The Big E – Easy? Hardly!

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290 – August, 2021

By Elaine Lessig

I am in the middle of judging a breed of toy dogs, when a lovely exhibitor very timidly says, “This is my first day showing a dog. I am not sure what I am supposed to do.” I assure her that she has come to the perfect ring. “You have nothing to worry about here,” I say in a gentle voice. We stand together just inside the ring gating. I proceed to explain very carefully where she should move her puppy to begin their inaugural appearance in the conformation ring. As she walks with her eager companion toward the corner of the ring, I remind her to turn herself about and come back to me. “Don’t forget to look at your dog as you make your turn,” I offer. As they come toward me, I coach, “Slow, slow, slow, stop here.” She follows my instructions perfectly. I stand in front of the puppy to get his expression. He has been well-schooled. “You can breathe now,” I whisper. I see her sigh. With the down-and-back completed, I ask everyone around the ring to give her a big hand. We all join into applause as I hand her a blue ribbon. “Welcome to the wonderful world of purebred dogs,” I announce. You have just won your first class!” Her smile stretches across her face.

It’s funny how memories flood into our brains at the oddest times. Suddenly, I remembered how I felt during my first try in the ring at an AKC show. It was in early May of 1996. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were AKC’s newest recognized breed. There was a huge entry of exhibitors eager to discover what this larger venue was all about. We were accustomed to showing at breed specialties in hotel ballrooms. Outdoor shows were few and far between. Needless to say, it was all very intimidating. How do we do this? Will any of this seem familiar? The task at hand seemed overwhelming.

Click here to read the complete article
290 – August, 2021

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