[PyrNet-L] CHAT: Mile-Hi Specialty

["Christina Buu-Hoan" <homegirl@mindspring.com>]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to post brief impressions of the show. I'm actually really
terrible at remembering details like who won what so I hope someone else
will post that if people are interested.

This was the first show I've ever attended- strictly as a curious spectator-
and I didn't know anyone there except for Judy Hoffman and so was very
pleased to meet gracious and friendly pyr-owners and handlers; to put faces
to names that appear on these lists; and to assist where I could.

I always look at the dogs first- then tend to notice the people. I am very
partial to dogs and handlers who have that truly alive look. This doesn't
mean necessarily happy all the time- just a certain vibrancy and
connectedness to each other. And this show definitely had its stand-outs.
*My opinions don't always reflect the judges- but a lot of times, did.

So for any other possible first-timers out there, I can recommend attending
a show (at least once even if you have no desire to show pyrs) for grooming
tips, camaraderie, and the different insights and opinions regarding pyrs
that one runs into.

And thanks to all those who clued me in on the subtleties of conformation
judging and gave advice on how to raise Mukki- predominant theme: lots of
love and allow him to be what he is (which in one word, like his Grandpa who
was at the show)-

IRREPRESSIBLE!

-Christina (& Mukki who currently enjoys brief naps in the basement bathtub
and recommends it to anyone else trying to beat the heat!)

P.S. One funny (to me though I know it's serious) story I can relate is the
following:

I was helping to hold some pyrs who were to be shown when a kind woman asked
if the dogs wanted some water. Since these weren't my dogs, I checked what
the owner's policy was. No water. A bystander approved. When I asked why-
she gave me two reasons- the potential for diarrhea and murder. Geez. But
she was serious. So that helped put my "gee everyone's so nice" back into
perspective. And reminds me that not all dog owners, handlers, etc. truly
love or respect dogs. But the good ones do. And are careful but not
paranoid. Having said this, I'm fairly sure this particular gesture from a
stranger was well-intentioned and kindly meant. Still, the conformation
world has its realities, etc. and competitive aspects that ingenues like me
are only barely aware of- what I saw still beats the backstabbing and
politics of acadaemia though! :-)