Four weeks ago, Valentine's Day weekend, the best in dogshows presented itself at a small kennel club cluster in Midland, TX, and hons, I'm not talking about the dogs.
On Friday, Feb 12, I was showing two of my greyhounds, Banner & Glory, at the West Texas and Concho Kennel Clubs' shows. I showed Banner to judge KeKe Kahn without any difficulty. However, when I took Glory around the ring, my knee blew out about halfway around. A loud 'crack' was heard and I was immediately lame. Good grief! If I were a horse, they probably would have shot me! Before I got back to the judge, there were people waiting for me.
Many in the dogshow world malign professional handlers. They blame their losses on "politics" and say that the only reason their precious "Fluffy" lost was because of the "pro" in the ring. Well, at the Midland shows, the pros stepped up to the plate to help one lone owner handler - me.
Genie Cox, PHA
Genie Cox, PHA, is one of the finest people in dog shows. By the time I returned to the judge, she was standing there, waiting for me and immediately took my dog. When the judge asked if someone else could handle my dog, Genie called over to the ladies (Laurel & Kay) helping her. Between her two friends, my Glory Girl picked up two points by going Best of Breed and a BBX Group 4. They also did a bang up job with her in the regular Group ring.
In addition, Kay, who lives about a mile from the show site, opened her home to me. She had her hubby take me there and set me up with whatever I needed to keep my knee elevated. She is the one who showed my bitch to the Group 4. Only lated did I find out that Kay had her knees replaced and by the end of the day, she was hurting. Even so, she made sure my hound was there and well presented in both Groups. How can I ever thank her? How can I ever thank the judge for allowing the handler change?
On Saturday, my dog Banner was handled by a man with Bull Terriers, a handlebar mustache and a cowboy hat. His name is Jerry. Every day, Jerry inquired about the status of my knee. He was ever so kind and I didn't know him from Adam. Even so, on Saturday he took in my 85# heathen, Banner, and presented him very well. They did not win, but not many people are willing to handle Banner. He is a big, strong dog. Jerry thought Banner was cool!
Since returning home, I have found out that Jerry's full name is Jerry Aly - another handler. According to some, Jerry works wonders with problem dogs. I can believe it as his demeanor is calm and soothing. Kindness exudes from the man. He is gentle with the dogs. Come to find out, Jerry was the foreman on the Rocker B ranch near Big Lake at least until he decided he needed a better job to support his family. He was also a welder for Enron. I've been told that in addition to showing Bullies, he also has handled daschunds, Boston terriers, and horses. I can vouch that he is terrific with animals and they like him! I hope our paths cross again.
On Sunday, another handler, Stevie, took both of my hounds into the ring. Banner showed very well for her and he went Breed. Stevie is from Santa Fe, NM and she has Norfolk terriers. The next time I see Stevie, I need to let her know that with that win, Banner finished his breed ring championship. He is now Dual Ch DM Star Spangled Banner FCh, JOR.
Yeppers... that weekend in Midland, TX, the Best in Show dogs presented itself. It was exhibited by many, many people and two small kennel clubs. The people were kind and caring. They provided me with ice packs, anti inflammatories, transport, etc. They took care of me and my dogs. Rest assured, those kennel clubs will get my unending support in the future. They deserve to be known as the Best in Show!
Peace....
