It’s an “E” weekend …

First we have “Elwood” … did you know his name is Old English meaning “from the old forest”?  And just what, per chance, did I happen to find on the front page of Thursday’s local paper?  That would be a big “Elvis Poopsley,” thank you very much!!  

Elvis, on the right

 

Elvis was the first stray ever surrendered to our organization (most of our dogs are OTIs, i.e., owner turn-in).  Found by two ladies in metro Denver, he had been wandering a Capitol Hill neighborhood for weeks.  Concerned about him freezing in the approaching winter weather, they bundled him up and brought him to Loveland.  Fairly new to rescue, I wasn’t quite prepared for what greeted me.  He looked like he’d been on the streets for some time as he was matted to the skin so badly it was impeding his ability to walk.  The mats on top of his paws alone were at least an inch thick.  Because of the smell emanating from him, I was concerned he might have open wounds somewhere.  Of course, this was late Saturday afternoon and an opening with a “real” groomer wasn’t to be found anywhere … poor Elvis was stuck with me.   

Not willing to make him wait another day in that condition, I started cutting the mats off him with a small pair of scissors.  Four hours later and some nicks because the skin was so tightly adhered to the mat, we had a buck nekkid dog.  A nice dog who didn’t once try to bite or nip at me despite having plenty of opportunity to do so.  His color pattern was a bit of a surprise … he arrived charcoal gray and emerged a brindle after his grooming!  One of the local radio stations was doing a tribute to “The King” that day and Elvis Poopsley just kinda fit, so Elvis it was.  

Several weeks later, Elvis was adopted by an older couple in Loveland, Willa and Vic.  During the homecheck, I met their daughter and her Tzu, Pootie Bear.   We’ve keep in contact over the years, usually by Christmas card.  Vic passed away some time ago; Willa had a stroke a couple years back and Elvis is credited with her good recovery — she simply had to be there for him.  Elvis is around 12-years old now and fighting off  immune mediated hemolytic anemia.  But, he still gets out and enjoys his walks.  Here’s to the old dogs … and the people who love them …

ShowTime!

Rocky Mountain Cluster:  Once again, we’re gearing up for the largest dog show in Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Cluster held February 15-18 at the National Western Complex (Expo Hall), 4655 Humboldt in Denver.  The local show club … the Lhasa Apso Club of Central Colorado … will be holding its specialty on Friday, February 15th.  This is an opportunity to see the both the Regular classes (for points) and the Sweepstakes (“Sweeps”) for young dogs 6-18 months of age.  Basically, you’ll get to see two shows  — Sweeps and then the Regular classes.  Friday also sees less attendance so parking and getting in and around isn’t as hectic.  If one can’t make it on Friday, there’s always Saturday, Sunday and Monday but with only Regular classes being shown.

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.  As that information becomes available, I’ll post it here.

Show Schedule:  As promised, following is information regarding times and ring numbers …

Friday:     Sweeps begin at 11:40 a.m. in Ring 9; Regular classes at 12:10 in the same ring;

Saturday:  Regular classes at 10:40 a.m. in Ring 8;

Sunday:  Regular classes at 8:00 a.m. in Ring 6 (basement).  Some of you may not realize what it takes to get a coated dog in the ring this early as well as factoring in travel time to the show site.  You can bet several exhibitors (if not most) will be up at 5:00 a.m. … or earlier!!

Monday:  Regular classes at 10:10 a.m. in Ring 6.

 A complete judging schedule can be viewed here:  Judging Program.

We have a huge turn out for the area and have exhibitors coming in from as far away as Canada.  Sweeps has an entry of 10 Apsos and the regular classes have 27 entered (9 dogs/14 bitches/3 dog specials /0 bitch specials.  “Specials” are finished champions competing only for Best of Breed. 

If you’re thinking of attending, please be sure to give yourself plenty of time for parking, getting in 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 long walk!  Entry fee to the Expo Hall is generally $3.  Please note that dogs not entered in the show are not allowed on the site.

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 K9-related jewelry, to crates and tables, it will be at this show.  Might want to bring the plastic along …

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. 

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. 

Loveland Pet Expo:  Now an annual event, ApsoRescueColorado will be attending Loveland’s Pet Expo on Saturday, February 23rd at the Chilson Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  This will be our third year in attendance.  If we don’t have a foster dog ready for adoption, we’ll take a couple of our Apsos and use it as an opportunity to educate folks about the breed and rescue.  If you’re in the area, please come by and say hello!  Update on the Expo … article from the Loveland Reporter Herald.