When Glory Becomes Inviting

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194 – November/December, 2023

By Nancy Talbott

It was just a quick comment. There were three of us on the phone call; the extended conversation (long drives elicit deep dives) had evolved into sharing ideas from judge, handler, and trainer perspectives about some of the trends seen in our breed. In particular, we were discussing traits in the ring (and also in the field) that had strayed from the breed’s origins and purpose and we wondered why some had moved so far in that direction. After a long pause Kelly delivered the mic drop comment: it happens “when glory becomes inviting”.

While I acknowledge that the goals of integrity and glory would mesh cleanly in a perfect dog competition world, I also propose that we often compete in an imperfect world. Beyond aspects of the breed standard going awry, the very safety of the dogs in our care–and the safety of our colleagues and friends–may be overlooked by those who seek success at all costs; and I believe the human desire to win can make otherwise rational people make not just cosmetic but deeply harmful decisions.

Warning: there are a few unsavory things in the next few paragraphs regarding parvovirus and a dog attack. Just wanted to let you know.

Click here to read the complete article
194 – November/December, 2023

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=275797

Posted by AnthonyA on Nov 27 2023. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.