So here we go to another show and it looks to be promising. We arrive set up and get to grooming the dogs. The anticipation builds as we get closer and we are really looking forward to seeing some friends when they arrive and hope to possibly pick up some points. Unfortunately that did not happen we did get to see some friends but what I wonder is when did it become all about the faces and not about the dogs? How far back ? Really! I have seen some excuses for dogs that have been shown and seen the judge go over them but only see the face on the end of the lead. Yup that's right I said it! Now yes we did not take the points and I promise that I am NOT a sore loser. We would have gladly lost to any other dog besides this one that was picked because of a face! There were many of other people who were in the ring mumbling the same thing. In the end if we do not stand up to this it only hurts our breed and leads newcomers into a false portrayal of what our breed and breed standard should be. Do we as breeders really want this? The saying go's that "Evil only persists because good men do nothing". I believe that saying is fact!

I started out just over ten years ago looking into the world of dog shows and show dogs. My first experience was something that lead much to be desired. I tried by doing the right thing and the right thing as I was told was to introduce yourself to the other breeder/handlers that were at the ring. My misfortune could be someones gain. I introduced myself to a long time breeder who in the space of 10 minutes managed to make me want to run screaming from my inquisitiveness towards showing. She was very abrupt and had an air about her that said I was beneath her. She was polite as I introduced myself and then my husband who was holding on to a show pup we had just purchased. However as she turned and walked back to the ring with not even 10 feet between us she had words with another exhibitor and looked directly at my family and I and bluntly said what a waste it was for us to have our show pup. I was shocked and hurt I wanted to scream and cry and say who the hell are you. I did nothing but look at my husband and as I was looking at my husband this same breeder asked if I could carry her chairs back to her set up. I grinned and bared it and did what was asked but as soon as I was at the car I had decided that I was not going through with it. The only thing that saved me that day was my husband who seems to not be fazed by anyone or anything. He looked me straight in the eye and said to me , " What do a few words of a stranger mean?". I thought about this and he was right. I did not know her and she did not know me and although I am sure her intention was to get rid of me, I decided I would stick around. The point of this story is that no matter what if you are interested in something and someone tries to push you out or kick you away lol and yes I said that the way I wanted to! Do not let people make your choices for you. Take the time to slow down and really think it through. Life would continue on without you not matter what but with you in it that life could mean so much more. Ensure your happiness and your families happiness because sure enough that is what those other people are doing.