We drove 5 hours to Gardnerville, Nevada (South Lake Tahoe roughly) on December 11 to be interviewed by this pup. We woke up early before meeting with the breeder at 9 am and watched some TV while we drank our coffee. Saturday morning TV isn't very compelling unless of course you're eight-years-old. We ended up tuning into the 2006 Harrisburg Kennel Club Dog show; the herding breeds were up next. We paid particular close attention to the representatives from the Aussie and Sheltie breeds of course, and both were beautiful. The Sheltie was particularly stunning with his daisy-cutting prance, keen expression, full, lion-like mane and shiny, tri-color coat.
Trav called it - and then the judges called it; "Musashi" the Sheltie won best in show. As soon as Musashi's name was announced I recognized him from Talullah's pedigree. The name was familiar, but his credentials were not. Turns out this dog, Talullah's grandfather, is a Sheltie superstar. I had been searching for a well-bred dog from breeders who choose their stock carefully with the intent of enhancing the breed - not a descendent of a champion show dog, but no one is complaining. Musashi's granddaughter is a smart, sassy little love-bug.

"Musashi" a.k.a Champion Pop Star SS of Northern Farm ROM
Talullah subjected me to the sniff test and I plied her with treats. Pretty soon she was curled up on my lap, thoroughly enjoying some pets. I'm pretty sure she became our dog at that point. The journey home was a little harrowing. Donner Pass, (elevation 7, 085 feet) was receiving its first snowfall of the year and Caltran was at the summit making sure everyone chained up. Luckily my chains were in the trunk and we were on the road again in short order but it took a long, long time to get home. The good news is we didn't have to resort to cannibalism.

My Christmas present.
I must have been a very good girl....
