It's NOT all about winning - really, it's not! Yes it's great to have the winning dog and the ego strokes that go with being the owner or breeder of a winning dog is pretty nice too, I have to admit.

But the real fun of dog shows is spending time with people who share your love of animals and particularly your love of your specific breed.

Friendships that center mainly around our mutual love of bichons are developed over years of 'setting up' at dog shows and grooming together.

It is true that poor sportsmanship and/or 'politics' enters the picture on occasion, and this can mar the fun of the show atmosphere. It takes a strong person with a tough skin to be able to survive the competitive (some would say "cut-throat") environment that exists within the Show Community. Rumors and back-stabbing are just as prevalent among dog fanciers as within any other organization. So you need a certain amount of courage to confront your critics and continue to persevere with exhibiting your dogs. The Professional Handler often does have an 'edge' - after all, this is his job and he/she should be good at it. The best dog does not always win - and if you are not able to cope with that reality then perhaps dog show competition is not for you.

Final word: Hold your head up high and smile with pride while you present your dog to the best of your ability. Be gracious when you win and when you lose. And enjoy the sport and the good times and good friends, and do your best to ignore the rest. Life's too short to let negativity steal your joy.

Labels: all-breed dog shows, competition, Conformation, dog fancy

Petsitting is not for cowards

I love my life. I am a stay-at-home mom of several canine 'kids'. Because I already have a multi-dog household a few extra dogs more or less doesn't make much of a difference in the whole scheme of things. It is a good thing however that I am not a meticulous neat freak because with the number of dogs that call this home their home....well, you can probably imagine!

Dogs going in and out, rain or shine, do make a mess and there is no getting around that. A few 'accidents' of both the liquid and solid type have also been known to have occurred in this house, and I am grateful that I have no carpets in the main living areas.

Easy-going, go-with-the-flow, and don't sweat the small stuff - that pretty much describes the attitude one must have to surround oneself with a house full of dogs. Particularly so if you also invite other dogs to share your space and interact with your own dogs. This life would drive some people absolutely crazy but I am fortunate in that I am already a little crazy! So say several of my friends and family anyway ;-) To be honest, there are also those who envy me this lifestyle and my furry companions.

Occasionally, alternative housing arrangements have to be made for animals due to vacations or other situations that require the pet's owners to be away from their home. This can be a real worry as almost everyone who is owned by a bichon will tell you that many of the commercial boarding kennels cannot provide what your precious fluff wants most - and that is personal, immediate and continual attention and affection. Those boarding dogs that usually sleep with their people will be likewise accommodated at my house. (God bless my long-suffering husband! He shares our bed with up to 6 dogs some nights, with nary a complaint.)

The knowledge that I am providing a safe and loving environment for someone's canine family member is very satisfying. And to know that I am trusted to handle not only every day care, but also any emergency that may arise, is very humbling.

I can't predict how long I will continue to love what I am doing, but for now I am happy. My house will continue to take a back seat to my dogs. The pretty possessions that many women put importance in just don't do it for me. I have my own pretty 'things' - my dogs - and I am blessed to be able to share and contribute to the lives of others' dogs and be their substitute mom on a short term basis when needed.

Labels: petsitting/vacation/dogsitting/daycare/boarding/kennel

In Memory of my darling old gentleman, American Champion Beau Cheval Yuppie Mums, ("Yuppie") Nov.07/89 - Feb 02/06) I miss him every day.

To Mum From Your Sunshine
(author unknown)

Before I grow too frail and weak,
And all that's left is peace in sleep,
I know you'll do what must be done
To end this fight that can't be won.

I don't fear death as humans do,
So let me try to comfort you.
Come, let us take a quiet stroll
And share some quietness soul to soul.

No need for words 'twixt you and I,
No need to say a last good-bye.
We've grown so close in mind and heart,
It seems so cruel that we must part.

Be sure I sense the pain you'll feel
Without me walking at your heel.
The days will feel full of despair -
Your "Sunshine" simply won't be there.

In time the pain will slowly wane,
You'll think of me and smile again;
You'll speak with love and pride of me,
Your extra special puppy.

Now take me where my needs they'll tend,
And stay there with me till the end;
Hold me close with soft goodbyes
'Till life's bright light has left my eyes.

The final sound I need to hear
Is your soft voice upon my ear.
Your loving face will fade and dim
As the rush of heaven closes in.