A Sister’s Dog Day Out

My alarm went off, and I forced myself out of bed at the early hour of 5:50 –  the IEGRC dog show was today! Quickly, I slipped into my plum colored “show” dress. It is dressy enough for the occasion, set off the dog, but its not so tight or short that I am uncomfortable (like the last time…). My sisters slowly got up too, and reluctantly started to dress, as I began to put up my hair. As soon as I had tamed it into a respectable pile, Mom came in (still half asleep) with her arsenal. Wielding hair spray, a handful of pins, clips, and makeup she put me in style. Yes, she enjoys it when we girls attend events! 🙂

We had packed everything the day before: our snacks, rhubarb muffins, water, and Midas’ new show leash, and dog supplies. So Jean fried some eggs and we sat down for a quick breakfast. Excitement was high! We were attending a large Golden Retriever dog show an hour an a half away, doing a little birthday shopping, and we had Burger King coupons in the car: a sister’s day out!

After brewing a pot of coffee for Mom and Dad, I went out to the mini van (as old as Kate) and refilled the power steering fluid. The rest of the fluids looked good – at least to me – so we loaded into the car. Stopping down at the barn I took Midas out for a quick walk in the fresh beautiful Spring morning. He was very excited, and it was all I could do to keep him from getting soaked in the dewy grass. Finally I coaxed him into the car and we were off “like a herd of turtles” – as Grandpa would say.

Time flew as we listened to “Around the World in 80 Days” for the 5th time.  With snacks, chit chat, and the “thrill” of big city driving (to a country driver), we were soon at our destination.

Having only been to one show before, I was a little nervous, and not exactly sure what to expect. What I did know though, after many referrals to the program, was that my show was at 8:30, there were very few dogs in the class, and it was in ring 9 – or, so I thought.

We had a few minutes to spare, and I got Midas out of the car, walked him around a bit,

and brushed his gleaming gold coat. The day before I had given him a bath in the 30 gallon stock tank, with a Dawn Dish soap scrub and vinegar rinse that really brought out the shine in his coat. The girls claimed he was the prettiest dog there! After fussing over him for a few more minutes we walked into the Spokane Fairgrounds.

It was a HUGE cement building, that looked rather deserted right now for it’s size. The sky was growing overcast and a light sprinkle of rain was coming down, so we hurried inside. The first hall we entered was filled nearly end-to-end with grooming tables and gorgeous Goldens, with the exception of a few miniature Poodles (who looked alien to me) and a couple adorable Shelties -not my show ring! That much was evident, so we hurried down the next hall looking for ring number nine.

This room was nearly completely empty with the exception of a handsome golden on a table, and his entourage about him sitting in camp chairs talking. A glance in the next big room proved I was really in the wrong spot (the Sheltie ring) and probably lost, so I decided to approach the group.

I have to wonder what they thought seeing three young girls standing there – obviously out of place – with a dog on leash and only one bag of supplies! Anyway, they were nice, and after examining my entry ticket said my show was at 9:35 -not at 8:30- in ring 2!
Thanking them, we found the ring, and the girls decided to kill the remaining hour ahead in the car.

I left Midas with them and looked around a while. The Goldens were beautiful, and I carefully studied the showmanship and stacking (where you stand a dog to show off his build) and watched how they moved and baited (here is a video on baiting) the dogs. There were lots of Goldens there, probably at least 15 in the room at any time. A boxer show was going on in the adjacent ring and it was fascinating to watch the tall, stately dogs trot around with their handlers big and small. Vendors were set up along the walls, offering blade sharpening, designer shirts, photography, raffles, and fancy show leads and collars. Very few spectators were in attendance, but there were lots of people, and from all over the place! I talked to one dog owner from Wyoming!

When I returned to the car, I found the girls watching a movie on their phones and eating Top Ramen noodles, so I joined them after updating my parents. Soon the time came for the Midas’ show, and we went in for the second time. With our spare minutes I pranced him around a bit, and practiced baiting him with the little cheese squares I had chopped yesterday. The girls were sure he was more than a match for any dog!

Finally my number was called and we walked into the ring. Surprisingly, he was the only

dog in his class! So I brought him over to the judge and waited for her next signal, when, oh horror! Midas smelled all the treats smashed to the floor! The signal came to walk him around the ring, and I tried to mimic that light, airy show walk, but his nose was basically glued to the ground resulting in a painful, yanking drag… Finally I reached the end, and pulled him into some resemblance of a stance, barely keeping his nose off the floor. Pulling his lips back, I displayed his teeth to the judge, so she could verify the absence of missing molars or bad bites. Then after a few words of encouragement from her I was handed a blue ribbon and prize and ushered off the floor!

Surprised, I ran back to the girls. They were just as excited, and were taking pictures and asking quite a few questions while giving their experienced advice on what I should do next time. I was called in again, and took my place with about eight other dogs.

This time he behaved almost perfectly! He stood still, and looked at me, and trotted perfectly around the ring, coming to a neat stop at the finish. Maybe he did remember his training after all! The Grand Champion and Reserve was named, and we left the ring. I so proud he behaved I could have cared less about ribbons just then anyway! Well, his show was over, and we lingered only a few more moments before hitting the road again.

 

Ah, it was so relieving to be headed home!
The other dogs all greeted their prestigious companion back, and we went inside to sit back, and regale the family with tales of our adventure.

I wish I could have talked to the judge, or I really should have simply not been shy and gone up and talked to more people to learn more about how shows and judging work. But it was a learning experience and a grand adventure all the same.
Dad was just relieved we made it there and back in one piece!
Praise God for His many blessings.