World winner Dog Show 2002 Amsterdam
A sunny spring day a very beautiful and romantic letter came through our letter slid. It looked like a wedding invitation - and so it was. My charming nephew Christian was going to marry his Pernille on July 7, 2002, the very same Saturday as we would exhibit Josag at the World Winner Dog Show in Amsterdam.
We had registered her a long time ago, hotel rooms had been reserved, and everything was planned. This was really very unfortunate, what a quandary. But I am very lucky to have a nice and understanding family that knows my weaknesses and it all ended with Jørgen going to the wedding and me leaving for Amsterdam with a somewhat bad conscious, to say the least. I really hoped that Josag would at least be chosen World Winner; it was so to say a “must”, considering the large wedding society that anxiously would be waiting for the result.
Anja, a Briard owner, had promised to accompany me. She would not exhibit any dogs herself, so she came along as the good company she always is. We left Friday morning, the drive was uneventful and we reached the hotel late in the afternoon.
Here we run into many exhibitors, who had already been in action the same day and could give us good advices regarding the conditions at RAI, the exhibition area. This was the place where 14 250 dogs would compete. We left the hotel early next morning; we expected queues everywhere, and right we were!
5 white and 36 black Pulis had been entered. In the Netherlands the two colours are considered to be different breeds. The Pulis were the first to enter the show ring, so I had to get Josag ready at once. She was in a super condition; each and every core had been prepared and cut. The competition was extremely tuff and I know from experience that many times the last details are the ones that make a difference. I was very nervous; ‘everybody’ was there, the old well known and many new competitors. This was the first time that we would meet the British Pulis this side of the Channel. Pulis from all over the world were represented – Australia, Hungary, the US, England, Germany, Holland, Austria, Sweden and Denmark. The quality was very high; especially the English bitches came in beautifully. Fortunately, it all ended well. Denmark gained two World Winners. Both titles went to Denmark with Napfenyvarosi – Csaros Josag, who became Best of Breed and Rockisland Roll Yer Own at Mournbrake as Best of Opposite Sex.
Group 1 was the last one on Saturday, so the waiting time was very long. We found a calm corner, where Josag could relax awaiting the last competition of the day. Finally we were called for judgement. The group judge, Mr. Robert Pollet from Belgium, sized up the 46 different sheepdogs that were present. Group 1 had from the start had a total of 1934 entries.
The large ring was really very large, beautifully decorated with flowers and covered with blue carpets. We entered the ring individually and it was obvious that the audience had their favourites. We gained from the Hungarian public; every time there was a Hungarian breed in the ring they clapped their hands, shouted and waived their flags. Their favourite was no doubt a well-known beautiful white Komendor from Hungary.
When all dogs were on their marks in the ring, the judge took an extra look on all the dogs before he chose the 8 dogs he wanted to study closer. Josag was one of them – so far so good. Only three dogs would reach the large platforms. After the examination of the short-listed dogs, five would have to leave. Left in the ring were a Bouvier des Flandres, a Bearded Collie and a Puli. We were still in! Imagine that we would be placed in the group on a world show. Now the moment had come!
The judge took another look on the three dogs, we were asked to walk around the ring so he could see the movements a last time before he made his decisions and the result would be handed over to the speaker table. It was extremely exciting!
On the third place the judge wanted to see the Bearded Collie, on the second the Bouvier des Flandres and on the middle platform, i.e. on the first place, Josag would stand. This was big, it was enormous, yes almost unbelievable!! It was all so unreal, to stand there in front of all the photographers and be on.
Anja and I could not leave the RAI until seven o’clock in the evening to go back to the hotel. Now there were SMS: s to be sent to Jørgen who had been driver for the wedding couple all day and now half way through the wedding dinner. My absence could be excused!
The next day, when the big Best in Show final would be held, would turn out to be the longest day of my life. Thank God, Anja was with me. We went restlessly around the shops in the town until we finally agreed that we could just as well go to the Show and wait there.
