Doggy Derby

Yesterday, Angelo and I took our dogs, Piper and Tang to the Denver Dog Fair at the National Western Stock Show Complex. 

As we were walking around the exhibition floor, we observed a gathering crowd. Naturally, we went to see what was happening. It was a dog race!

We checked the schedule and saw that the small dogs were next to go.

Immediately, I wanted nothing more than to race my dog.

We returned to the track at the designated time. The small dogs were out in force.

Piper posing on the track.

Tang posing on the track.

Piper and Tang at the starting line.

Piper was very focused. I really thought she was going to win.

As it turned out, I greatly underestimated Tang.

First and second place winners on the red carpet.

This was mostly a bragging rights kind of race, but both dogs did win a little prize.

My little speedster.

This was the best part of the best day. We're already looking forward to next year's Fair, and beware, Tang. Piper wants a rematch!

Denver Dog Fair

Piper's had a hard month.

First there was a haircut, which turned out cute, but was unnecessarily traumatic for her. Suffice it to say, we won't be using that groomer again.

Then there was a routine dental that became a thirteen tooth extraction extravaganza.

While she was recovering, she got stung by a bee right on her sore little muzzle.

Clearly, she needed something to take her mind off her troubles, so today Angelo, Tang and I took her to the National Western Stock Show Complex - former home of BreyerWest - for the Denver Dog Fair.

We paid our entry fees and signed our dog waivers.

Then we went inside.

There were dogs everywhere.

All shapes.

All sizes.

All hair types.

All colors.

All energy levels.

All clothing options.

Heh.

Most of the dogs were attendees, but there were also exhibition dogs...

and adoptable dogs.

Heh.

We walked around, looking at the different exhibitor booths and displays.

Once a tackmaker, always a tackmaker...

Tasty treats abounded.

There may have been some sampling.

Heh.

Both Piper and Tang were extremely well behaved and posed for multiple pictures.

So many.

Heh.

After a while though, I could see Piper was getting a little overwhelmed. We immediately found a quieter place for her to decompress.

Oh, look! Paw-garitas!

Suspicious of my motives.

Suspicious of that drink.

Heh.

Once everyone had recovered we took our chill...

and chaotic dogs back out to another spin around the exhibition floor.

We took part in a Doggy Derby, and Tang met several relatives.

This one was actually related to Piper, too.

The day ended with Angelo winning an Embark DNA kit. Hooray! I can't wait for that to come back as Village Dog #2!

This was the best day.

And we even wore out the puppy!

Thanks for going to the Dog Fair with us, Angelo. Piper and I both really needed that!

Mikayla's BCC entry

Every time I think I'm done with contest posts another one - or two or three or four - pop up that are just too good not to share. Case in point, this excellent Excellence in Performance entry by Mikayla Herrera. Thank you, for sharing Mikayla. And to everyone else, keep them coming! I am happy to continue showcasing contest entries right up until the winners are announced!

The Making of Dulce

by Mikayla Herrera

This is my second year entering the Best Customs Contest, and I chose the Performance Excellence category to highlight a lesser-known discipline, Escaramuza, which is the only women’s event in charrería, Mexico’s national sport. 

Inspired by revolutionary women who played vital roles in the war, teams of women perform synchronized routines side-saddle on horseback.

Due to school and work, I couldn’t create eight separate costumes and models as a full Escaramuza team requires. Instead, I focused on the “punta,” a maneuver where two riders execute a precise sliding stop in a marked arena box, contributing to the team’s score.

Customizing the model was the easiest part. 

I started with a Roxy body and transformed her into the sliding horse I envisioned, named Dulce, painted as a striking dapple grey. 

Crafting the tack was more complex… 

I skived and dyed leather, hand-strung a cinch, and designed a saddle tree and stirrups in Blender, which I then 3D printed, as premade options weren’t available.

The rider’s dress posed another challenge. 

I used Swiss batiste, a thin cotton, to ensure the ruffled design laid flat so she could sit on the dress. With my mom’s help, I dyed and crafted the dress. I also pieced together and flocked the sombrero myself. 

Over a few months, Dulce and her rider came together beautifully. I’m incredibly proud to have showcased a vibrant piece of women’s history through my artistry.

Congratulation, Mikayla. This is a fantastic set-up, and can I just say how much I love the sombrero? Good luck in Kentucky!