Mountain Rendezvous 75th Diamond RRCUS National Specialty by Ann Miller

[Karen]

Ann asked that I post this for her. There will be three segments, I will post the first after this introduction.

Thank you so much Ann for your contribution and sharing the experience with all of us.

Karen
____________________________________________________


I came back from the Mountain Rendezvous 75th Diamond RRCUS National Specialty in Utah. Full of good intentions to write immediately and share my experiences at this enjoyable show. I am tardy  due to 3 of 5 surgeries to repair a fragmented jaw and neck vertebrae injuries inflicted by a drunk driver and came to the show regardless with missing my front pearly whites.  The views I write are my own bits and pieces of a shows' tapestry that I observed and enjoyed. I have divided it into 3 parts due to length But I strongly feel that so very little has been written about this show which required hours and hours of volunteer effort, So I write for the volunteers in appreciation for all their hard work for our enjoyment. I begin with a short synopsis of the Mormon State of Utah this extraordinary beautiful place and its hospitable people.

Ann Miller


Farmington, Utah was the show site on the Diamond Anniversary of 75th RRCUS National Specialty 2006.

State of Utah was established by Mormons.
The Church of the Latter Day Saints was founded 1830 by America's first prophet and  visionary Joseph Smith  in Nauvoo Ill, who was  martyred 1844. One of the most incredible journeys in American history for the Mormons began from Nauvoo to Utah a beautiful State,  Salt Lake City its Capital founded by Brigham Young. Magnificent Mormon temples always built on the highest appropriate landmark of marble stone and granite with distinctive six-spire design-the total design portrays the Church as "a light to the world," with its golden Guardian Angel Moroni  blowing a a horn atop with  the three pinnacle towers to the east representing the Melchizedek Priesthood leadership, and those to the west, the Aaronic Priesthood leadership. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir  is celebrated and heralded among the  best in the world all testaments of Spirit.! Mormon youth are required to 'go out and serve' for  2 years as missionaries in places around the world. Mormon Universities and education cent!
ers and landmarks include the much visited Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii The Mormon Church in its vaults has the largest and only complete genealogy records of trace lineage as far back as Christ's apostles. Includes the Americas and countries world wide that are available to the general public.
Utah's dramatic solitude of snow capped mountains and canyon lands with exquisite red rock formations, a  pristine paradise of scenic wilderness with rivers, cascading waterfalls and parklands are a naturalist dream. Utah is a semi dry regarding alcohol and a small minority of fundamentalist practice plural marriage  Of importance Utah's population is ranked  as the most  hospitable (no person is a stranger) among its inhabitants in the United States as was evident at this Specialty. Population of Utah is less than that of Brooklyn  NY with 2 million plus, with a diversity of languages spoken.

Show Committee 'Mountain Rendezvous'
Deserves the highest accolades with only 10 months  to prepare with only  five RRCUS members in the State for this Specialty a remarkable achievement for one of the most congenial and enjoyable shows. Show Co -Chairs Erin Coogan  and Susan Ralston, always with welcoming smiles. MaryAnne Draper (hospitality/accounting), Sally Swenson (agility), Jim Harrison/Mollee Lamb/Kathy Thompson/Kirsten Timms/Howie Bailiff (lure coursing), Mary Lynne Elliott (Top 20), Linda Siplon (decorations), Bonnie Louden (Ways and Means), Debbie Lappat (volunteer extraordinaire ), Deborah Adams (Endurance Trial) and the RRCUS Board of Directors, Nora Nieminski designed the logo.The bountiful fund raising raffle gift baskets provided through the generosity regional clubs.They all provided us who attended this show with 5 days of  Ridgeback, sweet times from aromatherapy to calm nerves and lift our spirits during the day to entertaining assemblies at sundown. With theTop Twenty a show and party which wi!
ll stay in memory  as the best we have attended. Where mandatory RR robotic performances for the judges turned to joyful exuberance to the beat of a DJ's hip music  brought us laughter. The RR performances were followed by owners, exhibitors and spectators uninhibited dancing. (description to follow) As the saying goes "it takes a village to put on a good show"