No sooner said than done, but we were somewhat surprised to learn that the Best in Show final would not take place until nine o’clock in the evening. The time crept by and I was tense and nervous. With tears in her eyes Anja stated that she could not manage to watch the final. She would wait outside and pack our things while waiting. But it turned out that she could not bear standing outside, so naturally she used the ticket I had given to her. Our Dutch puppy buyers were long there; they would film the entire final. Finally, the moment had come.
Josag was ready, she was in a super mood – it was her day.
Janne, Line, Gitte and Britt from the “Aussie group” had just reached to join us at the very last minute. That was a lovely, comforting touch right in the hectic atmosphere. We shared the last drops of Gammel Dansk, and then I mobilized some fighting spirit, hugged and received good luck wishes. A little tear came to my and everybody else’s eyes. This was a big moment for all of us. I had made up my mind; I would enjoy every second of the grand finale. Having won the group was as such a fantastic achievement!
Several of the ten finalists were already big stars, so the competition was absolutely on top.
We were lined up in group order, group 1 first. This meant that I would be the first to enter the ring with Josag. I could hear how the large public started clapping their hands impatiently. The light went out and a big spotlight came on which would be followed. I asked the guy who was there to send us into the ring where to stop. I did as he told me, but it turned out to be wrong. Embarrassing! Fortunately I was able to repress the feeling immediately. I had to concentrate on Josag. When all ten finalists were on their spots, speeches were held. Every competitor was wished good luck and received gifts. There was a very solemn atmosphere. Then the Dutch Best in Show judge, Mr. Martin van de Weijer, was introduced. He was a new acquaintance to me. Just everything could happen.
He started by taking a closer look on the winner from group 10; a Deer-hound from Canada. Thereafter the very popular Crufts winner, a white King Poodle from Norway, a Flat coated Retriever from Sweden, a Pointer from Hungary, a wire-haired Dachshund from Holland, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen from England, Basinij from the US, Irish Terrier from Sweden, St. Bernhard from Norway and finally the Puli from Denmark. The judge took his time for each dog.
He was nice and careful and explained thoroughly how he wanted the dog to be shown. In my opinion Josag did extremely well; she did not start on any of her usual acts. She moved like a small locomotive, was smiling and in a good mood. There was no doubt; she loved it and if I was nervous, she kept calm.
The grand finale had reached its end. Out of the 14 250 dogs and bitches that had been reduced to 10 group winners during the last four days, now a Best in Show and a Reserve Best in Show would be found. The judge stood there for a moment, made up his mind and went to the speaker table. They pointed out that the dog or bitch first to be mentioned would be the Reserve Best in Show.
I think there was some music; the tension was bigger than ever and finally the speaker said that on second place they wanted to see a Puli from Denmark – Napfenyvarosi Csahos Josag. I did not believe it, was it really true? Yes, it was! Josag new her way to the platform, we posed and enjoyed every second of it; the photographers, the congratulations, the cup, the flowers, and each and every hug.
Best in Show was the well-deserved Norwegian King Poodle Topscore Contradiction.
We could have stayed all night and been drinking champagne, but we had a labor day ahead. There was nothing to do. The party was over. We had to pack and get on the road. We arrived safely; it was as if we had flown; the 750 km disappeared before we discovered it.
At home Jørgen was waiting with a lovely breakfast, excited to hear this incredible story.
The ordinary days are here again, we have landed and the arms have fallen down. However, we have a beautiful and good experience for the rest of our lives. Josaga has really made our little breed known. Her picture has toured the world.
Josag has not been seen very much during 2002 at the shows here at home, but I would like to add that she had had a great career at the international shows abroad. Apart from being British champion she has reached 1xBIG3, 5xBIG2 and 4xBIG1 together with four BIS: s until now. At the time of writing she is holding a third place as Top Dog of the Year 2002 in Sweden.
