The Ridgeback Register's NATIONAL SPECIALTY Watch -- Day 4

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Book 'Em

There are two camps at this National Specialty -- those who get the show's "Go, Ridgeback, Go!" theme, and those who don't. For the latter, here's the scoop: It's a play on the classic children's book "Go, Dog, Go!" But even those who get the literary reference mistakenly believe the book was written by Dr. Seuss of "Green Eggs and Ham" fame; actually, it was penned by P.D. Eastman, who had a similar writing style and also had books published under the distinctive "Beginners Books" banner.

Oldies But Goodies

Joe Piott and the irrepressible Rafiki (DC Waride's Amini Rafiki, MC) were in the 11-plus Veteran bitch class this morning, taking a second-place ribbon. Rafiki is the oldest dog entered in the show, and one of the spunkiest. We here at The Ridgeback Register have a special place in our heart for her, as she is the same age as our magazine, and was in the very first issue. Go, Rafiki, go!

Oh Say Can You See

Americans can get pretty patriotic, and a couple of former military types took great exception to the display of flags behind the show secretary's desk: The American and Canadian flags are hanging at the same height. Protocol requires that the flag of the host country hang higher. "Not that we have anything against the Canadians," who are attending in force because of Michigan's proximity to the border, said one exhibitor. "But what's right is right."

Stay tuned to see if an international incident can be averted.

Agility Update

Yesterday's email report did not mention the Agility High in Trial dog. That honor went to Oridgenal's Poet Laureate, who was 11 seconds under course time.

~ Scroll down for more ringside tidbits! ~

What would the Specialty be without the shopping? If you didn't make it to Lansing this year, fear not. You can be an armchair shopper at The Ridgeback Register's e-version of our Specialty booth. Shop for chic T-shirts, classy glassware, and clever coffee mugs right here!

Free Ridgeback Bumper Sticker with every order. While supplies last!

OF COURSE

Leisa Temple's artwork is prized for her sensitive depiction of the breed she knows so well. This image of a Ridgeback coursing a lion -- or the tip of his tail, at least -- is a keeper.

$25.00 each in White, Yellow or Blue

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

FOILED AGAIN!

Rich metallic design adds a touch of bling to this generously sized ladies' chocolate T-shirt. Guarantee we won't be able to keep these babies in stock, so order yours today!

$20.00 Metallic Ridge T-shirt in Chocolate

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

WINNERS BITCH...
BUT LOSERS
BITCH MORE!

This ultimate dog show zinger on a gently form-fitting woman's tee!

$20.00 T-shirt in White, Pink, Lavender or Yellow

Specify XS, S, M, L, XL, 1X and 2X

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

JAVALISCIOUS

You have the T-shirt ... get the coffee mug. "Winners Bitch" cartoon on a 11-ounce full-color mug.

$8.00 each

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

BOTTOMS UP

The hair of the dog that bit you goes down smooth with these 1.75 oz. gold-logoed Got Ridge! shot glasses (with gold rim).

$20.00 set of four

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

I'LL DRINK
TO THAT!

10 oz. petite gold-logoed Got Ridge! wine glasses.

$15.00 set of four

CLICK HERE TO BUY!

Quote of the Day

'Oh, nooooo, Mr. Bill ... '

Exhibitor commenting on the ringside efficiency of ring stewart Bill Sahloff. His crisp calling of numbers and exhortations to "bunch up, please" to keep the corner clear have ensured a smooth-running ring.

After the Fall

It was a bad day for ringside slips: Two handlers took headers on their go-rounds, thanks to a ripple on the rubber matting. Perhaps feeling a bit left out, Nicole Severino of New Jersey lost her balance and fell into the ring before Winners Bitch judging. (An ever-ready Bill Sahloff was at her side in an instant for a quicker-picker-upper.)

Let's be careful out there.

Greetings!

It's day four of the Ridgeback National, and we're getting a little punchy. It might have something to do with closing the bar last night.

Nonetheless, we can't think of departing from our mission to bring you results and ringside gossip.

Don't miss our endless stream of gossip in the lefthand column. On the righthand side, you'll find Bitch class winners and still more fashionista musings -- this time, from the ankle down.

And we have not one, but two surveys for you tonight: One on proposed changes to the AKC standard, and another on a bunch of adorable Ridgeback wanna-bes. Keep scrolling down on this column to find them.

One more day to go!

See you on the down and back ...

Theresa M. Lyons
Denise Flaim

Publishers
The Ridgeback Register