Remembering Junior Showmanship

Dog shows were where I went to in High School. I didn't really fit in, since most of them were either gay or married. But I saw a lot of interesting dogs there. And although it can be kind of boring sometimes, some people travel all around the country to these things looking for ribbons as a top handler and making a lot of money at the same time. While I did learn a little during this time, I was a little distraught over the heroin epidemic at my school and really was grateful to be doing something other than hanging out and doing drugs.

I never did achieve any success at it. Putting in time at Junior handling. But it made me feel good to win occasionally and I still use an alarm clock I won so many years ago. Its sort of a motivation to keep going even when times get hard. I guess I'll never understand what they meant by politics.

I think back mostly of that time trying so hard to stay thin and not feeling too happy. Wishing I was anywhere but where I was. I was very beautiful for sure. But I never did go on any dates. It was a sport that I participated in. And although a boy I only knew as JP was "in love" with me, or so he said. He didn't leave any question what he was about, so I slapped him.

It can be sad when you think you know so surely what you want to do, say write. And then be stuck doing something your not very good at, say dog handling. Wishing you at least have a boyfriend who wouldn't try to make out in art class. And then be scared of the whole heroin epidemic in your school and have some girl tell you that everyone hates you. It was all very much and hard to deal with. I really wish I was better at communicating at that time.

Some interesting notes about dog shows. I loved reading up on the different dog descriptions and even got good at seeing nice specimens. Some of the dogs I complimented were #1 in their breed that year. All without going over or feeling their bone structure.

Although I don't own a dog or ever want one again unless I was sure I wouldn't have to hear constant barking, I have felt that it is better to own a mutt rather than buy a dog with known genetic problems. Such as hip displaysia, bad temperament, or genetic diseases.

Maybe I am wrong, but there is something nice about giving a home to a dog that otherwise might not have one. Although I wouldn't be against rescuing a greyhound either.