A sunny spring day a very beautiful and romantic letter came through our letter slid. It looked like a wedding invitation - and so it was. My charming nephew Christian was going to marry his Pernille on July 7, 2002, the very same Saturday as we would exhibit Josag at the World Winner Dog Show in Amsterdam.
We had registered her a long time ago, hotel rooms had been reserved, and everything was planned. This was really very unfortunate, what a quandary. But I am very lucky to have a nice and understanding family that knows my weaknesses and it all ended with Jørgen going to the wedding and me leaving for Amsterdam with a somewhat bad conscious, to say the least. I really hoped that Josag would at least be chosen World Winner; it was so to say a “must”, considering the large wedding society that anxiously would be waiting for the result.
Anja, a Briard owner, had promised to accompany me. She would not exhibit any dogs herself, so she came along as the good company she always is. We left Friday morning, the drive was uneventful and we reached the hotel late in the afternoon.
Here we run into many exhibitors, who had already been in action the same day and could give us good advices regarding the conditions at RAI, the exhibition area. This was the place where 14 250 dogs would compete. We left the hotel early next morning; we expected queues everywhere, and right we were!
5 white and 36 black Pulis had been entered. In the Netherlands the two colours are considered to be different breeds. The Pulis were the first to enter the show ring, so I had to get Josag ready at once. She was in a super condition; each and every core had been prepared and cut. The competition was extremely tuff and I know from experience that many times the last details are the ones that make a difference. I was very nervous; ‘everybody’ was there, the old well known and many new competitors. This was the first time that we would meet the British Pulis this side of the Channel. Pulis from all over the world were represented – Australia, Hungary, the US, England, Germany, Holland, Austria, Sweden and Denmark. The quality was very high; especially the English bitches came in beautifully. Fortunately, it all ended well. Denmark gained two World Winners. Both titles went to Denmark with Napfenyvarosi – Csaros Josag, who became Best of Breed and Rockisland Roll Yer Own at Mournbrake as Best of Opposite Sex.
Group 1 was the last one on Saturday, so the waiting time was very long. We found a calm corner, where Josag could relax awaiting the last competition of the day. Finally we were called for judgement. The group judge, Mr. Robert Pollet from Belgium, sized up the 46 different sheepdogs that were present. Group 1 had from the start had a total of 1934 entries.
The large ring was really very large, beautifully decorated with flowers and covered with blue carpets. We entered the ring individually and it was obvious that the audience had their favourites. We gained from the Hungarian public; every time there was a Hungarian breed in the ring they clapped their hands, shouted and waived their flags. Their favourite was no doubt a well-known beautiful white Komendor from Hungary.
When all dogs were on their marks in the ring, the judge took an extra look on all the dogs before he chose the 8 dogs he wanted to study closer. Josag was one of them – so far so good. Only three dogs would reach the large platforms. After the examination of the short-listed dogs, five would have to leave. Left in the ring were a Bouvier des Flandres, a Bearded Collie and a Puli. We were still in! Imagine that we would be placed in the group on a world show. Now the moment had come!
The judge took another look on the three dogs, we were asked to walk around the ring so he could see the movements a last time before he made his decisions and the result would be handed over to the speaker table. It was extremely exciting!
On the third place the judge wanted to see the Bearded Collie, on the second the Bouvier des Flandres and on the middle platform, i.e. on the first place, Josag would stand. This was big, it was enormous, yes almost unbelievable!! It was all so unreal, to stand there in front of all the photographers and be on.
Anja and I could not leave the RAI until seven o’clock in the evening to go back to the hotel. Now there were SMS: s to be sent to Jørgen who had been driver for the wedding couple all day and now half way through the wedding dinner. My absence could be excused!
The next day, when the big Best in Show final would be held, would turn out to be the longest day of my life. Thank God, Anja was with me. We went restlessly around the shops in the town until we finally agreed that we could just as well go to the Show and wait there.
