Page 82 - Chow LIfe - Summer 2021

Recovering from COVID with Patience and Grace

by Peri Norman

The appearance of COVID and the resulting response to an inquiry is polite and appropriate.
world-wide pandemic has turned our lives upside A response might be as simple as, “Thank you for
down. The human toll is beyond measure. Yes, your inquiry. I do not have any puppies available
we can count cases of infection, hospitalizations right now. You can find more information about the
and deaths. What we really cannot measure is the breed and a list of responsible breeders at ABTC.
trauma. Deaths in the United States have surpassed org. ” Yes, there will always be those who are not
400,000 and 35% of people who survived the illness interested in being educated, but people are reaching
are facing on-going debilitating symptoms. Families out because they believe a dog will bring joy to their
and friends are mourning. Healthcare workers, first lives. Acknowledging them is powerful. Educating
responders and others in direct contact with the those that are willing is crucial.
sick and dying are beyond tapped out; physically,
mentally and emotionally. The self-employed Our willingness to welcome and educate new
in a variety of fields are watching their business fanciers needs to extend to shows, trials, meetings,
and financial resources drain away. In the best of and training opportunities. Regardless of the quality
situations, we are sorely missing our friends and of the dog or your opinion of the breeder, kindness
activities. is imperative. So be gracious and kind. Introduce
yourself. Refrain from any commentary that might
The path of destruction created by the COVID be construed as criticism and be reassuring and
pandemic has also affected our social organizations. supportive. Positive relationships are fertile ground
Churches, schools, and government at all levels are for mentorships. If not, perhaps someone else will
struggling to respond to the worst pandemic in 100 have that opportunity. People who tried showing
years. Chaos surrounds our societal relationships. dogs and did not continue invariably mention
In a blog post, The Healing Potential of the rudeness from other exhibitors as a significant part
Nonprofit Sector, Anne Wallestad, President & CEO, of their disenchantment. Be the person that makes
BoardSource closes with a powerful call to action. our sport a welcoming place for all.
“Nonprofit organizations and our leaders are not the
answer to the serious and systemic challenges we On the flip side, people frustrated by the lack of
face as a society. This problem is bigger than us. But shows and trials and just generally upset with all
we are a part of the solution— a part of the change. the COVID related stressors have geometrically
And we must not forfeit the positive potential for increased the number of critics in our world.
change that we represent. Our missions and our From all-breed show chairs being lambasted
democracy are too important for us to give up, on social media for cancelling shows, to club
give in, or opt-out. We must persist in generating members criticizing boards for failing to plan for
a sense of optimism and opportunity about what the specialty’s cancellation, the criticism has been
could be. We must insist on finding meaningful non-stop and vicious. The clause that says, “In case
and productive ways to move forward. We must of a world-wide pandemic and global lock downs,
create opportunities for knowing, understanding, do the following…” exists in no constitution on
and working together that forge the relational bonds earth. Bite your tongue, if that is what it takes. Club
on which we rely as a society. It’s not unity – it’s officers, board members, and committee chairs are
something more essential. It’s healing.” volunteers. The peanut gallery of critics is tiresome
in normal times. None of us volunteered for a
Let’s be honest. The reputation of the AKC and the scenario where we were in charge of some portion
fancy has not been entirely healthy for years. The of the club activity and then a pandemic throws
public’s perception of the value of purebred dogs the playbook in the trash! No one expects that
has been in decline for decades. The pandemic has there will not be disagreement. Nor do we expect
offered a mixed bag of changes for us. On a positive that everyone will be best buds with everyone else
note, the virtual elimination of the importation of an in the club. It is in the best interests of our sport,
estimated 1,000,000 foreign rescue dogs a year, along and the dogs to be polite and respectful when we
with people being home and lonely has generated disagree. Look for common ground and emphasize
a tsunami of inquiries directed at purebred dog what can be accomplished for the good of all. Be
breeders. It is important we be universally respectful appreciative of those working hard to give all of us
as we respond. These people are outside our culture the opportunity to return to the competition and
and may use different language. How many of us friends that are such a huge part of our life.
have not received an email like this “Do you have
puppies? How much are they? I want a grey female.” Last year was extraordinarily challenging. This year
This can be super frustrating. The voice in my head will bring new obstacles and frustrations to our
usually says something like, “What do they think; I world and our sport. We can do better! Patience
am a supermarket for Tervuren?” But if we hope to and grace are the keys.
rebuild our sport, all inquiries need to be answered,
especially now. AKC purebred breeders have a long- Originally published in Canine Chronicle, April 2021
term reputation for being elitist. A short, thoughtful - www.caninechronicle.com