Seventy-five more days until the National Specialty — but who’s counting?
Me. I’m counting.
And so is the Specialty website, just in case you did not know that.
Random Cat Photo
There are so many unknowns when training for a Specialty or other big event. Bad — and good! — things can happen and mess up our plans, even at the very last minute. Like the time Zoey came in season on the way to the Specialty — that was quite the disappointing.
And how I wish she were here to mess up the plans for this year. I wish Sparkle were here and Harper and all the girls I have loved and lost — and yours as well (and the boys).
But we can’t bring them back. All we do is listen to their echoes.
My Gone Girls remind me about perspective every day. They help me not care about scores or ribbons but just about being the best and happiest team I can be with this dog in this fleeting moment in time.
What I wouldn’t give to flunk this obedience run with Claire again.
And how incredibly grateful I am that I had that day and so many others with Claire and the rest of her amazing family over the years. My gratitude almost always outweighs my grief — because that is what I choose.
And so this year, I will take two girls to the Specialty and appreciate every single second. Pozy does not enjoy traveling and will stay home with her favorite dog sitter.
The puppy, who gets called Puppy more than her real name, will do the three beauty pageant classes she is eligible to enter and I hope she will get to track as well.
If all goes to plan, Capella will be busy in multiple performance events plus conformation, depending on coat.
All mothers can relate.
I will also be showing dogs for friends and doing the Specialty Newsletter.
And visiting friends ❤️ That is the best part.
Will you be there?
