove my shoes and have them, plus my carry-on bag, “swabbed” and analyzed for explosives.  I always carry color photos of my dogs, so it was easy to show the gate attendants and the pilots cute photos of the girls as I asked them to confirm that my dogs were loaded.   Again, I was fortunate in that I was always able to see my crates loaded before I had to board the plane.   

The flight to Dallas was pleasant, particularly because the flight was not full and there was plenty of room to spread out.   Since Annette & Alyssa arrived before me, they had time to get the rental mini-van and have the backseat removed.  (Once we got to the hotel we took out one of the middle row bucket seats, too, so we had plenty of room.)   Those of you who know how masterful a packer I am would have been truly impressed with Annette’s master packer abilities.   We only had to break down one dog crate (and have that dog ride loose in the passenger seat on my lap) and strap two of the three crate dollies to the roof rack.   Everything else fit INSIDE the Dodge minivan.  Impressive! 

It was quite late by the time we found the Harvey Hotel, and well after midnight by the time we got to bed.   The Harvey is a huge complex and we got a kick out of the other groups who were also meeting there, especially the Southwest Airlines flight attendant trainees and a group of educators of the blind, which included Leader Dogs and several blind handlers and their dogs. 

We were on the third floor of the hotel, at the opposite end of the complex from the dog potty areas, so the dogs got lots of practice riding in elevators and trotting through hotel hallways, meeting and greeting dog & non-dog people.   Baccarre’ and his daughters were perfect traveling companions and ambassadors for the Belgian breed.   At times Flame & Crystal were TOO friendly, trying to jump on everyone they passed…and not everyone in Texas likes dogs!   Oh well…their loss! 

Day Two – April 3 

We had to get up way too early (before 6 am) to head out to the herding trials, which were about 45 minutes away.  The weather was WINDY WINDY WINDY and COLD COLD COLD (record low high temperatures for early April).  Good thing I at least took my Gor-Tex jacket and one polar fleece sweater!   Fortunately the trials were indoors – no heat but protection from the wind. 

There was a morning trial and an afternoon trial, with some really nice herding Belgians and a few wild ones.  I was so PROUD of Passion…she passed the first leg of her PT (Pre-Trial) in the morning and she came oh-so-close to earning her second (and final) PT leg in the afternoon.   The PT test is hard for dogs just getting started herding, and even harder for puppies like Passion.  The test requires the dog to move 5 sheep around the perimeter of the arena (approximately 100 x 70) in a U-shape.   The sheep must be moved between panels that are about 10 feet away from the perimeter fencing, and at the opposite end of the “U” the dog must hold the stock in place to demonstrate control.   The time is not dictated, but the handlers strive for 30 seconds or so…which means in order for the sheep to be still the dog must be still!   Once the stock are turned around and they retrace their steps, the dog must hold them at the starting point while the handler opens the gate so the dog can pen the stock.   This is where the judge failed Passion in the second trial.   The judge felt Passion should have held the stock quiet for a longer time before penning them.  Oh well…Passion had so much fun and everyone was impressed at what this little 11 month old puppy could do. 

Baccarre’ started out well in the Intermediate level, but did not finish either of his attempts due to some “prolonged pooping” in the herding arena.   (It’s not a failure for the dog to eliminate in the arena, but he must do it quickly and get back to work immediately.)   Annette was very pleased with his progress and the control he’s gained over the past year. 

I have not spent enough time herding Flame & Crystal to even dream of attempting their PTs.   They are WILD and love to see the sheep move.   Maybe next year.   They had a good time watching dad & sis and going for walks around the fairgrounds with Alyssa.   After a long, dusty & cold day we had an early dinner and went to bed. 

Day Three – April 4 

This was the day of the two agility trials, held back at the same fairgrounds as herding.   I opted to stay behind at the hotel and do all of our ironing in preparation for conformation & sweepstakes.   Unfortunately Baccarre’ did not qualify in agility due to dropped bars.   But Annette was pleased with his performance.   Afterwards, Annette dropped off the dogs and Alyssa so she could go to the airport and pick up Rachelle Bailey, her friend Ed and their two dogs.   Alyssa and the dogs and I had a nice, relaxing afternoon, which included Alyssa giving me lessons on playing Nintendo Game Boy Advance. 

The funniest thing of the day was when Crystal managed to escape out the hotel room door.   She was out visiting two ladies when I caught up with her in the hallway.  I apologized and as I was whisking her back into the room one of the ladies asked if she could “come out and play.”  I said “sure, but let me get her leash.”   Before I could get a leash on her, the lady was knocking on our door, so I invited her in to play with all four dogs.   Turned out the lady was an educator attending the blind conference, had dogs at home and missed them so she just wanted a puppy dog fix.   We were glad to oblige. 