No sooner said than done, but we were somewhat surprised to learn that the Best in Show final would not take place until nine o’clock in the evening. The time crept by and I was tense and nervous. With tears in her eyes Anja stated that she could not manage to watch the final. She would wait outside and pack our things while waiting. But it turned out that she could not bear standing outside, so naturally she used the ticket I had given to her. Our Dutch puppy buyers were long there; they would film the entire final. Finally, the moment had come.
Josag was ready, she was in a super mood – it was her day.
Janne, Line, Gitte and Britt from the “Aussie group” had just reached to join us at the very last minute. That was a lovely, comforting touch right in the hectic atmosphere. We shared the last drops of Gammel Dansk, and then I mobilized some fighting spirit, hugged and received good luck wishes. A little tear came to my and everybody else’s eyes. This was a big moment for all of us. I had made up my mind; I would enjoy every second of the grand finale. Having won the group was as such a fantastic achievement!
Several of the ten finalists were already big stars, so the competition was absolutely on top.
We were lined up in group order, group 1 first. This meant that I would be the first to enter the ring with Josag. I could hear how the large public started clapping their hands impatiently. The light went out and a big spotlight came on which would be followed. I asked the guy who was there to send us into the ring where to stop. I did as he told me, but it turned out to be wrong. Embarrassing! Fortunately I was able to repress the feeling immediately. I had to concentrate on Josag. When all ten finalists were on their spots, speeches were held. Every competitor was wished good luck and received gifts. There was a very solemn atmosphere. Then the Dutch Best in Show judge, Mr. Martin van de Weijer, was introduced. He was a new acquaintance to me. Just everything could happen.
He started by taking a closer look on the winner from group 10; a Deer-hound from Canada. Thereafter the very popular Crufts winner, a white King Poodle from Norway, a Flat coated Retriever from Sweden, a Pointer from Hungary, a wire-haired Dachshund from Holland, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen from England, Basinij from the US, Irish Terrier from Sweden, St. Bernhard from Norway and finally the Puli from Denmark. The judge took his time for each dog.
He was nice and careful and explained thoroughly how he wanted the dog to be shown. In my opinion Josag did extremely well; she did not start on any of her usual acts. She moved like a small locomotive, was smiling and in a good mood. There was no doubt; she loved it and if I was nervous, she kept calm.
The grand finale had reached its end. Out of the 14 250 dogs and bitches that had been reduced to 10 group winners during the last four days, now a Best in Show and a Reserve Best in Show would be found. The judge stood there for a moment, made up his mind and went to the speaker table. They pointed out that the dog or bitch first to be mentioned would be the Reserve Best in Show.
I think there was some music; the tension was bigger than ever and finally the speaker said that on second place they wanted to see a Puli from Denmark – Napfenyvarosi Csahos Josag. I did not believe it, was it really true? Yes, it was! Josag new her way to the platform, we posed and enjoyed every second of it; the photographers, the congratulations, the cup, the flowers, and each and every hug.
Best in Show was the well-deserved Norwegian King Poodle Topscore Contradiction.
We could have stayed all night and been drinking champagne, but we had a labor day ahead. There was nothing to do. The party was over. We had to pack and get on the road. We arrived safely; it was as if we had flown; the 750 km disappeared before we discovered it.
At home Jørgen was waiting with a lovely breakfast, excited to hear this incredible story.
The ordinary days are here again, we have landed and the arms have fallen down. However, we have a beautiful and good experience for the rest of our lives. Josaga has really made our little breed known. Her picture has toured the world.
Josag has not been seen very much during 2002 at the shows here at home, but I would like to add that she had had a great career at the international shows abroad. Apart from being British champion she has reached 1xBIG3, 5xBIG2 and 4xBIG1 together with four BIS: s until now. At the time of writing she is holding a third place as Top Dog of the Year 2002 in Sweden.
