Page 88 - Chow Life - Fall 2025
P. 88
ECHOES
of the Past
by ELAINE LESSIG
To see the future, it is a worthy task to reflect upon moving. As he walks away from the judge and
the past. Examining the past offers a road map then back with his handler, an overwhelming
of the present and a peek into the future. These feeling invades a young man’s very soul, “I want a
markers braid themselves into a continuum of black Lab.”
what has been, what is, and what could be. It is an
assessment which offers a view into what works That undeniable desire leads to the purchase of
well, what does not, and what can be tweaked with a very well-bred puppy. The breeder suggests a
a myriad of improvements. Time, contemplation, training class sponsored by a local kennel club.
and momentum are the tools for making these After several months, the instructor tells the
adjustments. From there, the next path to follow owner that he should consider showing his dog in
becomes clearer. conformation, explains what that means, and gives
him the name of the closest breed club to contact.
Let me guide you, my loyal readers, into this realm He checks with his breeder. “Yes,” he says. “I
of discovery. For this journey, let us use our own belong there, too. Let’s give it a try! I’ll meet up
shared habitat, “Dogdom”, that unique place where with you. We can go together.” Our new exhibitor
only we reside. How we get there is often by some comes home with a class win in the 6–9-month-
circuitous, unexpected route like this one. On a old puppy class and a taste of Dogdom he cannot
Tuesday night during the groups at Westminster resist.
Kennel Club at Madison Square Garden, a
Labrador Retriever stands for examination on Champion upon champion follows his initial
the green carpet. The lights make his coat gleam. success after he partners with his original breeder.
What a handsome dog he is. His tail never stops Their kennel name becomes well-known for their
beautiful dogs with great dispositions. Big wins
follow more big wins. Stud dogs sire litters of
puppies for reputable breeders. Dams produce
promising litters. Family dogs are placed in good
homes – show prospects, too. Willingly, they find
time to conduct breed seminars, write articles for
publications, and participate as officers on the
local breed club board.
Years go by. Their reputation in the breed climbs
to the highest level. Breeders from England,
Canada, Mexico, and other foreign countries
clamor to buy a dog from them. Invitations come
from breed clubs to have them judge sweepstakes,
matches and top twenty events. Shortly thereafter,
one after the other, they assume positions on the
parent club board. Their impressive kennel is
featured in a full color spread in the most popular
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