The Big E – Elixirs Are Everywhere

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278 – April, 2023

By Elaine Lessig

Elixirs are everywhere. They are magical moments of joy which buoy us at random, unexpected moments. Their appearance goes unnoticed. Sneaking up on us, we never know where they lurk. Perhaps, that is their charm? Once they bring their gifts, we are left with some morsel of happiness, a Best In Show, a litter of stellar puppies, an invitation to judge at next year’s Westminster Kennel Club, even the news of a big entry for a show chair. Suddenly, a rush of warm air envelops us with its spell. With the biggest smile imaginable, we wonder what just happened.

Elixirs bring a welcomed companion along on their adventures–elation. This partner assures that everything being done for the recipient affects all those that surround them. It is shared and contagious, too. Soon the impact grows exponentially. Hugs, congratulations, cheers, and tears abound. The recipient of the elixir moves through all the attention in a dreamlike state. Reality has yet to penetrate, but who really cares if it does.

The term “elixir” originally referred to potions in the Middle Ages which were capable of changing base metals into gold by the Alchemists of the day. It was thought to be a liquid with the power to cure, improve, or preserve something. Moving to our modern world, the term has also morphed into a noun that refers to remedying all difficulties, physical or not–a cure-all. To be more succinct, an elixir is a boost.

Who does not welcome a boost, deserved or not? Let’s look at the competitive world of dog competitions–both conformation and performance. In the conformation ring dogs are judged subjectively, an assessment of the virtues of each entrant versus the others. In comparison, performance events like field work, rally, obedience, and scent work, to name a few, are all scored objectively by points and/or time. One offers an opinion, the other a score sheet.

Click here to read the complete article
278 – April, 2023

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Posted by AnthonyA on Apr 18 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.