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Recap of 2017: Incredible Life Change and Adventure

12/21/2017

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Five years ago, if you'd told me I would write two books and move to Europe, I would have laughed at the idea.

I would have replied emphatically, “I'm not a writer!”

“I'd love to live in Europe, but how would that be possible? I have a job here and health insurance. You know how expensive health insurance is!”

I read somewhere that women in their 60s have a burst of creativity. I hoped for it, but didn't see that happening in my life.

Then quite by surprise, my first Unforgettable Aussies book evolved. A few Facebook posts about famous foundation dogs turned into an avalanche of photos and comments from my Facebook friends. Fascinating stuff. Extremely valuable Aussie history. I decided to collect it all and preserve it as book.

And suddenly I was an author. That magical burst of creativity had happened.

Meanwhile, the idea of living in Europe kept playing in my mind. The warm, sunny weather in Spain was appealing. I checked into health insurance. It was surprisingly affordable in Spain. I could rent an apartment for about half of what I paid in the States. Maybe I could afford to live there….

Then, I accepted two judging assignments for May 2017—one in Germany and one in France. Possible travel logistics: I could travel back and forth across the Atlantic twice (ugh!), I could take a month-long unpaid vacation, or hey—maybe I should just move to Europe! Not the logic everyone would use, but it made sense to me!

I decided to make The Move.

Putting my wild idea into action required serious planning. I needed to: 1. Acquire a Spanish residency visa. 2. Sell my house and give away almost everything including my antiques and pottery collection. 3. Figure out logistics of overseas planes, trains, and automobiles.
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Obtaining the Spanish visa meant jumping through a LOT of hoops and mountains of paperwork. Everything had to be translated into Castilian Spanish and copied in triplicate. It also required two trips to San Francisco to appear in person at the Spanish Consulate.
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It was difficult to sell my beautiful house and give away my antiques and family heirlooms. A lot of things went to my sisters and niece for “safe keeping,” but I doubt I'll ever bring them to Europe or have them again. I let go of everything, said good-bye to my family and friends, and on April 27, I boarded the flight to my next home. My dream of living in Europe was coming true. 
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Logistics of May 2017: Fly to Germany to judge a show, fly to Spain to register as a resident, fly to France to judge another show, return to Spain. Two weeks later, fly to the Netherlands to cover the judging assignment for a judge who was ill. Return to Spain. Breathe. Set up housekeeping in L'Eliana.

My first eight months have been filled with beauty, fun, excitement, travel, writing and research on the book, and some frustration with trying to function in a foreign language.

I'm very happy to be an expat in Spain!
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HIGHLIGHTS OF  2017
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Discovering Valencia
The architecture and beauty of this city never cease to amaze me. I LOVE Valencia. For the first time in my life I finally feel like “I'm home.” I discover gorgeous art and scenery almost every place I go. A casual stroll to my doctor's office turned into a memorable outing with my camera when I spotted an ornate fountain, a boulevard decorated with poinsiettas for Christmas, and a historic statue overlooking an old bridge.
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Meeting Georgie and Mollie
I saw a woman with a dog in the L'Eliana post office. The dog was obviously a purebred of an English breed. Unusual in Spain. I asked the woman if the dog was a Field Spaniel. The woman spoke English and said the dog was an English Cocker Spaniel. I was invited to coffee, and that day I became fast friends with Georgie and her dog Mollie. 
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Berlin and Leipzig
The Altes Museum in Berlin was incredible. I spent so much time examining the pottery and sculptures that I'm sure the museum guards thought I was going to steal something. From Berlin I went to Leipzig for my first World Dog Show. My friend and fellow judge Sheila Polk invited me to share a room with her. What fun! We had a great time being lost in the maze of city streets, no thanks to an uncooperative GPS. We also have hair-raising stories to tell about Sheila's lost dog and lost luggage. (Both were eventually retrieved.)
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Learning the Spanish language
Ok, so I probably don't study enough. But I love the challenge of being immersed in Spanish culture and being able to function (sort of) in a new language. When my vocabulary fails me, there's always Google Translate. Me gusta hablar español.
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Navigating the Metro system
Definitely an important milestone in my first year here. What I've learned: always leave plenty of extra time in case I get lost. Because I do. Frequently. Remember, all those signs are in Spanish.
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Completing Volume II of Unforgettable Aussies
Absolutely the most important highlight of 2017! After hundreds of hours of research and writing, I released the second book in the series. My love for the Australian Shepherd breed continues to motivate me to record its history. As a wonderful bonus, I've made many new friends who sent photos of their dogs to be included in this volume.