Day Four – April 5 

The first obedience trial started at 9:00 am at the hotel.   An area of the parking lot was blocked off and three baby-gated rings were set up.   The weather was great…partly cloudy with temperatures in the 60s and very little wind.  There was a nice entry in obedience, with all the regular and non-regular classes offered including brace, team and pre-novice.   I had mentioned to Annette how nice it was to NOT be competing in obedience, how I could actually sit and watch, when she dropped the bomb on me.   Her team needed an alternate (one of their members was sick with the flu) and I was voted in.   So, only a few minutes after meeting my new dog (whose name was Crystal, by the way, and whose age was 11 years young), we entered the ring as Women in Black.   We left the ring as winners (we were the only team), and my new Crystal did a nice job of heeling & staying for me.   Unfortunately she did the drop on recall on her mom’s commands.   Her owner, Julie Hite, was also in the ring with her other dog, Reina. 

Because Team was the last obedience class, and Sweepstakes judging started soon after, it was a RUSH to get the girls ready for Sweeps, but we made it.   Julie Hite was kind enough to handle my Crystal in Sweeps, and they did a fine job together…again, considering they had just met and mom (me) was behind them in catalog order.   Annette cooked beef heart and brought it along for bait (we had a frig in the room).   I should have “tested” Flame on it before entering the ring.   She LOVED it so much she ripped my finger open just moments after we entered the ring.   I asked spectators for assistance and they came through with enough Kleenex to get me once around the ring with the group before bandaging my wound.  (Of course they only had children’s Band-Aids, so my pastel flower power Band-Aid went well with my pastel blazer and slacks.)    

Flame showed GREAT ANIMATION in the ring and won many admirers for her jumping & leaping, followed by beautiful free-stacking and baiting.  Passion was the well-behaved one of our group, and looked absolutely beautiful.   Crystal spent more time stacking backwards, but pro handler that she is, Julie covered it up nicely!  In the end, a lovely puppy bred by Washington’s own Lorra Miller won the class, followed by Passion in second and Flame in third place.   Not bad for a quality entry of eleven 9-12 puppy bitches!   Passion won $24.00 & a trophy & rosette and Flame won $14.00 plus a trophy & rosette…so we were quite happy with our little girls!   

Day Five – April 6 

Obedience Trial #2 started at 9:00 am in questionable-looking weather.   The rain started mid-morning and before the trial was over it had turned into quite a downpour.   Fortunately there was covered space for the spectators; however, the conditions for the final hour of judging were MISERABLE.   Thankfully I was NOT called into duty for this day’s Team competition, as it included a couple of different dogs than the previous day and everyone was healthy.   Their theme was “Witches & Warlocks” and their costumes included witches hats & black capes for the handlers, and witches Halloween costumes for the dogs (hats & capes made specifically for dogs).   

In spite of the rain, the Team did a great job and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.   At the conclusion of obedience judging the remaining ring was moved indoors to a hotel ballroom, and that’s where the regular classes were judged for the remainder of the weekend.   (Good thing, too.   The weather went from bad to worse!) 

All the dog classes were judged on Saturday, followed by Winners Dog and then the bitch classes through American Bred.   We had plenty of time to groom and dress, and it was quite wonderful to be able to groom in the room, and then take a short elevator ride to the ring.   Unfortunately the East Coast judge for the regular classes preferred a different “type” so even though our girls were as stunningly beautiful as the previous day, they did not place.  And I’m happy to report that there was no bloodshed in the ring…Flame kept her teeth to herself.   Julie did another fine job of handling Crystal…in fact, we thought she was going to place, since the judge preferred smaller, more refined bitches.   At the end of our class we were lamenting the fact that Alda Weaver did not bring Rain to the National.    This judge would have LOVED Rain!  Oh well! 

The weather continued to worsen and we enjoyed a night filled with rain and thunder and lightening.   The dogs did fine, we had our Gor-Tex and judging was indoors, so no big deal.  Until the forecast for the next day included major storms and the possibility of tornadoes! 

Day Six – April 7 

Sunday’s judging started at 9:00 am with Open Bitches, followed by Winners Bitch, the Veterans classes and Best of Breed competition.   I made sure to get a front row seat and took lots of notes.   Best of Breed was split between dogs and bitches and several rounds of cuts were made.  Baccarre’ and Annette looked wonderful, but again, the judge was looking for more refinement.   In the end, Lorra Miller’s “Dana” won her second National by going Best of Breed.   Lorra is such a gracious winner and Dana is such a lovely bitch – everyone was thrilled for them. 

