Being in Pennsylvania I knew I needed to see if I could come visit him since it had been many years since I had seen him. It turns out that he lives about half an hour from Carol and Annmarie's home. We had set the date for my visit for yesterday because he is still showing his current Grand Ch Pequest General Tso.
I don't think he knows how much of an influence he had on my show career and how an act of kindness in Chicago around twenty years ago left an unforgettable impression on me. It was a benched show and as usual there were many people around watching David groom and asking him questions. I'm a visual learner and since I was benched close to him, I think it was even right next to him, I just observed and learned. David was so patient with everyone and answered their questions.
We sat in his back garden to enjoy most of the dogs and current puppies. David has always been a gentleman and he already had sweet tea out on the garden table.
The dogs were in play pens and I was in heaven. Some of them have been cut down for comfort and others were in full coat.
After letting them get over their excitement David let some of them out for me to play with. The babies were so adorable and started playing all around as well as coming over to me and giving me tons of kisses.
This white baby is so full of life. We called him over and he ran to me as fast as his little legs allowed.
We had a good talk about the good old days and how it was amazing to see over one hundred Pekes in one spot for the National Specialty back then. Having been out of the show ring and Pekingese scene for over ten years I only look up results every now and then online but the numbers are so low.
He tells me that they are starting to climb back up but Pekingese are not a breed that appeals to younger people. It seems to be a breed that people seem to discover as they get into mid age if they weren't raised around them. 
I got tons of baby kisses!
I couldn't get enough of them. Having the opportunity to play with a few Pekes again brought back so many memories of years gone by. Sitting with my mentor and friends Jeanette Franklin, Bonnie Ericsson, Terry Bearman and sometimes my Bill around Jeanette's dining table talking Pekingese and pedigrees. I sure miss doing that with them and I thank David for bringing these memories back.
The best thing about my visit was getting to play with the history making love bug known as Grand Champion Palacegarden Malachay. He is only the fourth Pekingese in breed history to win Best In Show at the country's most prestigious dog show known as The Westminster Kennel Club.
He did this back in 2012
He has an awesome little body and fit perfectly into his trophy.
These days he has a short haircut and gets to play around as much as he wants. He knows he's the king of this castle.
Grand Ch Malachays Best In Show rosette from The Westminster Kennel Club
Grand Ch Malachays trophys from The Westminster Kennel Clubs Best In Show 2012
Another future star son of Malachay. Beautiful head and body on this baby. If I wasn't travelling for the foreseeable future I would have been coming home with a puppy yesterday!
I know I will have another Pekingese in my future and I just might get back into the show ring!
I am the new guy
ReplyDeleteHi, I love this breed and would like to acquire one in the near future. I have no idea as to the cost of a pekingese puppy. How much do they run for? Hope you see this, thanks.
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