Page 51 - Chow LIfe - Summer 2022

The

Art of Losing

by Amber Leonard
Some of life's most important lessons are hidden in the ring. Coming home from a show without a single
the losses, and how an exhibitor looks at a loss really ribbon has given me the opportunity to unearth ways
makes a difference. The art of losing goes unnoticed in I can improve; it's an extra challenge and incentive to
my life. I have been showing dogs for more than seven work even harder toward my goals.
years, and in those seven years I have both exceeded For me, it isn't always about winning first place, but
my own expectations and experienced devastating maintaining a positive outlook on life no matter
loss. My national rankings in Junior Showmanship the outcome. Simple unsolicited compliments from
concluded as the No. 1 Dachshund Junior Handler for bystanders outside the ring or swallowing my pride and
five consecutive years and the No. 2 Hound Handler congratulating the winner regardless of my opinion
for three consecutive years. I won Best of Variety are among countless examples of my "wins," besides
with my Longhaired Dachshund at the prestigious the ones that are officially recorded by AKC. At times,
Dachshund Club of America National Specialty nothing feels more humiliating and discouraging
show in 2011 - making history as the youngest than walking out of a Junior Showmanship class
person to have handled a dog to such an award. of five without a ribbon. Naturally we tend to
The moment the judge pointed to declare blow up a situation and weigh it with more
us Best of Variety was an unforgettable significance than it really has at face
moment that I'll cherish forever. My value, even though virtually everyone
hard work has paid off over the years has endured the dreaded last place
because I've won scholarships, have before. I've realized if I can say
been featured in magazines and I presented the best possible
been mentored by some of version of myself and my
the most highly respected dog, then that is the ultimate
people in the sport of win, a type of win that doesn't
showing dogs. Though require a ribbon to prove.
these accomplishments are
great, they're overshadowed by Viewing competition with optimism
my ability to cope with loss and has been the primary key to my own
defeat in the ring. successes, although this has been a difficult
By nature we want to win, but showing pill to swallow at times. How an individual
dogs is as much about losing as it is copes with walking out of the ring empty-
winning. I have learned a lot about being a handed truly attests to one's strength. My personal
graceful loser in the ring, which has translated goal each time I enter the ring is to outperform
to my everyday life. Having good sportsmanship myself as opposed to defeating others. Being "Best
along with a positive outlook on life is so crucial, and in Show" is momentary, but supporting each other
in my opinion, a neglected and lost practice in our through life's little moments add up over time. Living
society. I have witnessed many people getting caught with integrity means that I have done the best I could
up in chasing a win. Losing is viewed with extreme regardless of winning or losing. Life is too short to
negativity, and feelings of jealousy, hatred and revenge entertain toxic thoughts and to bring others down in
take over. As a result, competitors often lose sight attempts of counteracting my "loss," especially when
of what is truly important. I see exhibitors resisting there are much larger losses we will eventually suffer in
loss, as opposed to embracing it, and they channel our lives.
their emotions into an unhealthy reaction toward There aren't wins without losses; individuals who
themselves, their dogs, other exhibitors, judges and possess the ability to take positives from a loss deserve
more. Chasing that Best in Show ribbon, feeding off some recognition too. Even when you have technically
the praise of others and feeling the high of winning is lost, you must never abandon the confidence that you
great, but it fizzles quickly. Enjoying time spent with can still emerge with winning colors.
my dog doing what I love is long-lasting and more
valuable to me than any award. Reprinted with permission from Dogs in Review and
author Amber Leonard from the February 2014
I have learned that some of the most important life issue of Dogs in Review magazine.
lessons are hidden in the losses. Losing is an essential Originally published in the Summer 2014 - Chow Life
part of being a genuine winner every day in life and in
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