The newly formed Liberty Brussels Griffon Club held their first specialty show in October. The weekend started off an American Brussels Griffon Association Roving Specialty show at Morris & Essex.
Next, the Liberty Club held their show at Hatboro Dog Club. They were in ring 11, hard to find since it was tucked away behind the Kerry Blue Terrier pavilion. But once they were ensconced, the Griff folk enjoyed themselves immensely, with a private ring and tented grooming and lunch area.
“We used that area once before,” Bob Black mused, demonstrating how flexible a show chair has to be with their site, “but it was for a big breed that overwhelmed the ring.” For the Brussels Griffons, it was just right.
LBGC president John Constantine said that an entry of 32 Griffs was a cause for celebration. Interestingly, in this day of multiple clubs, the Liberty Club is the first AKC local Brussels Griffon club in the country.
The top Brussels Griffons tend to be in the hands of terrier handlers, so a specialty at Hatboro made sense for the club. Felicia Cashin’s Ch. Cashin’s Walk the Line was Best of Breed with Luc Boileau’s Ch. Knolland Amber Moon Best of Opposite.
Every night was eventful, with a welcome party, banquet, and casual Friday get-together. The president of the national club, Raul Peralta, was on hand for the new specialty, taking Winners Bitch with his lovely Bred By exhibit.
Lorraine Vickers-Smith gave a talk on Griffon breeding and structure. Then Jeff Bazell lectured on the inheritance of coat color. Both presentations were full of information that was pondered and discussed throughout the weekend.
Diana Norman and Tim Mills made the trip from Australia for the weekend.
Surprisingly, Gene Zaphiris, best own for Skye Terriers, Airedales and English Toy Spaniels, revealed that he is currently the owner of a Brussels Griffon. A friend had asked him to take the Griff with him to the West Coast for delivery to a handler, so Howie the Griff was with Gene on Long Island for three days.
Howie happily snuggled up and won Gene’s heart. Later, when the dog was no longer being shown, Gene asked if he needed a good retirement home. Howie and Gene were joyfully reunited, never to be parted again. It reminds of the story of Verdell and Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets. Bottom line: little Griffies are always busy enriching our lives, whether up on the big screen or in the hearts of our homes.
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