On April 22nd, our exciting adventure began as we set off from Groningen, heading toward Zagreb, Croatia, for the World Dog Show. The journey was long, but it was full of moments that made every mile worth it. To break up the long hours on the road, we decided to spend our first night in Germany, making the journey much more comfortable and pleasurable for both Jazz and us. 

Along the way, we made a few spontaneous stops and took some random turnoffs, exploring beautiful countryside spots that we would have otherwise missed. One of our favorite detours led us to a charming little hill. We decided to climb to the top and were rewarded with the discovery of a peaceful little church, a perfect spot to take in the view and stretch our legs before continuing on our journey.

As Jazz is our first show dog and our first Vizsla, this event represented a massive milestone for both her and us. The sheer scale of the show was overwhelming, with countless beautiful dogs, dedicated breeders, passionate owners, and skilled professional handlers from all over the world. We spent hours just soaking it all in, marveling at the diversity and skill on display.

For Ruben, it was also only his third time ever in the ring, and of course, also for Jazz. Standing next to professionals with years of experience, we couldn’t help but feel a bit out of place. But we had a clear goal: to have fun and gain experience, no matter the outcome.

Jazz competed in the Junior Female category, where there were 10 talented females, judged in two groups. Jazz was in the second group, and after the first round of judging, the anticipation was palpable. A ring steward came around with the numbers of the dogs that made it to the second round. And there it was—Jazz was selected!

To stand among the top junior females in the world was an honor in itself, but Jazz went one step further. She was awarded 4th Best Female Junior in the World! To say we were proud is an understatement. Seeing our girl and Ruben achieve such an incredible result at such a prestigious event was an emotional and humbling experience.

After the excitement of the World Dog Show, we wanted to unwind and reflect on this unforgettable experience. We booked a quiet stay in the mountains, surrounded by nature, to relax and recharge. We also made sure to visit the beautiful Plitvice Waterfalls with Jazz. It was the perfect opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle, taking in the tranquil beauty of Croatia while bonding even more with our girl.

This experience has been an absolute highlight in our journey with Jazz, and we’re so thankful for the memories and growth it has brought us. It reminded us that, no matter where we are in the world or who we’re up against, the joy of being with our dog and enjoying the adventure together is the true reward.

We can’t wait for what the future holds, and we’ll continue to cherish every moment of this incredible journey with Jazz. Stay tuned for more adventures as we look forward to the next chapter!