CURIOUS COLLABORATORS OWNER HANDLERS CAN FORM UNUSUAL PARTNERSHIPS
ARTICLE BY DAN SAYERS
T oday’s owner handler shares every dog show experience with his or her own dog, of course. But the adventure of showing dogs is really a community affair that brings together a variety of individuals who share a common interest. Attending any show places each and every exhibitor in the company of like-minded people who care deeply about the wel- fare of purebred dogs, even if the participants have different breeds or live in different cities, states or countries. Initially, the human connections made through the dog sport can seem random, even accidental. However, the intersection of exhibitors at fairgrounds and convention centers sometimes signals the beginning of influ- ential—if unusual—partnerships. In 1983, my curiosity about showing dogs led me to join a local all-breed club. By the time I purchased my first show dog, I’d already met exhibitors with an assortment of breeds and interests. Among the first friends I made in the sport was a married couple who had experience breeding and showing several Hound and Non-Sporting breeds. At monthly meetings and handling classes, we’d strike up conversations about our dogs’ progress. I listened intently to their advice, hoping to pick up a few tips that might translate into show ring success, and they patiently answered my many questions and offered suggestions that might improve my handling. Eventually, our discussions turned to entering our pup- pies at their first show. I was shown how to fill out an entry form, dress for the ring, and pack for a weekend out of town with a dog. The couple even allowed me to hitch a ride on occasion and set up with them under the grooming tent. Without their support and guidance, I would have been lost. In fact, without their encourage- ment, I might have quit before I’d even gotten started! The connection I made with this pair of devoted dog fanciers was extremely important to me as a novice. Our informal part- nership could only have happened through membership in an all- breed club. In fact, it is only due to the kennel club and conforma- tion shows that we had anything in common, really. We came from different towns, worked in different industries, and had different points of view on many social, political, and even religious issues. Yet, despite the many differences between us, we still managed to encourage one another and provide real support when it came to our dogs. I received guidance and encouragement, and they had an extra pair of hands to help with the packing and unpacking—and repacking. Our collaboration continued until my dog earned her championship and I felt confident enough to try a few things on my own. Of course, I was only just beginning to learn about the challenges and rewards of being an owner handler. Today, I remain grateful to this couple for the kindness they extended to me as a rookie in the sport.
Dog events bring people together, sparking conversations that can lead to curious collaborations. photo by Dan Sayers
92 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, AUGUST 2021
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