Dogs, Dogs, Everywhere!

Talk about a photo-op! Couldn't pass up taking a picture of Ally in this cute pose. She is watching from her favorite chair as all of her loved ones put on their coats to go away - she's no dummy - it's almost like she's asking "why can't I come, too?" Well, the answer is - because there are already going to be 100's of doggies where we're going! Yes, we all went to a big dog show which was held at the McCormick Center in Chicago yesterday. What fun!

The kids had all gone last year, and thought that Scott and I might enjoy going with them this year. We certainly did! We could get up close and personal with many of the dogs, but they also had dog rings where the handlers of various breeds would "show" their dogs - run them around the track, etc. That was fun to see - we had a lot of laughs and a very good time.


Katie scored a free ticket just because she's so cute! (Really, some woman came up to her and asked her if she'd like a free ticket. Nice!)


This picture cracks me up. I call it "Gals at the Beauty Parlor."


Of course we looked for the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. We enjoyed meeting this woman and her big boy "Splash." Some of you may remember that that was the name of OUR first Chessie. She owns several Chessies, males and females. Rachel asked her if she notices any differences in temperment between the two sexes. She said, "well the males are dumber." How about that? Just like in the human race! Ha ha - just kidding. Of course we were rooting for Splash, who seemed more interested in kissing his owner than anything else - but guess what? Splash won a ribbon! Good for him.


Katie and her favorite brother-in-law, Dave.



This kid was one of the more interesting dog trainers. He would put dog food pieces in his mouth before sharing them with his doggie. What? Don't get it. Katie and I had a few laughs over his crazy little gestures and commands. Had to take a picture - just for the memories....


It's very interesting to watch the dog handlers with their dogs. Combs are flying to groom the doggies up until the last minute; fur is arranged and re-arranged, legs and tails are put into position - it's quite a science!


Like the old Dick and Jane books said "See Spot Run."


Don't you just love her pigtails?


As you can tell, I was fascinated by the grooming stations.


"Can I pet him?"


As much as we enjoyed seeing all of the different breeds, we loved the Chessies most of all.