For those
dog show novices among us, as well as us old timers, it is good to remember why
we honor our Veteran Class entries as we do (or should do). So, please
laud and applaud all our Veterans when they are presented so they may
enjoy “a day in the sun” once again.
PS:
Have a tissue handy as you read this, you will need it.
VETERANS
IN THE SHOW RING
"I see that the “Smiths” have
entered their dog in the Veterans Class. Apparently there is no one in
this Club who knows that it is customary to offer a round of applause for those
that are entered. Six months ago, at this same show, I entered my Veteran Dog
in this same class. Not one person applauded. Not one person came up and
said anything. Not one person came over to give him a kind word or a
pat. Not one person made him feel he belonged again.
He was no threat to anyone.
He wasn't going to beat anyone, take any points, or win anything. He was
just an old dog who thought he was special again - back in the ring for the
first time in many years. Maybe he even recalled his "Glory Days".
He would have loved to have met anyone there. He would have welcomed you
like an old friend. You didn't have to say anything nice about him if you
didn't want to. But just in case you can't think of anything to say about
a Veteran Dog, here are some suggestions: "It was nice to see him
out there". Or go up to him and tell him he's a "Good
Boy". Or tell his owner that you are glad that they brought
him. Those aren't exactly compliments, but they will please his owner and
make him glad that they brought him. I don't think that's asking too
much.
One day, all too soon, all your
beautiful young dogs will be old dogs too. Maybe one day you'll enter
them in Veterans Class. And I hope that you do. Or, like many of
us, you remember that old friend, now gone, and wish you still had the
chance. They deserve it. It may be their final time in the sun -
their last time out in front of people - their last time to ever be in the
ring. My old dog is a Fool. He thought he was wonderful that
day. He thought he belonged. Instead, he was ignored. I have
thought about this for 6 months now, and wasn't going to say anything.
But on his behalf, and that of any other Veteran, I hope that something like
this never occurs again. As a Club of (Breed) Fanciers, you should feel
ashamed. Even if you dislike the dog or his owner, at least show Good
Sportsmanship and do the Right Thing. Show others that you have respect
for your breed. Make that Veteran Dog feel wanted and special again. Let
him know that you are glad to see him. It will make his day. You
may never get the chance again. Thank you."
As Lynda began reading it, the
hush that fell over the room was incredible. Bless her heart, my friend
Lynda broke into tears as she struggled through reading this. EVERYONE in
the room lowered their heads, and many of them began to cry also, including the
President (who is a man). I tried my best to hold my head up and refrain
from tears, again. The President strode over to where I was sitting and in a
broken voice said "Terry........I am SO sorry. He is such a
wonderful dog. There is no excuse for what happened to you. And to
him." As I started to say that I "wasn't going to say
anything" again, the room nearly burst with everyone trying to talk at
once. The discussion that followed was both eye-opening and of valuable
purpose. Many came up to me in tears, with hugs and apologies. I am
a very private and shy person, not given to sharing my deepest feelings
easily. This had been an incredibly difficult thing for me to do, but in
honor of my Veteran and all the others out there, I felt it must be done.
Was it worth it?
When “Mr. Smith” took his lovely
12 1/2 year old dog (neutered due to testicular cancer) into the ring, our
entire membership remained - and applauded and "whooped and hollered"
him with every move. The Judge moved to the center of the ring on his
final go round and applauded, as did her ring stewards. Others nearby,
watching other breeds, came over and remarked on how wonderful it was to see a
Veteran being treated like that. Many (including me) asked to take his
picture. Everyone complimented him and his owners. If only my old
dog had enjoyed such a day... Was it worth it? You tell me... Sorry
for the length of this, but so many in other breeds who heard about what
happened have already asked me for a copy of my written paper that I thought
perhaps it was something that needed to be shared. Amazing how quickly
word spreads amongst us dog people. It's often said "You can't teach
an old dog new tricks". But I know one old dog who taught something
of great value."
[Complete permission to post. Terry Russo.]
© 2006 The Bulldog Club of
America