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How I Survived my First Dog Show

© Donna Eliassen

We are planning to show our furry son, Ahrran, later this year, but up until now, my husband and I have been attending dog shows, assisting our Wolfhound breeder friends to show theirs, and learning as much as we can along the way. But all of this may never have come about after our first experience at a serious dog show, and it had nothing to do with the fact that Ice Breaker stepped on the Judge’s foot, which resulted in her hopping around on one leg uttering words I can’t repeat here. (She continued the judging limping around in barefeet.)

(Here is Colin, Zanando Kennels, our breeder and good friend, with one of his Champions, "Bailebrae Ice-Breaker", "smiling" for my camera! Aren't they a lovely pair?)

Well, it was the something or other Classic, a prestigious annual event attended by pedigree owners Australia wide. There was a Judge from Canada, two from the USA, and one from the UK. We weren’t showing any of our dogs. We were there to help the breeders. My husband, we were told, is the only human on the planet capable of “handling” Camille (a strong, stubborn Irish Wolfhound female.) I was there to video the event. My three year old daughter, affectionately known as the munchkin, was there to be entertaining and ensure I did not get bored!

I do not know the first thing about video cameras, and if somebody had had the decency to explain to me about the little red button, I would not have missed the first round in the ring! When I finally got the camera rolling, a very rude man in a white shirt with rolled up sleeves kept standing in the way. Eventually, I had to ask him if he could please keep to the left, preferably staying put by the dividing fence, and I couldn’t figure out why this politely put request deserved such a look of contempt. Well, how was I to know he was a Judge!

Rude Judges and red buttons aside, I soon had sufficient footage to bore the socks off even the most avid animal devotee. After “half time”, it was my turn to watch the remainder of the dogs who had not made it into the finals, along with all the handbags and other paraphernalia while everyone else went off to line up for the next round, or go to the restroom, or wherever else it is people go to at Dog Shows. Munchkin and I felt suitably equipped for this small task. All we had to do was sit there. Right?