Page 78 - Chow Life - 2025 01 Spring

My Chow Days

Maple Leaf Chow Chow Club, in Canada
Chow Day 1985

A BLAST FROM THE PAST by BARBARA BECKER

I had a lovely time during my recent trip to Canada
and shared many good times with the fine people
there. Upon my arrival, I was whisked away to
Niagara Falls, a life-long dream! I saw the Canadian
side of the Falls which was very picturesque with
well-manicured grounds. I then arrived at the
Odenkirchen home to meet Minnie and their
sparkling eighteen-year-old daughter, Kim. Kim
was preparing for a fun night of dancing, so off I
went, having a GREAT evening.

The next day, I was eager to see the famous Mi Pao
Kennels, home of many fine Chow Champions. The
Odenkirchens have approximately forty Chows,
including puppies. I saw every Chow, one by one,
on a guided tour by Paul, with many questions and
answers along the way. They have many different
types of Chows, and it was wonderful to see
four generations of Chows. There were
eighteen puppies in the large whelping
room. They were ALL so cute! The
trophy room and reading rooms were
a sight to behold!! I spent hours
reading and gazing. I think Minnie
has EVERYTHING ever made
with a Chow!! I saw many statues,
plates, antique oil paintings, books
in many languages and even a
Chow Chow Club show catalogue
dated 1937.

The following day was Judging Day,
beginning with a talk on Siberian
Huskies. Casey Gardiner had a
measuring clinic, and an obedience
demonstration was held. Lunch followed
and THEN judging!! I had an entry close
to thirty Chows. I was also expected to give a Barbie with her
verbal critique of each placed Chow to the large BOB and BOS Winners
crowd. There were many different types of Chows, for Chow Day 1985
including a smooth. I chose for my Winner’s Dog
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