On October 8th and 9th, I attended the English Setter Nationals at Long Beach. My canine massage mentor, Joanne Lang, arranged an advanced practicum there, so that we could have more detailed practice. We would give any takers half price for massaging their dogs, and they could see if it improved their chances of placing better in the show, because this would improve their gait, topline, and demeanor.
There were three of us Lang grads there: Cindy Shields from Oceanside, Tracy Herman from Newport, and myself. Joanne was there to give us lots of practice and guidance.
The show was held at the Coast Long Beach Hotel, which is on a spit of land across a lagoon from Long Beach, about half a block from where the Queen Mary is moored. The weather was hot when we got there, warm the next day, and foggy the morning of the last day.
It was exhausting, but a lot of fun, and very informative. In addition to the practice, Joanne gave a talk on the importance of core exercise for dogs, which enthralled the crowd.
Ever see the movie Best of Show? Well, it was a little like that, but I loved being outside with all the beautiful dogs and their loving owners and handlers.
