July 21, 2003 – The dogs shows in Houston last week, which ran Thursday through Sunday, were a lot of fun. It was good to see old friends again and watch the Danes do their thing in the ring. This week's DaDane features 18-month-old Gabbie, who won my heart the minute I spotted her ringside on Thursday.

Outside the ring in the spectator's area Gabbie was very alert and interested in everything going on around her, while her mom, Nancy Lerch, tried to keep her curiosity and exuberance under control. Inside the ring, handled by Sharon Hennessey (who she clearly adores), Gabbie became the professional "show girl" and put on an impressive performance. Friday was a particularly good day for Gabbie because she achieved her championship and then went on to take Best of Winners. Congratulations to Gabbie and her owner/breeders: Nancy and Kim Lerch, Sharon Hennessey, Marilyn Riggins, and Marie Fint – aka the "Texas Connection."

I flew home from Houston late yesterday, so I haven't had time to sort through all my photos, much less "finesse" them. However, if you'd like to see a few more shots from the Houston/Reliant shows, click here.