Show Site
Farmington a small picturesque town at an altitude above 5000 feet  with the upper elevations of late winter snows on the above mountains. At a corner of the the fair grounds a show site for our beloved Ridgebacks.  A meadow of vigorous green grasses with  a bursts  of spring's first glitter here and there of bright yellow dandelions. The early morning bustle around the show ring where one enjoyed the parade of male exhibitors jackets which rivaled a peacocks plume, In vivid colors of  emerald greens, purple, gold, cobalt blue and various shades of pinks to bright raspberry with African motif ties. On the grounds white, yellow  and green 'easy ups'  apparitions mushroomed ringside, along with our anticipation and dreams of what was yet to come.The variations in weather as the sky threw  enormous tumbling clouds before the capricious chill winds, that wafted at intervals down the mountainsides and obscured and peeled away the hot  bursts of the sun's intensity. Which had redden!
ed many a fair skin  and gleaned the warmth from old bones and where the rain splashed in intervals rather than poured. It was in the fast flow of day mocking whimsical weather at an  enjoyable show.

Judges
One had sheer admiration for  the Puppy Sweepstakes Judge Helen Hayak and  Regular Conformation Judge Frank De Paulo who strode into the ring perhaps an 'Italian Count'  dapper in an immaculate tailored suit that rivaled Humphrey Bogart's  in Casa Blanca  Both judges had to select from and overwhelming choice in the depth and quality of the Ridgebacks exhibited at this Specialty. Admiration also for exhibitors the breeders/owner handlers and professional handlers who strode in confidently with many a worthy RR. Ah! !!! but  nothing in life is perfect and sprinkled in there were the minority of pretenders with, straight shoulders ( misplaced scapula ) cow hocked, tails with a kink, dippy top lines and high set sailing tails with owners proud to exhibit them, oblivious to their Ridgebacks faults. I gulped at paying 20 dollars for a catalogue not once but 2 times as it  vanished into thin air.

Hotel
Those of us who lodged at the host hotel, the staff accommodating and we enjoyed extra large comfortable rooms with all the amenities but, much too close to the all night rumbling of trucks and without a restaurant. Breakfast was gratis and self service with juice from a dispenser, cold hard boiled eggs, make your own toast and butter it with a plastic knife, dry cereal, and tasteless coffee poured and drunk from paper cups in a dismal setting of red plastic table and chrome chairs. In the room special order menus from local restaurants. Guests at the Hampton Inn had much better fair at breakfast with fresh scrambled eggs hot biscuits, sausages and gravy.

PART 2 The  Veteran Sweeps Part 3 The ConformationShow and Top Twenty.

Ann Miller
rajataru@earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.

[Karen]

Best in Sweeps Veteran
There were poignant moments as Veteran Sweeps Judge Helen Hayak. svelte in a black evening pantsuit reminiscent of Hepburn began  judging  these very special veteran show dogs aged from 7 to 12 years. She was the oldest veteran and hence the last Ridgeback to enter the show ring. Her tailored fur coat molded her beautiful aging Ridgeback bones and she was a bit sleepy under the artificial lights. It was late past her bedtime, when she entered alone in her class with her owner handler Joe Piot .( he with knee replacements.) Yet  one could see  the depth within the special bond of love between them. Applause by the crowd had greeted each veteran and now a standing ovation greeted her as the oldest. Reassured she brushed away the cobwebs of sleep and remembered a time long ago in her youth, when she was in her prime with many accomplishments. Her natural instinct to perform timeless, as her ears perked to frame a lovely face and pace quickened as her silhouette slowly glided effo!
rtlessly across the floor of the show ring. She stopped and looked up with irresistible limpid  eyes at  the judge. As if to say 'I did my best for you tonight'  and asked for the ribbon it was indeed a very special moment. Many a heart melted as we held our breath for there were so many outstanding veterans each one a  potential deserving winner in the VS ring,  for there is radiance in old age. Many a tear in eyes as Helen Hayak walked towards her and awarded her with  'Best Veteran in Sweeps' to the oldest Ridgeback veteran shown it was indeed a lovely win for  Dual Champion Wardi's Amini Rafiki MC ( master courser) aged twelve years. 

