Twas the night before Christmas at Winsome 08
And I was reviewing a year that was great.
The dogs were all cuddled around my bed—
Except for Ready, who was up near my head.
I took out my laptop and started to type
Once more trying to get this poem just right.
Each year it’s a challenge--this one included—
To turn out a product that’s not too deluded!

Remember in January we had our shows?
It was lots of work to put on those.
Our trophies were gorgeous, the food was superb—
The wine and cheese both deserve a blurb!
It didn’t stop there—I am always baffled—
Each year it seems bigger—our Basket Raffle!
Kudos to all who helped out in some way
To make another successful Specialty day!

In February we had a plan—
For that’s when our Keeshond agility ran!
Our trial at Ventura was really great fun--
It’s exciting to see the Keeshonds run.
Up over the A-frame, along the Dog walk,
All the time talking as only Kees talk!
The crowds were amazed seeing Keeshonden so able—
They laughed as several “cleaned up” the table.
Then over more jumps and then through the Tire—
Crossing the line seconds under the wire.
All this is fun—and this part is funny:
While we’re having fun KCSC gets money!

Then a bunch of our members drove north to see
How we’d fare at the Nor-Cal Specialty.
Lots of awards were there to see
Our members won Winners  and BOB!
A few weeks later we again made our mark
With another KCSC Trial at the park.
 (We have three trials each year instead of just one—
So get out there and train, and then join us for fun!)

Then it was back to No. Cal in May
Representing our club at KCA!
Tawn had convinced us that Rally was fun
So we entered, and several legs we won!
Our obedience dogs sure strutted their stuff
In competition that was pretty rough!
 ‘Twas no surprise that BOTH High In Trials
Came to KCSC—causing us to smile!
Our Agility members did really swell
Setting up courses and running as well.
We had so much fun and attracted a crowd—
With Keeshond humor it got pretty loud.
A number of spectators decided ‘twas time
To train their own Keeshonds for 2009!
In conformation our dogs did fine,
With a number of them in the winners’ line.
At the end of the week there was many a prize
Making its way home via I-5!!

Let’s skip to the summer—there were many more shows
But those majors—there were not very many of those!
Some of us suffered a condition unrare—
When our Kees had their coats on, the majors weren’t there!
Let us hope the new year will remedy this
And put lots of our Kees on the New Champion list!

Fast forward to Winter—December, in fact.
Meet the Breeds required an entire new act!
Our booth was amazing, the movie compelling—
I know many who felt it deserved the Top Billing!
We all know who conceived the idea, then built it—
People loved the booth, and we all felt it.
Though we may have felt we’d been cast aside
We all came away with Best In Show Pride!
OK—Second place may have knocked us out—
But we had Crowd Support, and that’s what it’s about!
So to all involved in the Meet The Breeds race,
My hat’s off to you—You deserved the First Place!!

Now it’s January 7—I’ve had enough rest,
And I’m finally finishing this poem on my desk!
It always takes weeks to pen these lines,
But now I’m retired and I lose track of time!
I thank each of you members for being who you are,

Making KCSC the best club by far!
I wish you coat and litters to boot
And hope 09 will be quite a hoot!
More champions, more titles, more successful runs—
But mostly, more time with your Keeshonds and fun!
From Alex and Ready, Carson, Rio and Race
 (He’s the new guy!)—and me, of course, may you face
Only good times in the upcoming year.
May it be one of humor and abounding good cheer!

Happy New Year from the Winsome Clan!