D is for Dog

There are dog people and cat people in the world.  I am a dog person, always have been.  And, I confess, I like large dogs best.

The hard-to-resist Harlequin Great Dane on the couch is one of my favorite photos, but unfortunately, not my dog.  Great Danes are gentle and wonderful with children, but need room obviously, and the owners need a rather large dog-food budget.

Some years ago, we purchased an English Setter puppy in Deerfield, Massachusetts for $85. Papers were included and we were in love with her unusual coloring, a tri-color, tan, black and white.  There is another story concerning why we bought her but that will be under the "T" day.

After moving back to Colorado, my husband encouraged me to train her with the thought of entering her in dog shows later.  A few years, much training, and showing later, ta da. . . .

Presenting:  Champion Lady Guenevere of High Tor!  Yes, "finished" her myself.

Fast forward to this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show where dogs have to already be champions to enter.  The last hour of the show which takes place in Madison Square Garden,  and is a big deal in the dog world, a huge honor is to win best in show which means winning in many ways, some financial.  These dogs have already won in their class, Sporting Group, Working Group, Toy Group, Non-Sporting, Herding, Terrier and Hound.  Some of the dogs were therapy dogs at home.

The dogs were outstanding, all brushed, fluffed and ready for their close-up.  The German Shepherd, the Irish Setter, the Doberman, the Poodle, and the smaller ones all looked outstanding enough to win.  As the judge examined every one going over their confirmation, and watching their walking gate, I tried to pick the winner, but I knew there was one that could not win--the Pekingese, just a fluffy little ball of fur, waddling back and forth.   One last walk/run around the track with the handlers doing their best.  I held my breath. . .Oh No! the Pekingese won!

Did you have a "best" dog in your life?