Observations From The Other Side Of The Line

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76 – June, 2025

By Wayne Cavanaugh

Time flies. I vividly recall my first AKC judging assignment 34 years ago. I awarded my first Best of Breed to the English Springer Spaniel, Ch. Salilyn’s Condor, a young dog at one of his first shows as a special. And I can easily remember the first dogs I showed in the classes when I was eight: an orange roan English setter and a black-blanketed beagle. But when I tried to recall the last time I showed my own dog, I drew a blank. After a quick check through the file cabinet, I realized that, while a few handlers showed some of my dogs in the years between, it had been 21 years since it was just me, my dog, and a Resco.

It was time to get back in the saddle. It was time to put my judges badge away for the weekend and put on an armband. I realized how long it had been when I logged in and made my first entry online through infodog. Then I reserved and paid for grooming space with electricity and had to decide whether I was an NOHS exhibitor or not. So far, so good.

Being that Baxter was my first toy breed, I’d purchased a beautiful, right-sized crate, tack drawer, grooming top, and dolly from the great team at East Coast Crates. And of course, with a new breed came a few new grooming tools. Adding in the entry fee and reserved space fee, plus three nights in the local hotel, dry cleaning, meals and well, you know. It was time to pack up and head out.

With my dog, luggage, and gear on board, I ticked the check-list and headed down the highway. It was all coming back–the excitement, the nerves, and the dread of what I likely left home.

Click here to read the complete article
76 – June, 2025

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Posted by AnthonyA on Jun 5 2025. 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.