Epiphany

June 21

I had an epiphany this weekend.

Premier, the biggest dog show I’ve ever attended happened this past week. I showed up to play in events that just don’t exist in my demographic, but I also entered in breed to represent my type of dog. Sure. The only natural eared dog, and the only red nose. Pretty sure we stuck out like a sore thumb amongst other experienced handlers and breeders.

I see videos and my greenness shines through but there was something to take home in every moment. I had considered retiring Pistol from the breed ring after this weekend bc, well, it’s boring to both of us. Agility, flyball, weight Pull are where our hearts are.

Low and behold my girl surprised the whole show with a BOB under Carol Gaines and a Group 1 to follow. My little Pistol went to Best in Show. I didn’t trip, nothing majorly embarrassing happened and it was an amazing experience.

Someone very inspiring to me said ‘if we don’t show up to represent, our variety and types will eventually not be recognized by the Judges or general public.’

Needless to say, we aren’t retiring from conformation. We’ll continue to work for total dogs even if we don’t actively campaign. Yes, I’m not rich, but I started this because of my love for the breed. I will continue to represent my type of dog even if they aren’t always winning and aren’t on cover magazines. Even if we don’t win, Judges need to see what we have to offer.

Every dog has their day and I hope everyone continues to represent the variety in our breed, whether it be more Terrier, more bulldog, red nose or black or blue. Don’t let the new normal edge out your vision.

Thank you to everyone we met there this weekend, snuck in a hug and welcomed us to our first national show.

Photo by Cindy Coffman.