Arushow2nd

Hollow's Somethin' To Be Proud Of z QA, 11 month old German Shepherd Dog male. Bred, owned, and handled by Shiya Barrow of Quiet Appalachians.

First Harbour show, Michigan.

After the storm, life around the kennel all but ceased totally. Shows were few, and far between. Staff still made their rounds for training, for daily exercise for every dog on the property, but that was about it. Dogs were growing up and falling behind in their careers. Income had slowed considerably and there was still damage all across the property.

Shiya leaned back in her chair away from her laptop with a heavy sigh. Folding her hands across her chest, she took a long look around the room. The office had been ripped to shreds. It was much smaller now. The walls were nothing but frames lined with insulation and a single light bulb hanging from an extension cord run through the rafters. It sucked.

A knock preceded the creaking of the door to the right, catching Shiya's attention. Jeni crept in with a cautious smile and took a seat on the edge of the water logged desk. "You know, I was thinking-"

"Oh Lordy."

"-About that show up in Michigan this weekend." Shiya gave the girl a look of fleeting annoyance and huffed out a long breath.  "Just hear me out. I just think it would be good for you and... whoever goes. It's been a long time and things here are... not... really going anywhere."

Shiya thought for a moment, considering it. She had seen the show posted but didn't really give it much thought. That was a lot of gas money, a lot of time and just... She didn't have it in her anymore. "I'd have to take the van... you would be stuck here."

"I will be fine! It would just be a few days and besides, I can't do anything around this house with you brooding in every dark corner."

Leaning forward, Shiya thought once more. "I don't even know who to take."

Jeni smiled and crossed her arms over her chest, feeling the swell of victory. "I do."

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The hotel was booked and the drive was long, but it turned out to be well worth it. Stepping out of the van with a tote full of brushes and lures, of snacks and cards, Shiya took a deep breath. Michigan was so refreshing. The air was crisp and heavy with scents and the colors were rich with orange and red. She popped open the back of the van and unclipped the dog on the crate. "Alrighty buddy, lets go do some work." 

Aru leapt from the back of the van with ease, happy to be able to stretch his legs and greet every Sheltie, Dobe, and Pointer than walked by. At 11 months old,  the shepherd now stood at an impressive height and width. His coat was much thicker and his muzzle much broader. Still, he had quite a way to go before he finished maturing. This was only the pup's third conformation show and considering the amount of time he'd been out of the ring, he was a bit scatter brained to say the least.

Shiya spent some time before the show exercising the dog and getting his focus. They took several runs around the hiking trails, visited landmarks and made it back in time for their class to start. Aru was pretty well focused at this point, having had his exercise and something to eat. She took one more moment between classes to finish his coat off and fill her pockets with just the right lure.

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In the ring, Aru was a big distracted at first but soon fell for the cold cheese Shiya gave him a whiff of. She trotted him before the judge and placed his feet just so. Aru stood quietly for the exam, his eyes always fixed on that cheese. 

When it came to gaiting, Aru's movements were light but deliberate, rear paws crossing slightly in front of the fronts, his haunches pushing his thick body forward with power and ease. He hadn't forgotten about that cheese though and when they pulled to a stop, he parked quickly and looked towards his handler's fingers, waiting for a piece of that cheese.

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RBPIS

BIG

BOB

Winner's Dog

Judge's Choice