Wednesday, January 29, 2014

The Gift



People sometimes wonder why we show dogs. It is not about winning or losing but rather the time spent together with friends and dogs. One day I was talking to Marie about this and she told me a  touching story that happened to her at a show. I asked her to write it as I wanted to publish it. This is what dog showing is all about.
In the story below "Gator" is Ch Windrock Blue Bayou                                                 

Showing a dog is more than just the work involved in the actual judging ring.  There is often a myriad of surprises.  Some are good and some are not so good. But the fun is always there in some form or another.
A few years ago,  Gator was invited to the Eukanuba National in Long Beach, Ca. He did not place, but I experienced a once in a lifetime event. 
Fortunately, my daughter and I stayed to watch Greg Louganis and his #1 ranked Jack Russell Terrier in Agility.  As we waited (and waited), a little girl ( about 6-8) approached me and asked to pet Gator. I told her “sure, he would love it.”  She and her family had been looking for him since the judging was over.
She handed me a plastic bag. She said, “ we think you were robbed during the show and we want you to have this.”  I looked at her Mom and older sister and they were smiling and nodding their heads in agreement.
Rather reluctantly, I replied “Thank you” and looked in the bag.
 It was a Bronze sculpture of a Greyhound lying down. I nearly cried when I saw it. I had looked at it at the vendor and almost bought it, but it was  nearly $60.00. I decided I didn’t need it that much.
But, after giving her a big hug, I tried to not accept such a gift. But she and her family were adamant regarding his deserving something and would not relent. She actually started to weep at the idea that I wouldn’t take it.  I couldn’t stand both of us crying so I accepted.
I don’t even remember how Louganis did in Agility that day, but I will always remember the experience of the GIFT from someone so appreciative and the relationship that Gator had with the dog lovers present. 


2 comments:

Hiking Hounds said...

Wow, what a sweet lovely story. I wonder what happened to that family and little girl? Hopefully she is happy with lots of animals to love. :-)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely, LOVELY story!!!

Donna