We are just now getting our heads above water! We have been finishing up with "Show stuff" (Marking and mailing catalogs, paying bills etc) Thank you so much for all the kind things you have said here about the show. I wanted to take the time to thank all the members and guests who attended this year's National Specialty in Spokane WA. We were a little out of the way, up here in the far northwest corner of our country, and so I appreciate all those who came and supported the show. The quality of the dogs presented was truley phenominal. The educational venues were well attended, which speaks highly of the bulldogger's desire to continue learning. The hotel and staff were truley amazing and a huge help to Calvin and myself. They want us to come back...which speaks highly of all of you. We hired the local humane society to do "clean-up" which worked out very well. The ladies worked their tails off but loved doing it to be around the dogs and "dog people" while earning much needed funds for the preservation of dogs in their own facility.

It was truley an honor to be able to put on such a prestigious event and I want to thank Claudia and the rest of the Executive Board for trusting us with it. We have received many compliments (Blush!) but please know there were a handful of very hard working people who committed themselves to make this come off as well as it did. You saw them...they were the ones manning tables, putting together catalogs, selling merchandise, tickets, etc. They were announcing and stewarding, and serving you coffee first thing in the morning. They were decorating tables, putting on parades, taking pictures, getting your tickets, name tags and catalogs, speaking at educational venues etc etc etc. They put together your goodie bags, and got your trophies. Many of these people were unable to see much of the show themselves, as they sought to help Calvin and I, and serve you. THANKS to all them!!!

Next year is Reading PA. I am looking forward to it! I am sure it will be a phenominal show, so start buying your logo merchandise, supporting the trophy fund, book your rooms, plan your advertising, make your state baskets, book your reserve seating, order your banquet tickets ect...do it now...they will need the seed money to do all the wonderful things they have in store for you!!! Good luck Nicki and '08 crew!

Sharon Dykes