As I mentioned in my last update, we've taken a long-deserved breather from breeding this year. Sandi and I are both busy traveling to judging assignments this year, and with my father's health issues, we've been "taking turns" in our travels.

On the show scene, we have been participating very sparsely so far this year. Sarge has picked up two more Specialty Best in Shows this year, but has not attended any other shows. Our Wirehaired Dachshund, Cooper (Lockshire's Detour to Sanlyn) attended two shows in April and picked up one Best of Breed and one Best of Winners, to give him 12 points and three major wins. We hope to finish him sometime soon. Cooper has only attended six shows in his career.

As part of Sarge's break from the conformation ring, he and I attended "bunny camp" on Whidbey Island, and concentrated on his field training with the help of Gail Allen and Gilley Tankard of Tailgate Bassets. Sarge proved to be a good student, and in his first Field Trial after his training he placed 3rd in the Open All Age Dog class.

- Mark