2005 Eukanuba National Championships

in

Tampa, Florida

Starting off 2004, for Mira, was a goal, to end the year ranked in the top 10 in the country and to qualify for the Eukanuba National Championships.  It was a hard road to follow, tough competition to beat.  In order to be ranked, everytime Mira would win Best Of Breed, she would get points according to how many other shih tzu she beat that day.  The points would add up, but so would other shih tzu wins around the country.  Mira did qualify for the Eukanuba show and ended the year ranked #7, so our goals were achieved.  Mira received a personal invitation for the Eukanuba show in the mail, and I entered her.  The excitement was building.  January 13, 2005, we left from Reno on a plane to Denver and then on to Tampa.  Mira rode at my feet in a little carry-on "bag" and never complained once.  I was so proud of her.  We got to our motel room, and my friends who came all the way from where they live to watch Mira, also stayed at our motel, and we all got together and hugged for joy. January 15th was "Mira's Day", the breed judging for the Eukanuba show.  She knew this was the big time and a special day.  She was so well behaved for grooming and the show...what a little angel.  We all drove over to the convention center, walked inside, and boy was it crowded.  It felt like the world was there to watch all the dogs competing.  Mira was a little nervous at first, but then she gained her composure as always, and relaxed in the noisy, crowded environment. Now it was our time for the shih tzu judging.  All our friends took their places around the ring, cameras in hand, and Mira and I walked in the ring, along with other champions from around the country that had also qualified.  Mira was the smallest shih tzu in the ring that day, and we were at the end of the line, but I was just so proud to be a part of this event, that nothing mattered.  Mira kept all her attention on me, as if she just knew this was the big time, and she wanted to know exactly what she HAD to do. She showed like the true champion she is, and I was so proud of her.  At the end of the judging, the judge pulled us out from the end and brought us up to second in line, and everyone went around the ring one last time, where the judge pointed to the one in front of Mira, for Best Of Breed, and then to Mira for Best Opposite Sex, which means, the Best Of Breed winner was a male, and Mira was the best of the females.  The Best Of Breed winner was also related to Mira, so the winners were all in the family. When we came out of the ring, there were pictures, hugs and tears of joy from all my friends, and we celebrated the rest of the day..

Inside the convention center, the world was there to watch the breed judging.

Before going in the ring, I had to make sure Mira was perfect.

Ready and waiting patiently.

Mom and Dad give Mira one last pep talk.

Some of the champions lined up in the ring, Mira is last on the far right.

Mira, in the ring, close up.

Asking Mommy what to do next.

Porcelain doll, before her turn to be judged.

Now it's her turn.

Going around the ring, during her turn.

The winners at the 2004 National Championships...from the far right: Greg Larson with Best of Breed winner, Ch. Ista's Superstition; Rob with Best Opposite Sex winner, Ch. Rolar's Miracle From Heaven; Amanda Carlson with First Award of Merit winner, Ch. Chantilly's Romance At Wenrick; Jennifer Miller with Second Award of Merit winner, Ch. Krissy's Dreams Do Come True.

After the judging, the winners were "swarmed" with fans!!!!!!!!!

A memory forever held in our hearts.

Special friends who came to watch Mira in her big show.

From left to right:

Chris, Mira and Rob, Dave and Sally

The Forum, where the televised groups and Best in show were held.

To go to Cody's, Jasmin's, Star's or Elvis's pages, please click on their pictures.