After deciding to keep a puppy from our most recent litter the second generation born in our kennel we made the exciting decision to enter the upcoming World Dog Show in Bologna.

And that is exactly where the adventure began.

The period leading up to the show was absolute chaos. At home, we had a litter that was already two months old, and anyone who has ever raised puppies knows exactly how much fun and work that means!

Day by day, the chaos kept growing. The departure date was getting closer, preparations had to be made, responsibilities were piling up, and, of course, the puppies were getting bigger and messier by the day.

Despite everything, we somehow managed to find time to prepare our chosen girl, Dragon better known at home as Daffy. How well did we prepare her? Well... as much as the circumstances allowed!

As the show approached, organizing the trip itself became a challenge of its own.

The difficulties started with the simple question of how to fit everything into the car. From there, every kilometer brought a new adventure, especially once we entered Italy, where driving can only be described as... enthusiastic!

We divided the journey into two stages, spending the night in Belgrade before continuing toward Bologna. After arriving, we had exactly six hours to rest following a sixteen-hour drive. Sarah even managed to get nearly two hours of sleep which was considered a major success under the circumstances.

At 3:30 in the morning, we headed toward the exhibition halls in Bologna. Our accommodation was located in Modena, so it was another early start.

We arrived among the first few exhibitors. This was intentional, as Daffy had never experienced an event of this scale before. In fact, this was only the second dog show of her entire career.

The idea was simple: allow her to enter a large, quiet hall before thousands of people and dogs arrived. We wanted her to gradually adjust to the increasing noise, activity, and countless new scents.

The plan worked perfectly.

We settled in, the hall slowly filled with exhibitors, and Daffy remained completely relaxed and happy. She seemed to genuinely enjoy the atmosphere.

Our class was scheduled early in the morning, immediately after the Baby Class (3–6 months). We were entered in the Puppy Class (6–9 months).

When our turn finally came, we certainly hoped for success.

Did we realistically expect it?

Not really.

Daffy was the youngest female in the class, only 6 months and 16 days old.

Then the unexpected happened.

What we hoped for but never truly expected became reality.

3rd place at the World Dog Show in a class of 12 females.

The happiness was indescribable. The shock is still there even now.

After the competition, it was finally time to relax and enjoy everything Bologna is famous for: exceptional food, outstanding wine, and the unique atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful regions.

Soon enough, it was time to head home.

Of course, the return journey began with another challenge repacking the car once again!

This time, we drove almost non-stop. After nineteen hours on the road back to North Macedonia, we finally arrived home. To be honest, I still feel like I'm driving while writing these words.

Now comes the period of reflection, evaluating what went well, identifying mistakes, and learning how to do even better next time.

It was a crazy journey one that gave us unforgettable memories, valuable experience, renewed motivation, and even greater inspiration for the future.

Experiences like these remind us why we do what we do.

Every challenge, every kilometer, every sleepless hour becomes worthwhile when you share the journey with great dogs and great people.

Best regards,

Lifetime with Labradors