The dog show sponsored by the Cero Cero Club was held in the outstanding grounds of the Mexican KC facility, featuring expansive rings, grandstands, offices, veterinary clinic, restaurant all in the immaculately groomed property. Life size bronze statues of various breeds were randomly placed throughout the property along with ornate hand painted murals and flags all accented by the rich flora and fauna making for a very well planned show venue.

There was an excellent entry of over 400 dogs to be judged. Club President Jose Louis Gracia introduced and welcomed the judging panel as well as all of the organizing committee consisting of his wife Kena, Javier and Beny, Alfredo and Maria Estrada, Luis and Gloria Loaiza and their lovely daughter Maria Louisa. The weather was in our favour and the day was bright with sunshine and a cool breeze. To add to the festivity, music was played from loud speakers during the day which gave a fun flair to the event.

On Saturday, Miriam Yasuhara from Brasil judged Best in Show and awarded it to a handsome Doberman Pinscher out of an exceptional lineup from the days judging. I judged Herding, Terriers, Dachshund, Sporting and Working Groups and generally found the dogs of good quality with several strong breed entries including Malamutes and Akitas.

Saturday night we were once again joined by the show committee and dined at an historic restaurant, the Antiguo San Angel Inn. once and old Carmelite monastery. Built in 1962, it combines the charm and distinction of ancient times with modern luxury and is a favorite of Mexico's elite and foreign tourism. We had a selection of hors d'oeuvres, discovering, after the fact, one being a Mexican delicacy of ants eggs.......quite good actually. Our main meal was stuffed poblano pepper with meat and cheese.

The day dawned bright and sunny and we were off for the second day of judging. Today, I would be doing the remaining groups as well as Best in Show.Once again everything was very well run and the day went smoothly with the help of my excellent ring steward, Gustavo I also was able, during the lunch break, to partake in the Junior Handling as judge of the 46 entrants, a part of dog shows which is dear to my heart. My Best in Show line up was a wonderful selection and I found I had several serious contenders for the coveted award. I found in the end, that the Boxer would be my choice on this day. Afterwards, there was great comraderie around the show site between judges,show officials and exhibitors. It was also Javier's birthday and the celebration was toasted with wine and cake. It was refreshing to see as well, that exhibitors did not quickly leave the site once judging was over but rather stayed and socialized with each other, sharing drinks and toasts in each other's set-ups. I was honored to judge at such a well run event, gracious hosts, great dogs, breeders and exhibitors. It was then off to the hotel for a farewell supper with our hosts of the show and then an early morning as we were off to Puerto Vallarta for a week of sun and relaxation.

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