As 2017 comes to a close, I look forward to an equally memorable 2018. Already in the works are trips to Australia, Italy, Germany, and the UK. I'll be unveiling my brand new, hands-on Aussie workshop, and you'll have to stay tuned to learn about other exciting happenings.

My wish for you in 2018 is to be inspired to live your life to the fullest! Happy Holidays to my friends around the world!
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Paula
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Australian Shepherds Cross the Atlantic.

9/18/2017

 
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I wanted a dog. It was 1980 and I hadn't seen a purebred Australian Shepherd, but I'd heard they were super-smart, talented, and basically the Best Dogs Ever. An Aussie show was announced in my local newspaper and I went to watch. I came home with two puppies. That's how easy it was to get hooked on the breed.

Aussies
are The Best Dogs Ever. People outside the U.S. noticed and wanted them too. In the 1970s, Aussies began making their way across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe. Some of the first dogs went along with Quarter Horses to the Circle L Ranch in Germany. In the mid-1980s Aussies were exported to the United Kingdom, and the breed's popularity spread throughout Europe. Aussies were in demand elsewhere in the world too. Dogs were also sent to Australia, South Africa and Israel in the 1970s.
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Gold Nugget Crimson Delilah. Born 1983. Imported to the UK in Sept. 1985 by Brian and Lianell Juecstock. Delilah was in whelp to Jokers Wild Sapphire Sampson. The Juecstocks imported two other Aussies at the same time.   ​
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Gefion's Fire On Ice. Born 1984. By Gefion's Man From Atlantis x Gefion's Sample's Cracker of L7. Imported to the UK Feb. 1987 by Winnie (MacIntyre) Brown. Fire was in whelp to Multi CH Bayshore's Three To Get Ready.  ​
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BISS CH Steal The Show of Bainbridge. Born 1984. Imported to the UK Feb. 1987 by Winnie (MacIntyre) Brown. By CH Fieldmaster's Three Ring Circus x CH Cassia of Wyndham.
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Gefion Ohtobe A Scarlette Star. Born 1985. By CH Beauwood's Out Rustlin' Bear HOF x Gefion's Ohtobe Gorgeous. Imported to the UK in Dec. 1987 by Winnie (MacIntyre) Brown. Scarlette was in whelp to CH Brigadoon's California Dude. ​
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Information about the above dogs was from the UK National Australian Shepherd Association brochure printed in 2002.

A significant number of Aussies from many U.S. kennels were exported in the 1980s and 1990s. In Europe, these various bloodlines were combined, resulting in uniquely European pedigrees. My first exposure to European Aussies was in 2004, when I judged a show in Germany. Since then I've had the privilege of judging many times on the Continent and in the UK, and have enjoyed watching the development of the breed over time.

My recent judging assignments have been Club Specialty shows in Germany, France, and Netherlands. I also watched the French All-Breed National Specialty and visited Aussie breeders' homes to get a closer look at pedigrees and breeding programs in Europe.

The following dogs are some of the best I've seen during my travels.
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AUSSIES IN FRANCE
Results from the Nationale d'Elevage Club Francais des Bergers Australiens. 27-28 May 2017. Cerilly, France.
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Best in Show and Best Opposite were very well constructed, typey dogs. 
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Best Veteran and Best Opposite Veteran. It was a pleasure to see veterans in such excellent health and condition.
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Two lovely class bitches in the lineup at Cerilly. ​
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AUSSIES IN GERMANY
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CH Rafter Creek’s EZ Valentine Day. Born 2012. German Club Champion, VDH Champion, Swiss Show Champion, VDH European Winner, CASD Club Winner, Most Versatile Australian Shepherd 2017. By Blaze x CH Mill Creek’s American Express. Son of CH Broadway's Blaze of Glory. Photo courtesy of Claudia Bosselmann. Photo taken in 2013.
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Class bitch with excellent breed type. Club fur Australian Shepherd Deutschland e.V. Donaueschingen, Germany. Photo taken in 2010.
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Promising puppy at 8 weeks old. Born 2017. By BIS BISS Multi CH McMatt's Blue Graffiti x Multi CH Cool-Paws Amazing Shooting Star BH RO-B RO-1 OB O1 DNA VP CHR. Photo credit: Author.
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AUSSIES IN MALTA
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INT CH Saussurea Spellbound. Born 2009. By VWW 2010, EW 2006, AKC CH Thornapple Oh Brother x Res.WW 2008, Multi CH Sunnyrain The Star At Saussurea. Great-great-granddaughter of CH Bayshore's Lucy In The Sky HOF. Photo courtesy of Leeandra Mifsud Mizzi. Photo credit: Dennis Mifsud. ​

