In the Company of Dog

Ugh, what a long week. The weekend was filled with shows and rescue work. Saphira’s breeder was sick so Saphira did not get to show. That meant it was just Mashi’s big weekend. While Mashi did not come home with anything but first in his class, he still tried hard. Saturday was the first day he showed on grass. He was excited, a little stressed and very distracted. The table was wobbly and that made him a little unhappy. He tried to focus though and after our ring time we practiced obedience in a grassy area in the middle of the place. She was nicely focused and upbeat. It was a nice opportunity to test him. I finally got to meet Mashi’s breeder family and even his brother. They were very pleased with how he turned out.
Trenton was Sunday and Mashi was a lot more together and wanting to show. He was used to the grass by now and was very upbeat. We used a different lead and it seemed to help focus his attention. The judge was very nice and kept telling me that he really liked Mashi. No idea what he did not put him up then but I will take the compliments anyway.
After Trenton I headed to South Jersey to visit with Jenn from NYC Shiba Rescue. We hung out and I got to play with Sophie the new puppy and Tiki my old foster. Tiki looked so good and so happy. Eventually we covered Intake and covered most of the in person training. I know Jenn will make an awesome Intake Director.
Got lost on the way home and didn’t get home till late but it was still an nice evening.

Tweet This Post 

Well we’re back from Harrisburg. I’m still exhausted and recovering but glad I went.
Mashi took first in his class both days and Saphira took second and forth in her classes. Alyssa’s dogs showed well but didn’t take home any points either. We are so proud of Mashi and Ariel though. Both showed happy and eagerly and in the end we could ask for nothing more. They both showed tails up and with happy grins. Both see to be getting more and more confident in the ring.
My shibas, along with Alyssa’s and Jody’s participated in the Meet The Breed portion of the show. Thanks Jody for inviting us to participate. So many people met our dogs and socialized with them. I got to show off some of Mashi’s obedience heeling and tricks and shocked so many that a shiba could actually do those things. I even taught Jody’s shiba to sit for the first time. The dog is 4 years old. I handed out a lot of breed information and talked to two people interested in breed adoption. One even brought her daughter to come meet my dogs and will be filling out an NYCSR adoption application soon.
On Saturday Alyssa and I played Non Sporting Group Uno. Two games and about 45 minutes later we were laughing our heads off and our sides hurt. I really need to pick up a copy of the game.

Now for the unimportant whiny ranty shit.
First of all, if you see someone pulling a crate dolly filled with crap - “MOVE!”. Don’t look at my stuff and then continue to stand in the middle of the walk way. Also move your dogs. I really don’t want to hit you or them. Its nice when you move but don’t then leave your dog in the way. Also don’t cut me off because you think I might be walking slower then you. First of all I’m not and second, when I hit the brakes to avoid running into you, the dolly hits me, and it hurts.. alot.

Next, I always forget how petty so many dog show people are. Not all of them mind you, but too many of them. Is it that people with no social understandings chose dogs to be their friends or perhaps they are just inept, but I am always so shocked at how ridiculous, clueless and vicious so many people are at these shows. Now don’t get me wrong, everyone involved with any animal is different and all of us have big personalities, but please, some of them need to learn social cues.

Finally I wanted to say that while above I vented about bad show people. I also want to say that some of the best people in the world are dog and/or show people and I am so grateful to have the in my life. I made new acquaintances this weekend as well as educated a lot of people.

Well, my dogs are exhausted and so am I. Time to unpack, put the new ribbons away and take some time to relax and cuddle with my gang.

Tweet This Post