WOW - A Best in Show Specialty Win!!

It's hard to believe that two short weeks ago, I lost my beloved Fire. I am sure that he is smiling down upon us.....I gave Gail Fire's collar for River. Fire was my first Group placing Gordon and River has followed with some huge wins in 2007.

His great-nephew, River, who is now known as: BISS Ch. MBIS-U-Ch. Glen Oak's River Breeze Shiraz (Nirvana x Kinsey) won the Saturday NODROG Specialty in Chelsea, Michigan. River is owned by Gail Godding, Marte Wetzel and me. He was also bred by Beth Hintz.

Beth and Gail accompanied me to the dog show. We also showed River's son, Drifter, (Amethyst's Snow 'n' Ice) and sister, Sydney (Glen Oak's Black Swan Shiraz). It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend. Picture perfect sky, picture perfect weather and picture perfect win. And...that glorious purple and gold ribbon that was in my hand.

A huge accomplishment that only took me 23 years to do. A total and complete thrill.

River is shown here with Judge Peggy McIllwaine, Peggy DaValt (blue Mary Kay suit courtesy of Peggy's sister, Mary Gronholz), Beth Hintz and Gail Godding. Breeder/co-owner Marte Wetzel was unable to attend, but was so excited, with his win!! Photo by Garth Gourlay - Canada.

In loving memory: CH. Glen Oaks' Firedance o' Amethyst (Fire) - March 14, 1995 to September 8, 2007

Oh dear sweet, Fire -

You left me way too soon.

I know that 12.5 years is a lifetime for a dog, but for the human(s) left behind, it's not nearly long enough. You were the epitome of what a dog should be. You were there for me for everything.

Rather than say more here, you can read the tribute to Fire on my web site.

The tears don't seem to stop and I miss you more than words can say.

This is about a 10-kleenex alert.....and music accompanies the memorial.

Six Degrees of Separation: Life in Rural Wisconsin

Yesterday, I was invited to the wedding of a young co-worker of mine. Samantha (Sam) and Andy were married in Waupun, WI.

I had a whirlwind couple days with the dogs. Originally, I was going to go to the West Bend Shows to show River, but decided I needed a break. Then I was going to run Drifter at a hunt test on Saturday and Sunday. But, the entries closed on Monday rather than the usual Wednesday, so that was out. Maddee, my friend Bethany's Gordon Setter, needed to be bred. Plan A dog, Blizzard, couldn't be used because of the severe flooding in Rushford/Winona, MN. So, the B team was called in and that was MacE. Mac is Amethyst's FIRST Master Hunter Gordon Setter as well as a champion, etc. He is owned by Ron and Gwen Pfeil of West Bend, WI.

So....Maddee needed to be bred @ 1:00 p.m. in Lomira. The wedding was at 3:00 p.m. in Waupun. It was a no-brainer to just take Maddee to the wedding. She could wait in the van until I was done, then I'd take her home. The reception was in Burnett, WI (which is where my ex-husband grew up).

When I got to the wedding, a woman said to me, "Peggy....how are you here?" When I looked up I saw that it was Mrs. Judy Rebholz. Mr. and Mrs. Rebholz are the parents of John Rebholz, a good friend of my brother, Paul. John's sister, Chris, is married to Andy (the groom's dad). The bride is a co-worker of mine at Central Wisconsin Center (Madison, WI). John and his wife were at the reception and I had a very nice visit with them. John said that he reads Paul's blogs regularly. I met John's wife and she was very nice to visit with. Mr. Rebholz came over and we had a brief chat which was quite pleasant.

I sat at the reception table with Brian and Kathy Virgin. I work with Brian and went to high school with Kathy's brother. Kathy told me that Mom is Nate's buddy from church. I'm not sure if it's a foster grandparent thing or what, but I thought that was interesting. I also saw the Andlers from Columbus, too.

It was a great time. Probably one of the first weddings I have been to since my divorce. It was a wonderful day. The BEAUTIFUL Wisconsin day was perfect for a wedding.



In preparation for the wedding, I cleaned off a compact flash card and came across some of my photos from Myrtle Beach, SC (last year). I sent Mary some photos that I thought she'd like....here is one of my favorites.

I'm trying to decide whether or not to go back there this year, if even for a brief visit. This photo makes me want to.....time will tell.

Enjoy!!