Dog World
One of the best things about the dog show, besides the deposit for the future pup, was the knowledge that I am not alone. There are people like me in droves. There are people worse than me, even. I feel at home in the dog community (yes, I know they're eccentric and, yes, Best in Show is in many ways an accurate depiction).
Every competitor and spectator there harbored a love of good dogs. They shared stories of their canines and breeding programs. They offered tips to each other and sportsmanship was the rule, not the exception (I hear that dog shows can be quite political... but I didn't see that too much. Mostly, people were there for love of their chosen breed).
Doing a little research, I see that Oxnard has its own dog training club that meets monthly at a local Carrow's and also holds many dog training classes and events. Could this be my ticket to some friendships and a sense of community? Perhaps. Dogs can really bring people together and break the ice. With my pup as my guide, I can crash back into the world of dogs.
I haven't competed with dogs since I took Rocket to Virginia and he won a plaque for best male. Before that, my only experience had been with 4-H. Still, those events were enough to give me a start.
This is part of the reason I am going for a very versatile breed. I want to try it all in the dog community... showmanship, obedience, rally, agility, therapy work... perhaps even herding and tracking. Why not? I have high aspirations for my puppy. I want to challenge her (and me) and see how far we can go, starting with show and obedience and then working toward some of the more extreme canine events.
Part of me is also nervous. I mean, the puppies will not be born until September. What if my desired puppy is not born in this litter? Can I really wait another year? I will hope for the best, but also wait and see...
The summer is going quickly, but it sure is nice. I love my house. I love walking the neighborhoods around it, too, especially the historic district near downtown Oxnard. F Street sure is a charming walk! The whole drag is blanketed in shady trees, and the houses sure are pretty.
The fourth of July holiday was nice, if uneventful. We just grilled and stayed at home with a few friends who happened to be in town.
I want to go back to Ramona, but this month is very busy. I need to see my parents' new house! They are putting on the roof shingles this week. That September completion date does seem like it will truly happen!
I feel bad that there are fires in Goleta and Big Sur. I know how it feels to lose one's stuff in a fire. I mean, it isn't the end of the world, and fresh starts are nice... but the old, lost stuff still haunts me sometimes...
Every competitor and spectator there harbored a love of good dogs. They shared stories of their canines and breeding programs. They offered tips to each other and sportsmanship was the rule, not the exception (I hear that dog shows can be quite political... but I didn't see that too much. Mostly, people were there for love of their chosen breed).
Doing a little research, I see that Oxnard has its own dog training club that meets monthly at a local Carrow's and also holds many dog training classes and events. Could this be my ticket to some friendships and a sense of community? Perhaps. Dogs can really bring people together and break the ice. With my pup as my guide, I can crash back into the world of dogs.
I haven't competed with dogs since I took Rocket to Virginia and he won a plaque for best male. Before that, my only experience had been with 4-H. Still, those events were enough to give me a start.
This is part of the reason I am going for a very versatile breed. I want to try it all in the dog community... showmanship, obedience, rally, agility, therapy work... perhaps even herding and tracking. Why not? I have high aspirations for my puppy. I want to challenge her (and me) and see how far we can go, starting with show and obedience and then working toward some of the more extreme canine events.
Part of me is also nervous. I mean, the puppies will not be born until September. What if my desired puppy is not born in this litter? Can I really wait another year? I will hope for the best, but also wait and see...
The summer is going quickly, but it sure is nice. I love my house. I love walking the neighborhoods around it, too, especially the historic district near downtown Oxnard. F Street sure is a charming walk! The whole drag is blanketed in shady trees, and the houses sure are pretty.
The fourth of July holiday was nice, if uneventful. We just grilled and stayed at home with a few friends who happened to be in town.
I want to go back to Ramona, but this month is very busy. I need to see my parents' new house! They are putting on the roof shingles this week. That September completion date does seem like it will truly happen!
I feel bad that there are fires in Goleta and Big Sur. I know how it feels to lose one's stuff in a fire. I mean, it isn't the end of the world, and fresh starts are nice... but the old, lost stuff still haunts me sometimes...