This morning I drove 40 minutes to the Busch Wildlife Refuge
to watch the water retrieving trials. This was not a hugely
successful trip by my standards as I had not realized that in a
water retrieve test, a live duck is catapulted into the air, then shot
and then the dog is asked to retrieve the dead or dying duckk,
which the dog may or may not do. Not my idea of a spectator sport
and I didn't last too long.
One more black mark against the Ramada is that they do not allow dogs
to set foot in the lobby, which hurts Pixi's feelings.
On the positive side, there's a huge expanse of fields and a pond
right across the parking lot from our little strip of rooms;
we've had some great long walks and I've promised the Pix
she can swim after tomorrow.
Am beginning to hear car trunks opening and closing
so others may be arriving.
Think I'll go out and see if I can locate any of our gang.
After that there's drill team practice at 3:30, then hospitality at 5
and an entertainment committee meeting at 7.
LIBBY KARIER:
Why do I get the feeling the Ramada people might start
regretting the day they said, "Wow, a whole booking
of terrier people. What a great deal . . ." They didn't know
what they were getting into with terriers, methinks.
MARY LOU DEWAR writes:
I'm reporting this after a full and a WONDERFUL
fun-filled Airedale Day at WOTA.
Wish that everyone was here.
We are having an unbelievably fun time. I cannot believe how many different
ADTs we have had the privilege of petting, kissing, and playing [with].
Cash loves to walk with Harriet Prairiedale & Mary Giese.
He had a marvelous time frolicking with Dudley (Jackie & Wendell)
who is a love . . . he lives to give big "Dudley kisses and loves".
They played while Dick & I sampled Wendell's fabulous vino.
We watched The Pixie in her practice with the ADT DRILL TEAM.
Even had a preview of some fantastic costumes for
the PARADE OF RESCUES.
Met Sue Forrester who is so endearing one has to love her at first sight;
she drove down with Mel Findlay who is so lovely, They brought Idgy
who I am looking forward to seeing tomorrow.
We are at Purina tomorrow for OBEDIENCE . . . not with
Cash . . .
or I should say with Cash as an "interested
observer",
not participant. Also we will probably have some great runs
and plays in the field behind the Ramada.
Must get to bed now as both Dick & Cash are long asleep
and I am slaving at the computer!
What a pleasure it is being here!
SALLY BABCOCK writes:
Monday evening, Shelley & I sojourned through the hills
of southern St. Louis and managed to find the host
Ramada Inn at Six Flags.
I must say, of all the Ramadas I've ever seen, this one is spectacular!
It reminds you of an old English castle. In the lobby, we met Buck's rescuer,
Jackie Cash & her hubby, and had a minor squealing session
because we were so thrilled to see the people whom
we've only heard about.
Kim & Dale Burrier, Sue Forrester, Sally Babcock & Christie Williams
We arrived at the tail end of the Hospitality Hour and
peeked in on the remaining people grouped
around tables in various meetings.
Though people were rolling up the streets and putting things away,
we did get to see the t-shirts (brown with black print),
dog scarves and totes depicting the WOTA - really cool!
The we ran into Sue Forrester, whom we later took for a bite to eat,
and some of the wonderful, wonderful Aireheads - oops - Airepeople.
I can't tell you how this whole thing
just makes us gurgle inside with excitement.
Shelley [DeMerchant] Stotts, Christie Williams & Sally Babcock
On 1 April, CYNDY MOBLEY writes
from up on the hill in the red & white RV:
Wow! What a cool gathering of 'dales and their skindales!
It's been really neat to meet all the folks who had just been names
on the list up until now. Huge kudos to Joey, Jackie & Maria
working the Rescue Tent sales!
There was more than one teary eye during the PARADE OF RESCUES
as we listened to the stories of the pups who were found in pounds,
running loose on streets or surrendered by people who were having a child.
The announcement as names were called out, "Not here -- ADOPTED!"
brought huge cheers from the rest of the folks;
I hope every 'dale can say the same thing before long.
| 
