Best In Show!



~Wendy~

Today is the first day of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Winning 'Best In Show at Westminster' has become the most-coveted award in the dog show world. I've always enjoyed watching the show, and seeing and hearing about all the different breeds of dogs.
It always reminds me of another dog show that I attended a few years ago in Gettysburg  Pennsylvania. The Golden Retriever Club of America was having their national event. Golden Retrievers from all over the United States came to compete in everything from conformation to obedience. One of the events held during the week was called 'The Rescue Parade.' Since our Golden Retriever Club was hosting 'the National' as president of the rescue, I was asked to take charge of 'The Rescue Parade.'

For those of you who have never attended one, I find it to be a very touching event. It is one where rescued dogs have their moment to be the star and in the spotlight.  As they walk around the center show ring, their story of rescue is told. We start with the oldest Golden and end with the youngest.  When I did the parade, each dog was given a rosette (ribbon) with their name and a toy as they left the ring. Ed Rendell, the Governor of Pennsylvania even participated by bringing his 2 rescued Golden Retrievers.

~Sheba~



At the start of the parade, the gentleman, named Bob, who was announcing the event said something, that to me, was so poignant and I've never forgotten it. He said that 'the dogs that were about to enter the show-ring will never win best in show. But what they had won, was a place in our hearts and home.' Bob was so right. No, the dogs that most of us have never will compete for the coveted title of Best in Show at Westminster or win any other dog show.  But to me, my dogs and I will always have something better than that, each other.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!