Show Dog Training and Where Will You Retire?

We have been working diligently with the puppies to prepare them for our favorite show in January.  They are coming along, and I think by January will be doing quite well.  We've been to two handling classes with them, and have been working at home with them, too.  We'll be going to handling class weekly for several more weeks.  We started out teaching them to stack on a table, and when they would hold the stack for a little bit on the table, we started working with them on the ground.  We've also been working on gaiting, and displaying their bite.  They love treats, and are so smart, so it's pretty easy to teach them to stand, show teeth, and let's go to gait around the ring.  Our handling instructor, Verjean, is very knowledgeable, and helped train me while I was training Victory and Vegas for the show ring.  Verjean was very complimentary of Jackie and Dodger and said these are some VERY NICE pups, and they move beautifully.  So, I'm excited to see what the future holds for them.  Their parents are such stunning and intelligent dogs of the finest pedigrees, and we were so thrilled with the quality of our first litter.  Here is a picture of CH Atlantis Wildcat Victory (Victory) who is the sire of these babies.  He was the beginning of our show dogs, and is such an awesome and gorgeous dog.  I just love looking at him!

Luke's fiancé, Courtney, is also learning to show dogs, and she has a real knack for it, plus the dogs adore her.  I am so excited to watch her learn and grow in her handling skills.  Here are some pictures of Courtney, teaching Dodger to stand.  Dodger loved learning to stack on the table, and will now jump up on any table just to show off his skill and get a treat, just like his mom, Vegas, does.  Vegas is quite the show girl, too, she just loves it.

Courtney and Dodger

Dodger (LLL Victory Dodge Ram)

 

 

 

 

I read an interesting article on thinkadvisor.com about the best and worst tax friendly states for retirees.  We don't live in or plan to retire in any of these, but I thought some of my readers might find this interesting.  The best most tax friendly states for retirees are:

1.  Alaska
2. Wyoming (I love Wyoming, and wouldn't mind living there!)
3.  Delaware
4. Georgia
5. Mississippi

The least tax friendly states for retirees are:

1. Vermont
2. Minnesota
3. Rhode Island
4. Nebraska
5. California

Have a lovely Thanksgiving everyone, give thanks for your many blessings, and for your spotted kids, too!