When Joy, Love, And Kindness Are Elusive

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130 – May, 2024

By Nancy Talbott

It was a hard month of March. The dog community suffered excruciating losses of family, loves, friends, mentors, and beloved dogs–so many of all these far too soon. World events bristled and boiled. Politics in an election year spiraled into a frenzy of hate and outrageous actions, with truth (increasingly obscure behind partisan rhetoric) hiding somewhere behind a rational curtain. News headlines within the dog community unsettled our emotions as disturbing truths surfaced; anger, disbelief, and concern preyed on our sense of security, with an overwhelming feeling that we had somehow missed the signs of depravity in our ranks. In all of these things we wanted to DO SOMETHING–to find our bearings while maintaining equilibrium. Sometimes the fear and anger turned outward, toward our peers in the sport, and frankly there was a melee of bitter accusation and argument among us. There was bullying and spite evident in person and on social media. By the end of that difficult month I was, like many others, reaching inward and searching outward for a sense of joyful stability that seemed lost in the world and the dog community.

And then came a weekend where I found some grounding without consciously being focused on that outcome. It was a typical judging weekend–early up, visits with club members and judges at breakfast, laughs and smiles and good dog talk. Caught the shuttle to the arena, walked into a brightly lit building with all the familiar morning dog show noise echoing off the high ceilings: people greeting each other, dryers at work, dogs asking for attention. Checked in, exchanged amiable chats with the superintendent and AKC reps, found my specialty ring and met my (extremely capable) steward, trying to avoid more than quick hellos with people I have known for decades. Soon enough the first fabulous class of 4-6 puppies bounced into the ring. How can you not be enthralled with seven canine toddlers giving it their joyful best? The judging process, as it always does, settled my heart and engaged my thoughts, putting the shoulder-bending weight of life’s realities into the background.

Click here to read the complete article
130 – May, 2024

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Posted by AnthonyA on May 17 2024. 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.