After judging 65 specials the judge took a brief break and then we were back in the ring for Stud Dog class.  Alyssa handled Baccarre’ while Annette handled Passion and I handled Crystal.   We elected to leave Flame in the room (only two get are required to be shown) since we already knew this judge didn’t care for Flame’s type or animation.   In the end, Baccarre’ and the girls earned second place and a long, fun week was coming to a close. 

By mid-afternoon the weather had turned downright nasty.   DFW (Dallas Airport) received close to three inches of rain in one hour and the storms were so severe that the airport was closed for several hours.  (In addition, the TV news reported that DFW had a security breach requiring the emptying of an American terminal…more about that, later!)   Because tornado warnings were posted for our area, Lorra’s 8 and 10 year old boys joined Alyssa in our hotel room for an evening of pizza, Nintendo and TV while we enjoyed the banquet downstairs.   Lorra gave the kids one walkie-talkie and we had the other one at our table, plus Lorra’s husband and Annette made frequent visits to check on the kids.   At one point the kids had moved the mattress off Annette’s bed and made a fort to “save” them from the tornado.   By this time the dogs were so exhausted they slept through all the excitement of the weather and the kids! 

The Parade of Titleholders was held during the first portion of the Banquet on Sunday night and it was wonderful to see the dozens of great dogs (including Baccarre’ and Annette) and to hear the heartfelt statements written by each dog’s owner and read to the audience during the parade.   The show committee had prepared more gifts for all of us attending the banquet – stainless steel dog water buckets filled with treats, wrapped in patriotic cellophane and tied up with a bow.   (That was just one of many wonderful touches throughout the week.   The committee gave us all gift bags when we arrived, filled with all sorts of goodies and a terrific wind-up plush sheep toy for the dogs, and the hospitality room had lots of food, beverages and other treats.) 

The Banquet agenda included a wonderful dinner (yes, it was really good!), as well as speeches, thank you’s, awards and comments from the Sweepstakes and Conformation judges.   I appreciated the fact that both judges commented specifically on the depth of quality in their 9-12 puppy bitch classes.   

I must say that I came away from the Banquet proud to be a member of the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America.  I am so proud of the breed and so appreciative of a Board and Membership that truly values beauty and brains in one package.   More than half of the specials had performance titles, and many of those had OTCHs, UDXs, plus advanced agility, herding and tracking titles.   Many of the obedience entries – not just in Novice, but in Open & Utility – were breed champions.   A perfect example was “Kutter” who is currently the #1 conformation Belgian in the country.  Kutter has his CDX, herding and agility titles.   He was a member of the Witches & Warlocks team and he exhibited in obedience, herding and agility.   On top of all that, he went Select.   “Dana,” Lorra’s Best of Breed winner, is another example of a dog who does it all, with a CDX and advanced agility and herding titles. 

Day 7 – April 8 

The alarm went off at 6 am.   We left the hotel at 8 am, as my flight was scheduled to leave at 11 am.   The American Airlines automated phone system warned us to be at the airport two hours early because of delays from the previous day.   I found the end of the line about 8:45 am.  Annette & Alyssa were able to stay with my dogs for most of the two hours that I stood in line to check in.   Then they had to leave to get back to the hotel, pack, check out and return for their 4 pm flight.   

Needless to say, I did not make the 11 am flight.   Passengers whose flights had been cancelled the previous afternoon and evening spent the night at the airport…there were cots scattered everywhere.  Fortunately, passengers and airline employees managed to maintain good humor throughout. 

The ticket agent told me I could switch to the 12:40 departure, but would have to fly standby.  I told her that was not acceptable, as I was flying with dogs.   After a lengthy conversation with a supervisor, I was granted a seat on the 12:40 flight, and guaranteed the dogs would be on board, as well.   After another round of x-raying bags, the grooming tub and a visual inspection of the dog crates (they wanted to x-ray them, but the girls had already been “locked” in…), I headed for my gate at 11:10.   

Now, let me set the stage.   My original flight was to depart from Gate C-26, which is where I checked in.  My new flight departed from Gate B-2.   By the time I got to the Security checkpoint, the line was shorter, and I did not have to remove my shoes or undergo further testing.   I was told to take the train to the B terminal; however, the trains were not working due to damage from the storm.  A little old lady at the information stand told me I COULD walk to my gate, but it would take me 45 minutes or more, so she flagged down a handicapped electric cart and got me a ride on it with a family headed to the A terminal.   After a 15 minute ride I was dropped off at a major intersection where I was instructed to go up the escalator, and several rounds of moving sidewalks to my gate. 