Salute to Courage within our Ridgeback realm.
There is a quiet grit and grace an inspiring element within  our Ridgeback society whom attended this Specialty pursuing their life dreams..  Their journey already into the realm of the unknown  of a catastrophe melancholia disease cancer. Brought with it fatigue which sapped all their strenght.With miserable sensations from the  life saving flow of chemical liquids into their veins in consequence that provided hope for their future. No outward sign but a new hairdo, without movement in the breeze, no scented  pomade or spray to mask and  cover what  had been taken away.
Their  individual inner dignity and eternal courage and endurance as they made no concessions for themselves through the rituals and rigors of this highly contested 2006 competition showing their own Ridgebacks. Maureen Tauber, Jillyn Meyers (who showed us that bald is indeed beautiful and tossed her wig in the heat) and Dorothy Crinion. We celebrate with them the metamorphosis of 'New Beginnings' and their love for our breed, and wish them God speed!  in their continued healing and recovery, and two others not present at this show Michelle Bohrer who was missed and Cynthia Kelly who showed her Ridgeback at the OCRRC Specialty.

Best In Show Specialty
The huge polychrome rain clouds went on there way flowing eastward allowing the sun's rays to  once again warm us in the chilly winds.  As the atmosphere noticeably quickened and emotions oscillated between apprehension and determination in the quest for Best of Breed. There were so many ponderable glints and gleams of absolute splendor in  these superb Ridgeback champions with excellent presentation. Which wrung one's heart. with excitement  that would calumniate in the ultimate prize.
 MaureenTauber face composed and serene  in a dark conservative tailored suit  handling   Ch: Kimani's Lasting Impression. On entering the show ring 'Durban' purveyed the carriage of a debutante at a cotillion beautifully dressed sophisticate with fur the color of dark honey. Gracefully arched neck and excellent lay back of shoulder with a perfectly placed scapula that provided her with exquisite movement. Poised throughout she stacked and stood time and time again as if she was sculptured and moved as if she'd  been born and bred to wear the title of National  Best In Show Specialty 2006, with whole hearted approval of the present gallery. The pleasure of this triumph was indeed sweet.for Maureen Tauber, and Alicia Hanna, Theresa Lyons, owners in attendance, indeed she was beautiful! Bred by Dennis Vega and Alicia Hanna.   

Of the National Specialties I have attended 4 other National BISS where winners gave outstanding performances at  Albuquerque . New Mexico, who can forget  the performance of Myner Berger flying around the ballroom with Rob Norms 'Jimmy'. In Ocala  Florida Neil McDivett Jr with Kimani's Chinga.  At Winter Park, Colorado,  Valerie Nunez with Rajataru's Baraka with a steel plate in his leg (hit by a car traveling 60 miles and hour) performed with the heart  of a lion. Baraka in one of the longest dueling contests with Starland Sweet Baby James under Judge Stacey Davis. George Obanesian with Kimani  Blue Chip Image performance in Lexington Kentucky.

