GRCSA Specialty 2024

Our First Big Trip!!

This was such an exciting time, our first big road trip planned together. Just me, Tilly, and my i30 making the roughly 3000km journey to South Australia and back.

We set off bright and early and took our first official road trip photo at the Dog on the Tucker Box. Now a tradition✨

We stopped halfway at Hay on the way over, with Kim and Teresa insisting that I not be silly and try to drive the whole way in one go. There really is nothing better than a sleepover with dog friends. Talking dogs all night, laughing far too much, and staying up way later than we should when big days are ahead.

The drive to South Australia is long, and it can be a little boring at times. Very flat, very open, and seemingly endless. But Tilly and I made the most of it with sing alongs, podcasts, and plenty of toilet breaks to stretch our legs and take in the scenery 🎶🌾

We made it and thoroughly enjoyed the journey over ✨

The Golden Retriever Club of South Australia put on an absolutely wonderful show. There was music playing, everyone was happy and welcoming, and the overall vibe was just perfect. It was one of those weekends that reminds you why you love being part of the dog world.

Tilly won herself her very first rosettes at these shows 🏵️ She was awarded Best Puppy in Show at both Specialty Shows. I do have to say, she was the only one, but a first is still a first and I was very proud of her.

She also received critiques from both judges.

Show 1 - Miss Penney Lane-Ridyard (UK) - "10mths, very elegant outline, very feminine that could do with more stop, enough filling in skull, enough neck strong topline, adequate front assembly, enough angulation behind, very good body and substance for her age, nice bone and feet. Happy and free mover, settled enough in front very good coat and condition, lovely happy girl."

Show 2 - Mr Sjoerd Jobse (Sweden) - "a 10 month old golden girl, finer in bone than the other puppy exhibits today. She has a very feminine head, excellent dark points and good straight bone. She moved out well really owning the ring but needs more bone, coat and time to come into her own."

Our final stop in South Australia was to meet Tilly’s half sister Ivy (Ch Poehlorgold My Winter’s Reason). As expected being half siblings, the girls both decided that the mud was the best place to play! They ended up as a muddy mess within minutes, thoroughly enjoying some rough and tumble play together, and it was the perfect way to finish off such a big trip.