First Time to the BSZS
There can’t be enough said about the quality and consistency of the GSDs that were in Aachen. Excellent temperament—goes without saying. For the first time ever, I’ve witnessed an extremely large group of dogs with correct, ground-covering gait that would put our Specialty dogs to shame. Did I mention consistency? I’ve never seen such consistency…from the very top of the group on down to the last dog—amazing. I’m curious to see if that depth of quality holds true at this year’s NASS.
The people:
It didn’t matter that for 2 days we had either rain or heavy downpour. People packed that stadium for the love of the Breed. It’s the first time ever that I’ve seen so many non-exhibitors gather to support our GSD.
Germany has as many GSD fans as we have football or baseball fans! By the time the Working Females entered the field, you could feel the excitement in the air—at least I thought I could. Imagine a huge arena that is used for International Stadium Jumping competitions, much larger than a football field. The show ring is in the center, with an outside area roped off for double handlers. Outside of that is the actual fence that was packed with shoulder to shoulder people. When it was time for the Working Males to enter the field, so did all of the Security Guards! There was a guard posted every 50 feet around the ring between the spectators and the double handlers. Talk about excitement in the air—it was like being at a rock concert!
From a professional standpoint:
Photographers from all countries are sent to cover the Sieger show. It was wonderful for the WDA to finally have our own photographer at the BSZS! Julie did an outstanding job at capturing all aspects of this event. Rain, more rain, downpours…didn’t matter…she was there with camera in hand. Not only did she get some fantastic action shots, but her candid shots are stellar. Thank you Julie…I’ll be your assistant any time!
On a more personal note…
The German Shepherd Dog and all of the activities is a way of life there…it’s a family affair. I had the pure pleasure to meet Mary Gattone (from GA), and Yvonne Timman (from The Netherlands). I’ve been designing ads for Mary & Yvonne, but until Aachen, we had never met. I stayed at the same hotel as Mary & Yvonne so I also had the pleasure of meeting Yvonne’s entire family! That’s right. The whole family comes to the show. Oh, I don’t mean some children…I met her wonderful Mother, her Aunt, nieces, nephews, handler, trainer, etc. Let’s not forget Yvonne’s extended family from Italy, Portugal and England. That’s one thing that is grate about dog people…we all have extended families. Mary, Yvonne and Family went out of their way to make me feel welcome. This is truly a great group of people.
After the show Julie and I met up with Cynthia and Jochen and their “extended” family to share in the celebration of Hoss’ progeny doing so well at the Sieger show. Again, I can say this is a great group of people. This was the first time that I had ever been to a three-day dog show where I found people milling about after the show. Usually, it’s “pack them up” and “get out of here”. Nope. Not here. People stayed after the show to eat and drink, share stories, and congratulate one another.
Going to Aachen was a great experience. Of course, sharing this experience with Julie made it even more pleasurable. This was my first time to a Sieger show, but certainly not my last.
