GRCSA "Vintage Gold" 13th Golden Retriever National 🍇❤️

There are some dog shows you look forward to for months, and the Golden Retriever National in South Australia was one of them. It was my first National getting to exhibit my own dogs, made even more special by having my very own home-bred baby, Twig, entered too. ❤️

After all the hours on the road, we arrived ready for a few big days surrounded by Golden Retrievers and the people who love them. It was busy, exciting and, with 4 baby puppies in tow, just a little bit chaotic!

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Tweedkin Beneath Oak Trees, “Twig” 🪾

Of all the places to have your very first show, Twig chose a National! It was a huge, busy environment for a baby puppy, but she took it all in stride and had the time of her life.

She made plenty of people laugh and even managed to keep all four feet on the ground for a little while. Watching a puppy I bred step into the ring for the first time was a moment I’ll always remember. ❤️

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Ch Giltedge Looking Fine, “Carrie” 🩷

5th Intermediate Bitch

Carrie was entered in the biggest class of the National, so coming away with a place felt like a dream. She showed her socks off and gave me everything she had. I couldn’t have been prouder of her. ✨

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Anyone who knows me knows I’m always keen to get into the ring and handle as much as I can. Kim’s knee wasn’t up to all the laps, which meant I got to take a few of my favourites for a spin too.

Ch Giltedge You Watching Me, “Maymay” (Fancy Feet) 👣

1st Veteran Bitch and Veteran in Show

Chaleur Jeronimo (AI), “Jerry” 💙

1st Intermediate Dog and Opposite Intermediate in Show

Chaleur Honey I’m Home (AI), “Honey” 🍯

3rd Australian Bred Bitch

It was such a privilege to be on the end of their leads and share in those results.

As wonderful as the show was, the trip was also about the people who shared it with me. A huge thank you to my travel partners Teresa, Kim and Carolyn for all the laughs, chaos and memories along the way. Things get a bit wild when you spend that many hours on the road together! 🎯🦘🤣

Thank you to Ingrid for the incredible photos. I’m so grateful we have those moments to look back on. ❤️

And a massive thank you to the Golden Retriever Club of South Australia Inc for hosting such a fantastic National. It was a wonderful event to be part of, and I came home with far more than results, new memories, special photos and one very happy little Twig. 🍇❤️