September 10-16th, 2023 brought the BCA National show to our “backyard” in Olympia, WA. Bittersweet was the loss of our matriarch, Ducky, just a couple weeks prior. I had intended on showing her in the Veteran’s classes during the week, but alas, that was not to be.
The BCA Performance & Civic Activities Committee (PCAC) worked hard to offer an array of wonderful activities throughout the week to include two Obedience & Rally Trials, a Scentwork Container Challenge, a “Bulldogs Got Talent” Show, Fun Zone opportunities for people and pups to try out different doggy sports and activities, CGC & Trick Dog testing by several evaluators, and competition for the coveted “Most Versatile Bulldog” Award.
Ducky’s kids, grandpups & great-grands did her very proud with her son, Tank, taking Best Veteran honors at all three shows, daughter Livie was awarded the BCA National High In Trial earning her first CDX leg, Granddaughter Besa won the Rally High Combined & High Triple Q awards at both trials. Baby Pickles, having just turned 6 months old on the day of Nationals had a brilliant performance debut in the Rally Novice class earning her first RN leg with a 96–good enough for the 1st place medallion. Pickles went on to earn SIX titles throughout the week: her CGC, CGCA, CGCU, TKN, TKI & TKA titles. Solo, still recovering from a muscle injury was only entered in the Rally Master class for both trials and earned two qualifying scores & two 2nd placements–with one providing points towards his HOF quest.
Capping off the week, Besa received her Platinum Health Award at the banquet and was announced as the winner of the “Most Versatile Bulldog” Award for the week–winning $200 cash and a Climb Platform. Her youngster, Pickles, ended up bringing home 4th place honors for her successes during Nationals week–$50 cash and a huge basket loaded with wonderful doggy treats and toys! Several other Ducky descendants went home with lovely class placements in the breed ring (including Pickles and her siblings, Gertie & Meatloaf). It was a fitting tribute for our special girl to be honored in this way!