AUSSIES IN THE NETHERLANDS
Results from the Australian Shepherd Club Nederland Kampioensclubmatch.
18 June 2017. Utrecht, Netherlands.  
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Best in Show and CAC. CH Terra-Blue Carmel Heart. Born 2013. By CH Echo Lake Merlin Rouge x Terra-Blue Kiss Me I'm Irish. ​​Photo credit: Birgit Kornet.
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Best Opposite and CAC. Skyron Devil's Advocate. Born 2016. By CH McMatt's Graffiti Kiss Me Now x JCH Tryfecta Game On @ Skyron! Great-granddaughter of CH McMatt's EZ Going. ​​Photo credit: Birgit Kornet.
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Jeugdklas Bitch Excellent 2. Happy Spark Dragon Princess. Born 2016. By Multi CH Blue Isle's Bourree x Multi CH Happy Spark Apple Blossom. Great-granddaughter of CH Broadway's Blaze of Glory. ​​Photo credit: Birgit Kornet.

AUSSIES IN SPAIN
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BIS BISS AKC Multi CH McMatt’s Blue Graffiti. Born 2006. World Winner. By AKC-INT-ASCA CH McMatt’s EZ Going OA NAJ ROMX-II x CH Graffiti Garnet Rose. Photo courtesy of Cristina Freixes Cau Fosca. Photo credit: Author.
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JRBIS AKC-ES-LUX CH Caufosca Your Coupit Name. Born 2015. By BIS BISS AKC GCH Copperridge Fire in Bayouland x BIS AKC GCH Bayouland Fleur de Lea. Great-granddaughter of CH Broadway's Blaze of Glory. Photo courtesy of Cristina Friexes. Photo credit: Jeffrey Hanlin.
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MORE AUSSIES IN FRANCE
Championnat de France. 4 June 2017. Nantes, France.
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A magnificent dog. MBIS-World Winner 2016-Multi CH-INT CH Risingstar Royal Flash Dcd Energies. Born 2009. By Multi CH-INT CH Risingstar’s Heaven Sent RN x Outlaws Million Dollar Baby. Great-grandson of CH Broadway's Blaze of Glory. Photo courtesy of Ludovic Gerona and Kerstin Patzold. Photo credit: Author.
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Lineup of class bitches competing for the CAC at the Nantes show.
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Jumpin’ Jack Flash Du Val D’Aury. Born 2014. By SR-INT CH Meadowlawn Boreal Night x SR CH Easy Way Out of Des Minis Toons. Photo courtesy of Isabelle Guillot. Photo credit: Author.
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Over the years, many high-quality Aussies have been sent from the U.S. to Europe. I've recently noticed that European-bred Aussies are being sent back to the U.S. as breeding stock, which adds an interesting twist to the story. Although Aussies originated in the U.S., the breed is now loved all over the world. Because Aussies are the Best Dogs Ever.

There are many more European Aussies featured in Volume II of Unforgettable Aussies. These photos give you just a taste of what you can expect.


Moving to Europe Part 1:  My first stop was Germany.

5/13/2017

 
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Touching Down in Germany.
​Saturday, April 29
My cell phone can't speak German. At least, that seemed to be the problem when it wasn't able to connect with any cell towers after landing at the Frankfurt airport. Apparently, my phone didn't bother to read about its' new International Plan. Because the phone wasn't functioning, I was anxious that I wouldn't be able to contact my Aussie club host.

My arrival in Germany was a familiar mix of excitement and anxiety. I was delighted to be following my dream of living in Europe. Figuring out my way around airports, train stations, and cities – with directional signs in foreign languages – is equal parts of uneasiness and adventure.

My plan was to take a train from the Frankfurt airport to Bonn, where I'd be picked up and taken to my hotel. I'd never taken the train before and didn't know where the station was located.