Around the Show Site.
Impressed with Concetta Jez breeder of Nashira  BIS Excalibur now a senior veteran and his son liver nose Avendale a special. These two remarkable male Ridgebacks when she told them to stay and went off to bring us coffee for warmth in the cold morning air. Stay they did until she returned 15 minutes later not moving off their blanket even for other Ridgebacks passing within inches of their space. Traveling in flight Ex always has a seat next to Concetta, imagine the interest and conversation by other passengers about this goodwill ambassador for our  breed.
Thankful for the Show Committees early morning production of Starbucks coffee and assorted bagels and cream cheeses in assorted flavors including strawberry and chocolate. Troy Abney's contribution from her California grove for the  fresh sweet Valencia oranges a welcome treat during the mid-day heat and tart lemons for lemonade,
For the kindness of Linda of Southridge RR ( whom with Kathy have adopted 4 lucky children the youngest a baby wonderful for these children to grow up with a house full of Ridgebacks and future handlers) who noticed I was limping and offered a lotion for back pain that worked within minutes. I had given my Bio Freeze pain reliever to Linn Hainlin the day before. I remarked to some one that the lotion reminded me of the scent of ligament plasters used by the old and bit my tongue. I too am old in my 70th  decade.
Barbara Turpin from British Columbia, Canada breeder of  'Of Course Ridgebacks' not only took home the most ribbons and a car laden with trophies won at this 75th Specialty (her RRs won or placed in every class) including 'Best In Specialty Sweeps for Hawk'. Her versatile Deva  puppies not only won but entertained us with Ridgeback singing and dancing to the sounds of a musical harmonica. Poignant moments for the always elegant Avril Hall owner of the sire of this litter 'Biggs' who transitioned, with tears of joy on her cheeks at seeing his progeny perform in the show ring.
Catherine Schock and I added to the money chest  of RRR Inc as many did at the show purchasing sweatshirts  for added layering and warmth in the bracing cold air.  We both admired  a new color in a sweatshirt under florescent lighting a soft honey mustard to add to our collection.  We laughed outside in natural sunlight  as it was the same vivid orange we already had in our wardrobes at home. I now have 3 of 6 in the same color.
Congeniality award to the family of Nancy Brandewie her sister Linda Cannon and daughter Debra Driza. Best dressed in the show ring Judge Frank De Paulo. Marie Cotton for best dressed Top Twenty gold safari motif  (description later in TT) Cathy Acosta for best dressed causal outfit  in the changeable  weather  with multi layering under a sleeveless safari jacket. Alicia Hanna best dressed in a suede jacket with a sable lining and an Australian safari hat for the BISS judging. Joe of RR Margarita fame made the comment "with that outfit all you need is a  gun to go hunting' quickest retort tongue in cheek "and you're the first buzzard I would  shoot"

Next  Part 3 the wonderful Top Twenty  Show and dance party.
Ann Miller
rajataru@earthlink.net

Edited for Ann Miller:
I would like to thank! Barbara Sawyer Brown for the correction. Davin Mcateer  was the handler on 'Chinga' and not Neil McDivett Jr

[Lekana]

<<In Ocala  Florida Neil McDivett Jr with Kimani's Chinga.  >>

You need to get your facts straight.  Neil McDevitt had nothing to do with Chinga or her win.  He did not own the dog, nor did he handle the dog.  Chinga was handled by a professional handler for that win in Ocala, FL. 

[Theresa M. Lyons]

Shara Writes:  You need to get your facts straight.  Neil McDevitt had nothing to do with Chinga or her win.  He did not own the dog, nor did he handle the dog.  Chinga was handled by a professional handler for that win in Ocala, FL.  >>

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It might have been kinder if you had read the very bottom of Ann's post where Barbara Sawyer-Brown corrected her in a more civil manner than you chose to.

I think the point of the post was more about someone's observations at a Specialty than who handled what dog.

Theresa : )

[Lekana]

Hi Theresa,

That edit wasn't there when the post was originally put on this list.  It was added after I made my comment.  In any event, I agree, it was a rather terse reply and I apologize.

It was an exciting win with a beautiful bitch, like you said, regardless of the handler.

Shara

[Keeper]

Ann, thank you for taking time to 'paint with words' a colorful story of the 75th RRCUS National.  Every event has many stories, even tantalizing tidbits of truth and gossip...but it is always beautiful to hear the story of the Veterans...

I apologize for the tardiness of my post - but I have been out of commission of the general discussion on RR-Forum. 

Sandra

[Keeper]

old...but still a wonderful memory. A crystal tear caressing my cheek as I read once again the love and the beauty of what has been written and remembered here.  For the love of our Ridgebacks.....forever in our hearts.