Recently, I was asked to pay a kennel visit and review a litter of puppies of a rare – and newly recognized – breed. Then again, this story began in 2016, when this breeder-owner-handler walked into my ring during an Open Show for Foundation Stock and Miscellaneous breeds.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “stream of thought” as a literary style in which a character’s thoughts, feelings and reactions are depicted in a continuous flow uninterrupted by objective description or conventional dialogue. This is what happens to your brain after several hours of sitting in a duck or goose blind. Actually, it starts before you even crawl into that blind, or at least it does for me mainly because my competence level at 0400 hours is somewhere south of complete ineptitude. And, if I should happen to mutter any of those uninterrupted continuous flow thoughts aloud, even the dog looks at me like I’m more than a full bubble off plumb.
Shows are starting up again, hallelujah. Entries of more than 3,500 at the recent Canfield shows puts an end to speculation about the end of our world.
Recently I encountered the most beautiful Pointer bitch when going for my usual morning beachside walk. She greeted me in a typically enthusiastic style, placing two sandy paws on my chest, and giving me a wet lick across the face. Her red-faced owner came rushing up and offered her profuse apologies.
My desktop, iPad, and phone are ready…I wiggle my fingers, loosening them for the upcoming challenge…the seconds tick down…I wipe the sweat from my brow, take a deep breath…5…4…3…2…1…Click!
Competition comes in many forms and on different levels, and while not everyone is looking to compete at the highest level, I believe it is important to find some level of competition in conformation–or in the companion or performance events–for everyone that wishes to participate in the sport of purebred dogs. Competition on any level is healthy; it gives our training purpose and structure, and leads to positive results.
Mexico was the destination of my first long-haul flight and it will always have a special place in my heart. So enamored was I by that very first trip to Cancun (in my twenties) that, over the succeeding years, I have revisited the country numerous times, taking in its breath-taking Mayan ruins, pristine beaches and, of course, its stunning wildlife.
The name “Affenpinscher” means “monkey-like terrier” in its native Germany, and the breed has a characteristic monkey-like facial expression. A rough coated, ap-proximately square dog, the Affenpinscher’s longer head hair framing the face, with the eyebrows and beard, contribute to the expression.
Do you eavesdrop on other peoples’ conversations? Don’t worry – your secret’s safe, so answer honestly.
Let me set the scene. It is 1944. World War II continues to dominate the country’s interest and concern. Movie goers fill every seat in their local theaters, eager to see the latest films which offer a perfect outlet, and some relief, from the rigors of war. Before the feature fills the screen, the newsreel with its stories from home and far away runs in its gritty black-and-white format. The strident voice of the narrator reverberates throughout the cinema like that of town criers of long ago. Finally, the moment has arrived for the latest blockbuster movie. Here Comes the WAVES starring the crooner of crooners, Bing Crosby, is the film for which all these theater goers have been waiting with mounting excitement.
