Kathryn Rutherford at 2006 AKC/Eukanuba National Championships

American Kennel Club and Eukanuba host Greg and Kathryn Rutherford at the 2006 National Campionships in Long Beach California

As the winner of the 2006 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship poster competition, Kathryn and her husband, Greg, were treated to an all expense paid trip to the competition held in Long Beach, California on December 1-4, 2006.

Each of the seven dogs Kathryn depicted in her award winning painting was the top Group winner in last year's National Championships. The Alaskan Malamute, Costello, was named Best in Show as the overall Grand Champion and, therefore, depicted larger in the center with the red, white and blue Grand Champion Ribbon.

Leaving unusually warm Tennessee weather, Kathryn and Greg were soon settled on the tenth floor of the Long Beach Hyatt Hotel. Before all the festivities began, they had just enough time to enjoy a sunrise walk along the beach of the Pacific Ocean, next to the Queen Mary Ocean Liner and Carnival Cruise ships waiting to leave port.

Duty called and Greg and Kathryn were expected on the competition trade floor on Saturday, December 2, 2006 to sign and personalize posters for dogs, breeders, AKC members and patrons alike. Almost two thirds of the limited edition 500 posters were sold to support the Take the Lead Charity. (Remaining posters will be available for purchase from www.akc.org)

Greg did a supurb job rolling posters into tubes for safe transport while visiting with all the patrons.
Thank you Greg!!

What a coincidence that December 2nd was also Greg's Birthday.
Happy Birthday, Greg!!!

Four of the seven dogs Kathryn painted, their owners and/or handlers were present at the Nationals. Everyone was anxious to meet and take photographs of the championship animals and an award winning artist.

Owner and Handler, Sandy D'Andrea dropped by the AKC Booth with Costello. What a great opportunity to meet a spectacular Champion Malamute that Kathryn earlier only knew through photographs and research for her painting.

Upstairs, at the "Meet The Breeds" booths, Rufus was his usual mischiveous self greeting the public, but, took time out to relax with Kathryn and owner, Barbara Bishop.

On Saturday night, James won the Best in Category title for the Sporting Group heading him to the Best in Show finals on Sunday evening. Backstage, before the big event, James and his Assistant Handler, Neil, were available for a few moments to show off that proud stance and beautiful coat.

Smokin also won top honours in his Group Category and was heading to the Best in Show finals. What an honour it was that owner, Doug Johnson, could pose with Smokin for pictures before heading back to the extended task of prepping Smokin's show quality coat----something that often takes two hours!!

For a little dog, Abby packs a whole lot of love and kindness into her tiny frame. Abby was named the American Kennel Club's 2006 ACE AWARD winner for Best Therapy Dog. Abby, and owner Cathy Albrecht, spend their time visiting hospital patients, bringing joy and happiness to those who most need an extra moment of joy. Abby has the biggest heart and she and Cathy shared their time after the awards ceremony.

At long last, the Sunday night Best in Show Finals arrived. Excitement and glamour filled the air. Championship dogs were brushed and groomed and every waited to see who would, this year, be named BEST IN SHOW.

All dogs get a last minute check before the big announcement is made.
Look at that proud stance on James and that magnificently brushed coat on Smokin.
Good Luck all!!

James is named Best in Show Grand Champion!! Congratulations James and Handler Kellie Fitzgerald!

The sun sets over Long Beach and marks the end of a beautiful day and a wonderful event. Alas, Greg and Kathryn board an early morning airplane, leave Long Beach behind them and head East toward home.

A good time was had by all. Thank you American Kennel Club and Eukanuba for the opportunity to create a labour of love painting for you and be a small part of the 2006 AKC/Eukanuba National Championships.