I wandered around the Frankfurt airport for a while, looking for the train station. I finally found it. I struggled my way through buying a train ticket from a machine, and took the “lift” (elevator) down to Track 6. My next challenge was deciphering the train schedule. I managed to get on the right train and was delivered to the Bonn station. The difficult part of the trip was over.

A delightful young man, Phillip, picked me up and took me to the charming Hotel Zur Börsch in Niedercastle. Several excellent restaurants and the historic Rhine river were just three blocks away. I had a delicious dinner of Asian food at MayDao, went back to the hotel, and fell sound asleep. Several nights later I enjoyed an Italian dinner with friends at Ristorante Da Pino, and I highly recommend both restaurants if you make your way to Niedercastle.
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The Hotel Zur Börsch in Niedercastle where I stayed during my time in Germany. The hotel's restaurant was outstanding.
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Car ferries take vehicles across the Rhine river. The Rhine is culturally and historically one of the great rivers of the continent and among the most important arteries of industrial transport in the world.  

The Magnificent Cologne Cathedral ​
Sunday, April 30

Phillip and his mother, Elke (el-kay) treated me to a tour of Cologne, Germany. We admired the city's cathedral, explored a Roman history museum, viewed the entire city from atop a tower, and hiked across the Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine river. Phillip was the best tour guide! He shared his knowledge of Cologne's history from World War II to the present day.  
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Cologne Cathedral exterior with my tour guide Phillip. The cathedral suffered fourteen hits by aerial bombs during World War II. Although badly damaged, it nevertheless remained standing.

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The Crucifix of Bishop Gero is the oldest large sculpture of the crucified Christ north of the Alps. It is carved in oak, and painted and partially gilded. Constructed around 965–970 and standing over six feet tall, it was one of the largest crosses of its time.
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Arches rise over 140 feet in the medieval east end of the cathedral. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid in 1248. In the early 16th century, construction was halted, due to a lack of money and interest. In 1842, construction began again and the cathedral was finally completed in 1880.
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The Cathedral's towering stained glass windows are part of the largest collection of early 14th century windows existing in Europe. Today they are threatened by air pollution. Glaziers are constantly working on their maintenance and restoration.

Padlocks, Pretzels and Pubs
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To fortify ourselves for hours of walking, we stopped at a Cologne bakery next to the town square. The almond-encrusted treats and warm-from-the-oven croissants and pretzels were irresistible! 

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Railings on the Hohenzollern Bridge are covered with “Love Locks” which are considered one of Cologne's most charming traditions. Couples fix padlocks on the railings, and to ensure everlasting love, they throw the key into the Rhine river. Tens of thousands of couples and friends from Cologne and all over the world have sworn their loyalty to each other in this way.​

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To cap off the day, we ate dinner at the Frühe Brauhaus where I was introduced to Kölsch (curl-sh) ale. The name Kölsch can only be used to describe a beer brewed in Cologne. The Kölsch Konvention stipulates: 1) the beer must be brewed in the Cologne metropolitan area, 2) must be pale, 3) must be top-fermented, 4) must be hop-accented, 5) must be filtered, and 6) it must have a gravity between 11-14% plato (whatever that is). Another tradition around Kölsch is that you will be served the ale one after another if you don't say "no" and put the beer pad (coaster) on top of your glass.
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Moving to Europe Part 2:  Aussies in Germany.

5/11/2017

 
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Rainy Day for a Dog Show
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Monday, May 1
May Day (Der Erste Mai, Tag der Arbeit) is an ancient festival to welcome the spring weather and to drive away evil spirits. It's a German national holiday. That meant only one thing to Aussie fanciers – hold a show! I had the privilege of judging conformation for the seventh time in Germany. It was a pleasure to see some excellent dogs and note the continuous improvement made by dedicated Aussie breeders.
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Puppy Fix Day!
Tuesday, May 2

There's nothing cuter than Aussie puppies! I played with a litter of adorable six-week old babies, chatted with their breeder, and learned more about her breeding program. This litter was sired by BIS BISS AKC Multi Ch.McMatt Blue Graffiti (Garrett) and out of Dt.Ch (VDH), Dt.JCh (VDH), CASD JCh, Club Jug. Sieg. 2015 Cool-Paws Amazing Shooting Star BH, RO-B, RO-1, OB, O1, DNA-VP, CHR (Lara).

