SF Kennel Club Dog Show
I took my parents to the dog show today. We weren't sure what to expect - not having been before - but had a wonderful time. It was wonderful to see my mom really enjoying herself. There aren't too many things that really excite her any more so I always feel a wonderful sense of achievement when I find something that does.
We spent some time watching the judging but the real treat was going around and visiting all the dogs and their owners/breeders. The SF dog show is one of the few "bench" shows in the country where it is a requirement for any dog that is entered in the competition to remain on display (or "benched") throughout the entire show. Most breeders will have one or two dogs out of their crates at a time for people to visit with while the others rest in their own little space.
The big highlight of the day was the flyball demonstration. It's a relay race in which a series of dogs race through a set of hurdles, retrieve a ball, and run back through the hurdles. Just as each dog reaches the original starting line with the ball, the next dog on the team is released. The team with the fastest total time wins. You can't imagine how much the dogs love it (not to mention the crowd). It's amazing to see the tiny dogs jump hurdles as tall as they are.
Of course, I had to visit the collection of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers but couldn't stay long. They reminded me too much of Molly. I now have a couple of new favorite breeds. The first is a Gordon Setter. I had never seen one before. They are so sweet and gentle and beautiful - what a wonderful breed. The second is - to my surprise - a Bassett Hound. I have never gravitated toward Bassetts before but I think it's because I have never had a real personal encounter with one. I was so surprised how much they seem to really connect with you. So many dogs just look at you as a possible food dispenser, but these dogs really stare you in the eye. It was amazing. You look at them and really feel someone looking back. The owner said he has 10 of them and they are all like that.
Sigh...now I want one of my own.
Comments
Yes Bassetts. I posted about an encounter with the fine breed here http://johngol.vox.com/library/post/working-as-a-roofer-one-summer.html
Have a Newfoundland now, one of which stunned everyone including himself and won best in show a few years ago.
I get a little bored of Goldens (though they're nice dogs), but, like you, have been surprised with my affection for Basset Hounds. They're so floppy-eared and low-to-the-ground, silly and awkward, but I can't help but get on the ground and play with them.
Nancy, I'm real late here, but I also had a personal encounter with a Bassett puppy. I'm glad your Mom and you all had a good time.
http://sunnyforecast.vox.com/library/post/this-little-guys-name-is.html#comments