September 25th is a special day for Philip and I as it is our wedding anniversary. It is now also the anniversary of Atisha's greatest Showing achievement - the day she became the first Tibetan Mastiff in Australia to win Best in Show at an All Breeds Championship Show.

We normally go to shows together, but on this day, Philip was unable to go as his son was rushed to hospital. It was decided that Bronwen would still take Atisha to the show at Nimbin in Northern New South Wales, to continue to accrue the final points that Atisha required to gain her Grand Championship title.

On arriving at the show grounds, Bronwen found that there were only a few dogs left in the group before Atisha would be on. After a huge rush to get dressed and Atisha groomed, Atisha showed like a dream. It was as if she knew that Philip needed some good news. On being awarded Atisha's third Best in Group by Ms G Goller (Qld), Bronwen was over the moon as this brought Atisha within the final 50 points towards her Grand.

Atisha was up against some quality competition in the Show line up. People around the grounds had taken notice of Atisha's performance in group and had talked up her chances, but when showing a rare breed you are never confident that a judge will go out on a limb, particularly to award you Best in Show.

Atisha didn't disappoint. On this particular day, she wanted to perform - to move effortlessly around the ring and work in complete synergy with Bronwen. They were a great partnership. Bronwen was reduced to tears when  Ms Goller announced that the Tibetan Mastiff would be her Best in Show winner.

A huge thank you goes to Ms Goller for having the conviction to award a Best in Show to a rare breed. In doing so, you have performed a great service to this majestic breed. TMs around Australia will now hopefully be given more of the consideration that they deserve in the Utility group ring.

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