This is unabashedly a repeat of last year’s post (and the year before, et al ) … the same information holds true for 2012!
Once again, we’re gearing up for the largest dog show in Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Cluster to be held February 17-20 at the National Western Complex (Expo Hall), 4655 Humboldt in Denver. The Premium List, which contains information on the show, parking, maps and entry, can be found here … Premium List. The actual times for judging and the ring numbers are not disseminated until just a week before the show; we’ll post a link to the judging program when available.
If you’re thinking of attending, please be sure to give yourself plenty of time for parking, getting into the facility, and then finding the right ring and some chairs (rings are marked by numbers on tall poles). Parking, depending on where one finds an open lot, can run anywhere from $5 to $10 — and it may also be a very long walk! Entry fee to the Expo Hall is $5. Please note that dogs not entered in the show are not allowed on the site. If considering crowds/parking, Friday or Monday would probably be the better of the four days to attend. As the largest show in the region, the selection of vendors and their wares is pretty amazing … if it’s dog related, you’ll find it at this show! From art prints, to clothing, to grooming supplies, to dog beds, to canine-related jewelry, to crates and tables, it will be available. Might want to bring the plastic along (and keep in mind that the vendors start packing up on Monday for the return home).
Besides the conformation competition, one can also find other venues such as Rally, Obedience, and Agility. These are generally held in the Events Center which fronts 47th Street; Rally is held on the 3rd floor of the main building. Hope to see you there … it’s a great reason to come out and support the breed! If you need more information, please feel free to contact me at: ApsoRescue@aol.com.
… has arrived in Colorado. Even though it’s not actually “winter” yet as December 21st is still a ways off. Nevertheless, winter is here. Our first snow dumped 14 inches on the flat and formed drooping cornices where the wind swirled off the back of the garage. One good snow and I’m ready for spring. I dread the short days that come with a return to Mountain Standard Time, preferring the long lazy days of summer. I’d much rather watch the flowers grow and the dogs play in the yard than heavy gray skies and blowing snow.
We added a bit of color to the winter landscape this year … a vertical Tibetan prayer flag. Lots of prayers going up that day! You’ll note we have double fencing — wooden privacy and a 24-inch high interior fence. The short fence was put up for several reasons: (1) to prevent the boys from fence fighting with the dogs to the east and south, (2) to confine all of them to the grass areas and out of the bark, (3) to keep Frankers from chasing squirrels and re-injuring his SI joint, and (4) to keep Dad’s partially-blind Tzu from getting lost in the vegetation behind the garage. Success on all accounts and it has definitely cut down on the barking outside. A good thing as barking dogs are not tolerated. It’s rude and neither I — nor the neighbors — want to hear it.
When’s the last time you heard a song about a Lhasa Apso? Probably … never. If that’s the case, then I have a rare treat for you. Canadian singer, 
ApsoRescueColorado 