I was impressed by the equipment used to expose these puppies to a variety of stimuli. In Germany, dogs are allowed to travel almost everywhere with their owners, including on trains, in restaurants and stores, and in other public places. Introducing puppies to a wide variety of sights, sounds, and footing builds confidence when they are faced with unusual situations. Watch for my next blog post that will show a video of the fun equipment this litter has to play on. It may spark new ideas on how you can enhance your puppy socialization.
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Blue merle female
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Red tri female
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Red merle female
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Red tri male
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Beethoven in Bonn
After a bit of time to recover from puppy bliss, I was taken on a quick shopping trip to Bonn. Elke and her lovely daughter, Bianca, assisted me in buying chocolate bars and a new piece of luggage to carry them. We took time to appreciate a monument of the famous composer, Ludwig van Beethoven, who was born in Bonn in 1770.
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Bonn, Germany was the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, who was a tremendously influential composer.
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My wonderful Aussie club host, Elke. The Cologne Cathedral is peeking out above her shoulder.
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A view of Cologne Cathedral's spires, and the Hohenzollern Bridge, which carries more than 1200 trains daily.
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Goodbye Germany, Hello Spain!​
​Wednesday, May 3
It was time to leave Germany and head to Spain. Sandra drove me to the train station, hoisted my luggage onto the train, and we said our farewells. My trip back to the Frankfurt airport was speedy and smooth. Miraculously, my cell phone began to work, and I caught my flight to Spain for the next slice of my adventure.


Aussies and Adventures in Europe:  The Journey Begins.

4/7/2017

 
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On April 28, I'll head to Europe. My home base will be on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, and I'll be traveling all over Europe. I'll judge and attend shows, visit Aussie breeders, and videotape and photograph their dogs, whose pedigrees trace back to famous Australian Shepherds in the U.S. I'll also explore the cities I visit and discover the best places to eat and gorgeous sites to see.

Join me on this grand adventure as I share my experiences and photos with you!
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​First stop is Bonn, Germany, where I'll judge an Aussie Specialty. After the show I'll play with a litter of puppies sired by BIS BISS Multi CH McMatt Blue Graffiti "Garrett."​ The litter will be five weeks old, and you know there's nothing cuter than baby Aussies at that age! I'll capture them on video so you can enjoy them too!
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​Next stop is Barcelona, Spain. There I'll meet “Garrett,” take photos and videos of him, and have a chance to talk to his owner, Cristina Freixes. She's the driving force who is introducing Aussies to her country, and her dogs have been very successful in the show ring. 
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After photographing Cristina's lovely dogs, I'll head into downtown Barcelona to enjoy sights in the city and eat delicious local fare at the charming tapas restaurants. Then it's on to Valencia to photograph stunning Moorish architecture, and more exploration of villages along the Mediterranean coastline. 
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My third stop is in Cerilly, France, where I'll judge the French Aussie Club's National Specialty. Following that, I'll travel to the Cote d'Azur (French Riviera) and meet Aussie breeders from that region. Their breeding programs will be fascinating, and I'll document their dogs in photos and videos to share with you. Sailing on the Mediterranean and sampling local wines are on the agenda, too.
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​And there's even more! (This all takes place the first month I'm in Europe.) I'll head to Nice, France, to watch the French National Dog Show. It will be the perfect opportunity for me to be a “ringside judge,” meet and take photos of European Aussies, and chat with Aussie breeders from all over the country.

After this whirlwind of experiences, it will be time to head back to my home in Spain. There will be a lot of photo and video editing to do, Spanish language classes to take, salsa dancing, and enjoying my new life.

My plans include trips to southern Germany, Switzerland, and Italy to see the wonderful sights and get to know Aussie breeders in those countries. Next spring I'll be judging a show in Sydney, Australia, and will explore that country and it's neighbor, New Zealand. Many more countries entice me, so stay tuned as I travel the world!


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    Paula McDermid

    I love Australian Shepherd dogs and travel! Join me as I explore Europe, meet Aussies and their owners, and discover exciting places you'd love to visit.

    I moved to Europe from the U.S. in May 2017 and haven't looked back! My dream is to share with you the exquisite beauty of castles, cathedrals, and communities in the Old World. 

    I hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams. Come and explore with me!


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