The “Curvature of the Spine” illustrates a dynamic representation of the vertebral spine. The vertebral spine is composed of the Cervical spine, the Thoracic spine and the Lumbar spine, extending from the head to the tail, known as the Topline.
Technology seems to slowly, steadily pervade every corner of life. For instance, how often did algorithms come up in conversation ten years ago? Now there’s an algorithm capable of calculating and forecasting every quirk and fancy of human nature. Clearly, I am skeptical but I think I can make a pretty good case with the Boston Terrier. All that data concerning past performance, risk assessment, and mathematical probabilities goes right out the window.
As if we don’t have enough problems…now we can also dwell on the unsavory practice of puppy laundering. Just like traditional money laundering, it’s everywhere if you look for it. And being in the dog biz…we are attuned to that inexplicable recent phenomenon of these new (politically correct) “rescue centers” that bear an uncanny resemblance to the pet shop retailers that decamped in recent years. And business is brisk.
Remember watching the Charlie Brown cartoon TV shows? The kids in the show could all converse normally, but when an adult was talking it sounded like, “Wah wah waaah wah wah.” Whaaaa? Somehow it managed to make some sort of sense and, in good sitcom fashion, everything worked out well in the end.
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.
