As Linda warns me while noting Phlaire's considerable talents--"Just don't ruin her!!" I think there is a dire warning of bodily harm attached occassionally, as well. Phlaire, who just turned two years of age, is beautiful, smart, loving and as an observer in a couple of workshops said, "she's all that you'd want a Golden to be." And she is. Linda handled her in the breed ring--just to get her used to the noise, the crowds, and the dogs--and Phlaire went Best of Breed for two points, first time in the conformation ring. We returned to obedience training and added tracking training before revisiting the breed ring sometime this summer. Rally was fun, earning her RN. BUT Phlaire's passion is tracking. She certified (to enter a tracking test, a dog must run a track under a judge prior to entry) in pouring rain; she earned her Tracking Dog title by passing her tracking test, and tracked the exact track. As the judges said later, Phlaire is a really good tracking dog and nails the corners. That's the same judgment made by her tracking trainer. We're now training for Phlaire's tracking dog excellent title, and under Linda's guidance, preparing her for the breed ring, and for finishing a couple more obedience titles.