There are people whom seem to have the "win no matter whose toes they step on attitude"? These people seem to come to events with the mindset that no matter what it takes their dogs should win every single award. I'm all for the competitive spirit and trully respect the consuming dedication, but at the same time at least for us any win is meaningless without good sportsmanship and commradery. Especially when the ego driven evil impulse is aimed at an 11 yr-old child and her supportive family.
If you are one of those people who feel that it is your god given right to take home the awards in every event you enter, we have got a proposal for you. If you will email me prior to the event we will forfeit anytime where points may exist between your dog and ours that we also enter on the condition that you stay away and refrain from making negative comments about our daughter's dog simply in attempt to squash out the competition.
This seems like a totally fair proposition with zero downside for you. We'd be glad to sign a confidentiality agreement. For us the world of dog events is simply only about providing opportunities for our daughter to have fun. She really looks up to you ALL and she came into dog events with the respectful attitude that the adults should always place above her. Why? Because she appreciates the many years of effort the many adults have put into making these dog events be possible. She does not go into a competition with the idea to beat dogs or people. She goes into competition to do her best and hopefully better than she did before, and always have fun. Think about it, at each event you see her, she is very happy to pet and play with ALL the dogs because they are so cute and if you ask her to help you she does. Our own input has been to financially support dog events, usually driving six hours to events near every other weekend. We have additionally volunteered in event leadership roles and spearheaded new events within our local club. Events I might add that provide more opportunities for your dogs.
We also offer an additional bonus in that if you help encourage the next generation to stick with dog events, you will have a legacy left behind and doesn't that also sound like the highest award your ego drive could ever accomplish?
Now if you do not find that above proposition worthwhile, perhaps with your permission, might we be allowed to treat you just as you might treat your young four legged kids. Evertime you exhibit a negative behavior, perhaps we swat you with a rolled up newspaper sharply and swiftly on the nose. Or if that isn't the technique you use, maybe a sharp and swift jerk of the choke chain our 11 yr-old daughter will wrap around your neck and command "Quit It". Whatever form the idea is to try and speak your language to communicate effectively, "We got kids we love and we respect you got kids you love and our kids or loved just the same as yours."
My appologies for the vent and reminder of the negatives around dog events for those of you who are supportive of our two-legged kids. But seriously dog events are too small a world for us all not to enjoy ourselves while spending good quality time with our kids. I have yet to meet the dog that was upset they didn't get a ribbon.
