Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Last year Atakan was so close to becoming a Champion and during that final show there was a light reflecting off the wall and floor and he didn't like it at all. He would not gait past it and blew his chance. He was doing great last year and even went to Best In Show the day before. He had all of his Championship points and 2 competition wins. He only needed 1 more win to earn his title. That did not happen as planned. He loved showing and was proud when doing it up until that last show that the light bothered him. Early this year, I found a local show but it was outdoors. He had never shown outdoors but I figured I would give it a try with him since he only needed that 1 win yet. We were so close and I figured there would be no light reflection to get him upset so we went for it. This weekend fell on April, 30th and May 1st, 2011. There was 2 shows each day and I was hoping for the best. It turned out to be a beautiful weekend to hold an outdoor show. I promised Atakan that if he just got this 1 win then he could retire from showing. This weekend turned out to be a whirlwind weekend. The first day and first show, he did well for his first outdoor show. He did not take the win but I was proud of him for trying. By the time the second show started hours later, he was just worn out and done. He didn't want to gait at all and of course did not take the win in that one either. It was the first time that he's ever shown outdoors and in 2 shows in one day. I figured it was just too much for him and the waiting around for hours didn't help. I took him back the second day and he was a completely different dog. He was so proud and it was like something came over him and told him to go for it and he went for it with all he had. I only entered one show but got called in to the second show too. That is when it got a bit crazy. My boy was so proud and on the move in the first show that day. We left the ring to wait for Group when we got called to the other ring. We went right over to the other ring and showed. It gave him no time to stand around and get antsy. We went in for Group in the second show and was finishing up Group when the other ring was calling us all for Group for the first show. It was non stop! The first show waited until Group was finished in the second show and Atakan didn't win that one either. I was so nervous but Atakan was on the move and raring to go! He was so happy and really showed his heart out this day. We got back over into the first show ring for Group and by then I felt like I was going to pass out and couldn't even catch my breath from all the constant running. No worries on Atakan's side though. He showed his heart out and got his final win! He took his win in the show that we originally entered that day. We were done! Atakan was now a UKC Champion! I was so proud of him and he was a happy camper that day. Atakan is now retired from showing and is now relaxing and living the good life protecting his family and goats. Here are some pictures from his Championship weekend.  

April 30th, 2011

Show 1

Show 2

(Note: This was not a finished free stack but it was him going into one.)

May 1st, 2011

This is going to flip back and forth a little due to it being a crazy day.

Show 1 (Atakan's Championship Show)

(Note: These next 2 pictures he had moved and come out of a nice stack to get ready to gait.)

*Published in Choban Chatter ~ Summer, 2011 ~ Volume 21, Issue 2*

Show 2

Back to Show 1

 Atakan finished his UKC Championship on May 1st, 2011. He was owner handled under Judge Ms. Violet Denny. Atakan is now:

CH Mystic's Atakan of Clear Creek, CGC