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and asked if I was interested, I jumped at the chance. Choosing Dylan was a
difficult choice because all of the puppies were
great, but there was just something
special that drew me to Dylan. He came to live with me when he was eight months
old.
As I began to work with Dylan, I knew he would be an easy dog to finish. I never imagined he would finish his championship in
such grand style. I began showing Dylan in January 2006 on a very limited basis. By June he needed only two points to finish
his title. I arrived at the show on the morning of June 17, 2006, hoping Dylan would be winners dog. If all dogs were present,
it would be a three point major. I felt confident that the two points he needed could be won at this show. After winning his class,
the butterflies in my stomach began and stayed with me all day long. He went on to receive winners dog and defeated two
specials for best of breed, one of which was his litter mate. One of Dylan’s breeders, Dan Bayless, was there to share the
moment.
As Dylan and I waited to enter the group ring, I remarked to Bill and Dan that I would be thrilled with a group four. I was very
nervous. This was only Dylan’s second time to be in the group ring. He showed beautifully. Dylan is one of those dogs that
makes the handler look good. He is a natural show dog. I was still hanging onto the hope of a group four when Judge,
Edd Bivin, made his cut. I was shocked and thrilled when he placed us in first
As Dylan and I entered the BIS ring I had no expectations. I am not a professional handler and he was only fourteen months
old.
I just wanted to show Dylan to the best of my ability and not embarrass myself. Dylan showed beautifully. After the judge,
Michele Billings, had examined and gaited each dog, she asked each handler to bring their dog to the center of the ring and
free stack the dog. That is Dylan’s strong point. At that moment I had a glimmer of hope. We could bait our dogs, but we could
not touch them. Dylan stacked himself perfectly. I was so proud of him, but there were some top dogs in the competition
so I still did not expect to win. When Mrs. Billings said, “May I have the Papillon, please,” my knees buckled. As she handed
me the ribbon, she said,
"A new star is born."
I said, "All I wanted to do was finish my
dog." She replied,
"You did."
Dylan defeated 1020 dogs that day and was ranked sixth in all breed.
Dylan is the first United States bred, owner handled dog to win Best in Show from the classes. He has begun his career as
a special and, after only four months and at 18 months of age, is ranked in the top ten in all-breed and the top twenty in breed.
I believe Dylan’s best is yet to come. More important than all his wins in the ring, he has a won a very special place in our
hearts as a perfect pet and companion.
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