Such A Good Time We've Had

April 29, 2008

On Tuesday evening Jess and I agreed that it was one of the most fun Nationals we had ever attended. Although we would have appreciated the organized Hospitality Rooms that were a DCA tradition for years, there were plenty of opportunities to socialize with friends. Because judging started early each day, we were generally back in our room by 11:00 PM - most nights!

I've always thought that dinners with friends are one of the highlights of DCA week, and this year was no exception. Because DCA is primarily during the week, it is not hard to get seating for large groups which makes things easier. I enjoyed the traditional trip to Bonefish Grill (I went three times the previous year), a fun Mexican restaurant, and the excellent Chinese restaurant right across the highway from the Drawbridge Inn. Our group Genuine Dalmatians (folks who do not support the backcross at this time) had a really great dinner at the latter.

Many were anticipating fireworks over the backcross issue, but all went well and DCA President Dr. Garvin kept the Annual Meeting running smoothly. The backcross group, who refers to themselves as the LUA group brought along a number of dogs who go back to the Dal/Pointer cross, but unfortunately it appears that the addition of Pointer genes still affects the spotting. I have yet to be convinced that LUA dogs will ever be marked like purebred Dalmatians should be - it is ironic that the genes that affect the metabolism of uric acid in the breed, are apparently tied to the markings that ALSO make our breed unique. Although some of the backcross dogs were less ticked than in the past, they still do not have the clear and distinct markings called for in the standard.

Tuesday evening was the Top Twenty, and we really enjoyed watching it this year. Because Argus should be eligible for that event next year, I may enjoy it less as a participant! Some of the dogs and handlers looked particularly good, and when the winner was announced at the Awards Dinner on Wednesday, I thought the choice was a good one and well deserved.

After the Top Twenty, we joined friends at the bar, and had a wonderful time. Everyone seemed to be in great spirits, and suddenly it was 1:30 AM and we had to get up in just a few hours!