I finally made it to Gate B-2 about 11:30.   I had NO IDEA that DFW was so huge, or that it is now the THIRD BUSIEST AIRPORT IN THE U.S.  The sign at the counter indicated I was at the wrong place, but the agent said the computer display was not working (again, due to the storm).  I was, in fact, in the right location.  After grabbing a quick lunch at a nearby S’Barro pizza stand, I returned to my gate to wait.  When the flight crew arrived, I took my photo over, introduced myself to the pilot and first officer, talked dogs and asked them to make sure the girls got on board. 

Again, I was fortunate in that I saw my clearly marked crates and bags loaded, and the pilot confirmed the girls were aboard when I passed the cockpit on boarding.   Finally, I was home free (or so I thought).   A mechanical delay caused our actual departure to be 1:35 pm (about an hour late…2.5 hours later than I had expected when I made the reservations!   (The mechanical trouble was a bracket that holds the galley waste container in place…can’t fly without a galley garbage can!   Oh well!) 

Luck was still with me, in that the weather was mild.   Although the sun was peeking through the clouds, it was not hot, so I didn’t have to worry about the girls overheating while we sat at the gate.   When we finally pushed back, taxied for miles and eventually took off, I was so exhausted I paid $4 for a beer to help me relax!   Even though the plane was packed, it was a pleasant flight, due in part to American Airline’s seating configuration.   They really DO provide more leg room and it was the most “spacious” MD-80 I’ve ever flown on! 

We had a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier and South Puget Sound on our final approach.  Monica was kind enough, once again, to meet me at baggage claim.   The girls were thirsty, but their typical happy, outgoing selves as we waited for Monica to bring the van around.   They made friends with the bicycle police officer and the baggage claim agent who happened to be a neighbor of my old vet, Dr. Kruger.   (It really is a small world!) 

We were home by 5 pm and I was back at the airport at 6:15 to pick up Annette and Alyssa.   They had the luxury of flying first class round-trip (thanks to frequent flyer points earned by a generous relative!), and with their later departure, they experienced none of the lines or delays that I had leaving Dallas.   Their trip home was totally uneventful. 

Overall, it was a great trip! 

It had been several years since my last Belgian National, so it was good to see the new generation of great dogs.   I had the pleasure of meeting Linda McCartey in person for the first time (Linda and her Rolin Ridge dogs appear frequently in my puppies’ pedigree and Linda was a generous mentor leading up to the breeding and has been a wonderful supporter ever since).   I also met Barb Trezza (Barb actually temperament tested Tyler’s litter for me in Pennsylvania so that I could choose a puppy via video 7+ years ago, AND she was Tika’s breeder.   Tika is Keeper’s mom.)  Barb was generous with her time as I consulted with her prior to the Tyler X Tika breeding and during the time afterward when I ended up “repossessing” Keeper from the woman who bred Tika to Tyler.   She, too, was pleased to see that her side of the pedigree had helped produce nice puppies. 

It was great to see people I hadn’t seen in a while, and meet new Belgian friends, including Joyce Havens & Michael Winter who also have Rolin Ridge dogs and are in the process of moving from Arizona to Port Angeles.   Once they get settled I’ll introduce them to Rosa’s family (Rosa is another Keeper X Baccarre’ baby), who are in Sequim. 

Baccarre’s dad, Monte, was also there showing in both conformation and obedience, so we got to take a three-generation photo of Monte, Bac & the girls.   I’ll post photos to the website once Annette gets them developed. 

BSCA National will be HERE in 2004 

We managed to get our core group together for a couple of brief meetings at the hotel in Dallas, and have board approval to host the National in the Pacific Northwest in 2004.   I look forward to helping put on a great National in two years. 

I hope you enjoyed my report, and I highly recommend that everyone take the time to attend their breed’s National Specialty at least once.  

Thanks to all my students who had to miss a week of classes due to my trip (and the week before due to my bout with the flu).   Thanks to everyone at FDTC who kept the business running smoothly in my absence, to Mary Berry and Cathy Horrocks for dog sitting and to Monica Miller for airport assistance! 

As soon as our Sweepstakes photos arrive, I’ll get them posted to my website!   

It was a fun trip, but as always, it’s good to be home! 

Kathy