Full of confidence and swagger, Captain Kody is heading back to the show ring this weekend. For this American Kennel Club Dog show, Kody will not be traveling too far from his hometown. So, if you would like to see Kody in action, feel free to head on out to DeKalb this Saturday or Sunday, April 7 and 8.

The favored boy, known officially by his lineage name in competition, Ascot Gold Cup, is only a few points away from finishing as a champion in his division. And in the "dog world," that is a VERY big deal. Rock on, Captain Kody!

Currently, Kody is just over a year old and since his official debut in the ring four months ago, Kody has proven himself to be a star. He’s been collecting quite the panoply of blue ribbons, medals, pins and official “win” pictures. I am not going to say that I am jealous of my dog, but good grief! When I was a year old, I know for sure that I was not prancing around with blue ribbons on my neck.

But I guess it comes as no surprise. Kody has the spunk, energy and determination that the judges all seem to love. I still get nervous for him when he is doing his thing out in the ring, but he’s clearly got it all under control. Strutting his stuff is no problem for him and he never falls short of being very well-behaved during competition.

Regardless, as I have said before, just as soon as Kody gets home, the proud, obedient Ascot Gold Cup swiftly disappears, and the delinquent, mischievous Captain Kody is back in action. He will cause trouble, seek attention, and then tire the Cladises out with endless games of chase or hide and seek. Though, when that soft, toasted marshmallow fluff ball comes running at you wagging his entire tail and butt with sheer delight in your presence, it makes him darn near impossible not to love!

So, if see that loveable, occasionally devious stud around town this week, feel free to wag your tail in his direction and wish him luck!

So SIT. STAY. Or … COME! Join the Captain Kody fan club! He’d love to have you there.

The NIU show information is as follows:

Note: Kody will show with the Tibetan Terriers this weekend, which are in the “Non-Sporting” group category.

Location: NIU Convention Center

Show Begins: 8:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. As soon as Kody’s actual show times are made official, I will post them in the “comments” section below.

Further information can be found on the websites listed below:

http://www.royjonesdogshows.com/PremiumLists/KCofYorkville/KennelClubOfYorkville2012%20web.pdf

http://www.kennelclubofyorkville.org/events.cfm