Wish us luck

Well bit of a disaster today. Parking was atrocious, I asked to use the disabled parking on the road near the office and was told no, too bad, Covid, blah blah blah. And the person was so rude about it. I don't understand what Covid had to do with it - there was a market directly opposite with hundreds of people (we're Covid free here). Quite obvious she was being a, well you know the word: can't make allowances for disabled people! So instead I parked in an unmown paddock and dragged my stuff for miles.

Sadly our ring had so many pit holes that my walker kept toppling. The first judge also pointed out Kismet's teeth were too bad for showing. I went home at lunchtime completely demoralised. Dropped Tully and Della off home because it was actually cool today and poor little hairless Tully was feeling the cold. But had to go back because I left my stuff there and was talked into staying, but it wasn't any better after lunch, still wobbled across the ground.

Tomorrow are 2 more shows, but also the dog club Xmas party and the local Sheltie group party. So I may just do the morning show, go to the dog club (which is nearby) for the party, and then pack up at the show and go to the Sheltie party. I am sure if I gave Kismet the choice she'd rather the parties!

Then I think that's the end of our show career. Sadly. But with Kismet's teeth it's not worth putting myself through the stress of doing shows with a disability.

Here's my little girl just before our turn - as you can see she's super excited!
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That is ridiculous with the parking, you're right Covid has nothing to do with it!
It's such a shame as well how anti disability the show is, you would have thought they'd be able to accommodate everyone. I love the fact they didn't manage to beat though Caro so keep your head high for not only having the courage to go through it all but also not being but off by all the crap you shouldn't of had to face!
Sorry to hear about Kismets teeth, she looks beautiful to me. They really shouldn't make such a big deal out of it, it's a tiny, tiny thing at most!

Sending hugs and pats to you and Kismet :hugs
 
That's terrible about the parking, Caro. I'm sorry you had to put up with that. I don't like showing outside because of how uneven the ground is and at 70+, balance is not my best trait. So I can imagine how hard it is with a walker. Still, there's a lot to be said for a pretty, calm dog who's willing to show! Phooey on those judges....Kismet may not have the best teeth but she's a great little dog and she's lovely! We call some judges the teeth police. Here's hoping today is better!
 
Hi Caro, I'm so sorry that the day didn't go well... I'm mad that the parking person was rude and that you weren't allowed to use the accessible parking. I mean, come on! That's just wrong.

I'm also sorry that the judge was so blunt about Kismet's teeth. Even if it's true, the judge doesn't need to make a speech about it... just give the dog and handler the same exam you'd give any dog, and make the appropriate placement when you pin the class. Here in the States at least, unless the dog needs to be disqualified (attacks the judge, foreign substance, breed-specific DQ, etc.), every dog entered is supposed to have a full exam and a fair chance.

The photo of Kismet sacked out on top of the crates is delightful! She clearly has a lovely, stable temperament (in addition to being adorable), and even if conformation isn't in her cards she is going to enjoy a fabulous life with you.

I hope today goes better, whatever you choose to do, and that you and your little girl have fun. :hugs
 
The parking thing... I just shake my head. Sorry for the disappointments but you went home with a wonderful little dog in any case. Have you thought of Nosework as a dog sport? It's a bit slower paced than agility but still lots of fun - all my dogs have loved it, even Brooke who started at almost 13, she was so good at it and really enjoyed it.
 
It was raining this morning so I packed up - far too slippery. We went to the club Xmas party instead. When we pulled up at the club first thing Kismet leapt over the seat to get out of the car, when we got to the dog show she just sat. It was obvious where she preferred! I think she'd enjoy it more if I could really run with her - she loves speed. It's just a shame because I know people at the shows so it's a social thing too (tho technically we aren't allowed to mingle because of covid restrictions. I should say too that quite a few participants were very nice about my going in with a walker, if only I could get braces for Kismet's buck teeth.

The next show is Crookwell in early Feb. It's at a country agricultural show (fair) so maybe I'll just enter to have fun at the show - we usually go to the show anyway and the country people are lovely.
 
It was raining this morning so I packed up - far too slippery. We went to the club Xmas party instead. When we pulled up at the club first thing Kismet leapt over the seat to get out of the car, when we got to the dog show she just sat. It was obvious where she preferred! I think she'd enjoy it more if I could really run with her - she loves speed. It's just a shame because I know people at the shows so it's a social thing too (tho technically we aren't allowed to mingle because of covid restrictions. I should say too that quite a few participants were very nice about my going in with a walker, if only I could get braces for Kismet's buck teeth.

The next show is Crookwell in early Feb. It's at a country agricultural show (fair) so maybe I'll just enter to have fun at the show - we usually go to the show anyway and the country people are lovely.
That’s the spirit, Caro!
That fact that she is so sweet and stable to bring to a show is just wonderful to me as I have such a fearful pup in Liam. Socialization is such an important thing for Shelties! She is certainly beautiful! Nose work sounds like a great alternative!
 
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Awwww I'm so sorry Caro. Terrible that they wouldnt allow you to park in the accessible parking (next time dont ask, just do lol) and I can certailnly understand how frustrating conformation can be. Finnie hated the table, to the point he'd refuse to stand...he was so scared. Life is easy for him now that he can just be a dog.
 
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