Russia
Beautiful!!
The first word that comes to mind, when describing the city of Moscow.
We arrived the 19th of February. It was freezing! The streets were white with snow, filled with cars, and people.
Immediately we left our suitcases and readied ourselves to go out and get to know the city. We were very excited!!!
The first places we visited were some beautiful churchs. When the night had fallen we went to Red Square and saw the Kremlin.
Over the next days we visited other historical places of Russia; Century old castles, monuments and beautiful parks. We had a lot of fun. On this trip Ramon Ricardo, Luis Caledron and Saul Romero, all wonderful handlers and groomers, accompanied me. Our host was Olga Samodumskaya who is “Pure Paws Russia”
Classes
The day arrived for the grooming classes. We were excited about getting to know all the students. With the language barriers we felt a little nervouse but were anxious to get the classes started.
Fortunately there was and understanding between the students and teachers even without speaking the same language. A connection that comes from a mutual passion of all dog lovers from across the world.
Even though we were a little worried about the translation of the classes, we were in luck, Olga (yes another Olga) did a wonderful job at translating everything for us.
There were 4 days of classes and with each passing dia we felt more at home. The attention from the staff at the instalations where the classes where held was incredible.
Ramon did a wonderful job demonstrating grooming techniques on the poodles, bichons and schnauzers.
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Luis was a huge hit with his finess and charm. He left everyone very surprised with his grooming of the Bernese, Corigi, Chow Chow and Springer Spaniel
Saul did a bang up job with his grooming of the drop coated breeds. We had a lot of Yorkies in the classes and he had his hands full. Fortunately he still found time to assist with some handling techniques for the students.
Moscow was a lot of fun, the classes where a huge success and the Eurasia 2009 was not to be left out! ,
(Check our website for other shows coming up where we will be attending to give classes)
Show
Eurasia was wonderful! Pure Paws Russia sponsored a Chihuahua, "Diego" handled by Luis Calderon at the show and a Schnauzer, "Mojito" handled by Saul Romero. Both dogs came back home as new Russian Champions. I would like to thank both owners for allowing us to bring their Pure Paws dogs to Russia: Ramon Ricardo owner of "Diego" and Octavio Martinez owner of "Mojito".
Note: Diego, the chihuahua, was a huge hit on the second day winning BOB and making the cut in Group.
FLASH - Diego came home to win BIS at the Tournament of Champions 2009 in Mexico City!!! - Congartulations Diego, Luis, and Ramon!!!
The first day of the show we had a tremendous out turn at the stand ... unfortunately, most of the products were still stuck at customs :-( , This did not stop people from flooding the stand with questions and well as sharing success stories about using Pure Paws. Fortunately we were up and running on Sunday, the stand was in full gear and ready to roll. We interacted with many exhibitors at the show and met a lot of new and excitibing people. We had a difficult time keeping up the pace in the stand but all in all it was a HUGE success for Pure Paws Russia! We are very excited about having been at this show and looking forward to attending additional shows in the future.
Before we left Russia Olga invited us to stay the night in a beautiful forrest on the outskirts of Moscow. Her family treated us to authentic Russia cuisine and entertainment. The experience was unforgettable. We ate, drank and danced all night. The food and music was heart warming. I would like to thank Olga's mother and her friends for doing such a wonderful job welcoming us into their homes and making our experience such a memorable one.
I would like to take this opportunity to Thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. Myself, Luis, Ramon and Saul will always cheerish this wonderful trip. And especially a warm heart felt thanks to Olga for all her enthusiasum, dedication and long hours you have put into making this all possible.
Sincerely,
Arlene Muzquiz
