Yesterday we spent a long time travelling and a short time visiting. It's not my place to report where and why but proving again that the written word, or maybe the lack of it can be misinterpreted we where made to feel most welcome.
With the deed done a chat over a cuppa proved to be very interesting. As we talked about the recent trend to train showline GSD's to do IPO, a comment was made about how bad or inexperienced handling can damage a potential show dog and ruin his/her chances of ever making it back into the show ring. I asked if the knew what had happened to my dog "Danko?" (Nico to you and I but show people know dogs by their registered name.) Anyway, they said no, but as I started to tell the tale I saw recognition come over the face of the man of the house. He said I know of this .. "we saw the dog in Belgium, his breeder was devastated and had gone to pick him up. The dog was a mental and physical wreck." " The owner," who he named, "had completely wrecked the dog's character," he then went on to say "the breeder assured us he had not been like that when she sold him." He had not realised this dog was "Danko" and thought it was another dog from the Conbhairean kennel, but he described the Belgian Bastard down to a tee, even knowing his choice of coat colour. (Often show people will wear the same colour at all shows to represent their kennel - this man always does!)
It still hurts me so much to think what Nico has been through in his previous life. He's such a wonderful, kind, affectionate dog, testament to his true character that he has recovered to who he is today.
Another interesting conversation that we had yesterday was about the forehand assembly of the breed and how poor it has become. I took the opportunity to boast and show a photo of Kaiah in stance. Kaiah has just the best front at Blanik, even the owner of her sire said recently, "She a cracker - just look at her upper arm angulation, as rare as hens teeth.." I told them who her sire was, but of course the next question left me blank.. "Who is Merlot by then?" I couldn't answer, I'd forgotten. Can you imagine being in my position as a GSD exhibitor/breeder and not being able to remember the answer to such a basic question. I was so embarrassed and just wished the ground could swallow me up. All I could say was "I'm sorry I don't remember, it's really frustrating but I don't remember things these days. " Luckily through social media they knew my history and understood, but it didn't help me with my frustration and I cried at home last night when I was telling Steve about it! I shouldn't feel sorry for myself, I really shouldn't as I'm here to tell the tale .. but sometimes my inability to collect what I use to consider as basic fact from my damaged brain is beyond frustrating!
Right, out with the dog .. lets clear my head and move on .....
