Good morning everyone.
Through a dear friend, who emailed me yesterday, I discovered and interest I didn't know I had. She collects ceramic dogs from antique shops and flea markets. That's one way I could have as many dogs as I want :) I asked George if he would be interested in going to those places, even though he'd probably be looking at other items, and surprisingly, he said he would go with me. I thought it would be something I would be doing alone, as I am the only company I have lately. So, I'm looking forward to that adventure. We could do day trips to my home town in Northern Maryland, PA (stop by and visit my brother and his wife), VA, and locally in Southern Maryland. The options are limitless.
George said I could get another dog if I wanted to. He doesn't mind. I'm looking into the Brussels Griffon and the book I ordered from Amazon was shipped this morning. So, it will be fun to research and read about that type of dog. There is a Southern Maryland Dog Club that sponsors an annual show, down the street at the fairgrounds, during the summer. I will definitely go and talk with people. There are match shows which are just practice shows, but some people who have dogs that will never be champions go there exclusively. It's a more relaxed atmosphere and mostly it's fair and everyone has a shot at winning. Although one time I went with my Papillon dog (years ago) and the buzz was that this famous Boston Terrier puppy was going to win and he did. But, I went more for socializing with dog people, spending a day outside with my dog Panda and she did win Best of Breed even though she didn't win Best in Show. I still have the trophy she won and ribbons. Matches are less expensive to enter than shows. I think the show circuit is much smaller now (not as numerous as it was in the past), but they still exist and it's fun to travel to the different locations on the weekends. Maybe George would go. He only likes Miniature Dachshunds and I know he'd go if we had one and I bet he'd go in the ring with her too. The Dachshunds I've had in the past are cheeky little monkeys (as the British say). They think they are funny and cute when they tear 20 holes in your sofa and destroy everything you own :) Not my cup of tea, because I have to clean up after their shenanigans. I always wanted to have one litter of puppies which is possible. I would be responsible and make sure the breeder I got my dog from would find good homes for them. Toy breeds have small litters with one or two puppies and with having help finding responsible homes for them I wouldn't be adding to the pet over population. I would keep them all myself, for life, if there were no homes available and may not be able to part with them in the first place. Maybe I could show them and then be a breeder/handler which is a higher place in the dog show world and a breeder tends to win more than owner handlers. Well, it feels good to talk about my passion, without judgment and in a safe place. If I get involved in showing again I'll keep you posted and updated and also show photos as avatars. It's not an overnight process. It takes time to choose a breed, find a breeder, the show club won't be around till the middle of this summer, although I could contact someone before hand. It would be nice to find a mentor; they are hard to find, but possible. Then getting on the show superintendents list and having show applications sent throughout the year. If I can do this, as I have before, I will be able to engross myself in a passion and can play "by myself" instead of "playing with others". Although, just by being at the shows, you are playing with others who have the same interest as you. Most folks are nice, especially, if they have a different breed than yours and aren't in competition with you. Will let you know if this comes to fruition. The process is as exciting as actually getting there.
Have a wonderful day and Carpe Diem (seize the day) [I baffled spell check, so I might have spelled Carpe wrong]
Shari
