these are just some thoughts from the spring meet. They're not in any particular order, none of them are meant to promote or slam anybody else's dog, brood, stud etc. Just my observations
That won't stop some from taking offense but you know how much I care about that...
the first pups of Rhythmless looked awesome. It appears that Jimbo Scott finally has an heir apparent
The Lonesome Crys, Dodgems and CTW Legendary pups all looked really, really good. So did the Joe Hearns pups I've seen recently
the crowd at the auction was much lighter than in the past. It's a darn good thing that so many kennel owners wanted to good dogs for their bookings.
Some of the big buyers were Norm Rader, Charter, Steve Sarras, Green and Kathy Smith, C&C, Bob Rider, Joe Frenette and several others that I don't really know
the one auctioneer, Craig, is a really nice guy. But he is the worst Greyhound auctioneer that I've seen. I just quit bidding when he walks up to the podium. In addition he competes with his own ringmen, gets them confused as to where he is and is basically not the guy on the gavel you want to see when you walk yours into the ring. Somebody in the NGA needs to carry the word that he should slow down. The only person he is satisfying right now is himself
got a chance to visit out at Brad and Paula Sholtz's place on Thurs night. Had a chance to jabberjaw with Joe Frenette (Fuzzys dogs) while I was there. I couldn't have asked for better company than those 3. Sitting under the Abilene stars drinking beer and eating some incredible ham sandwiches...ahh, the good life
hung out with my buddies John Melillo and Rod Connell again. Just can't have more fun than I have with those guys. My face just hurts from days of laughing
finally got to meet Karen Heise. George is a lucky guy. Karen is a sweetie. I picked up Silver Condor from George while I was in Abilene. She is now in TX. Thanks George
Rod and Sue Boatright are always good company and we spend lots of time with them during the meets. They took on a second farm and are looking for board dogs. If you need something boarded in KS give them a call.
chatted with Gay Friedli, Helen Stout and Tom and Brant Taplin. Gay and Helen have always done an excellent job raising my pups. Helen's Switzler Jammin's (she bred and raised him) were outstanding
Got to see Tom Taplin take a 3 generation Taplin picture with Brant and Brant's son. You'll get to see it in the Review amongst the winners photos. Nice!
watching Ketih Dillon walk around at 94 is just amazing. He still drives. Keefer, Understood, Downing, Perceive, Bold Footprint...so many great Greyts have belonged to that man
two broods went for $10,000 each during the auction. Dr Marty Tanner bought one and Larry Birnbaum's Everything Enterprises ended up with the other
The Trent Lee pups were amazing in that so many came back for finals. Wow, it was very noticeable. That dog is going to end up in the Top 5 before it's all over
Fine Silver's pups were a disappointment to most. Maryville Rumble had a good showing. Lots of early foot coming from Rumble. Take your distance girls that way if you are looking for an import
this was the best weather I've ever seen at a nationals. No rain, bright and sunny, close to 90 two days. Amazing for Abilene
Wes Parvin, KB, David Peck, Steve Boyd, Helen Stout, Brad Holombeck, Alan (and Tammy) Piper and more guys than I can remember...sold some awfully nice Greyhounds during the auction
buyers are finnaly starting to get smart during the auctions. They are buying dam lines and breeders instead of the usual "stud name only" that has been in the past.
They also snubbed a couple of sellers whose pups haven't done well at the track after past auctions
I keep saying the same thing: it's the BITCH, stupid. The stud only helps her along, for the most part. And that's only if you cross her right in the first place
got a chance to see Ripley in the hotel lobby. I took him for a walk outside. For a dog his age he really looks wonderful. You'd never know he is as old as he is
when I was a teen in the horse business I used to go to QH auctions with one of my dad's buddies. He was a huge buyer and reseller and ran a riding stable and show horses too. The pros in the business would come up and give him advice that the amateur doesn't get before the auction. That's pretty much also true in Abilene. If you think you can see two schoolings and have an inside track to that dog you're not as smart as you think you are
got a chance to see Patty and Rodney Cooley and their son. That boy is as nice as his folks are. And the rascal is growing like a weed.
Kevin Doyle resigned from the NGA board for Florida. Hal Gill was promoted into that slot. Hal is a businessman and I think he will be an excellent addition to the board
spoke to David Hays about the Slammer pups he and William are schooling for me. They start on the TGA track soon. David and William both like the female real well and the male is a bully in the turnout pen. I love that! He doesnt fight on the track but tries to be king of the hill with his peers.
I'm forgetting alot of stuff and tons of people. I apologize in advance. I have a good memory but it's short hahahaha