[Amazing Yorkies]

The one thing I would suggest to the experienced exhibitors.. is when you see a newbie, all alone and a little anxious.. is go up to them, introduce yourself, welcome them and wish them luck. Especially if it is your stomping grounds.
I feel like a forever newbie.. because of my husband's health, I have started exhibiting so many times, yet had to stop to take care of him. But every time I have tried to get out again, I feel out of place and out of friends. Mary Mellinger (Chobie lines) always comes up to me, gives me a hug, and welcomes me back with a big smile. She welcomed me the 1st time I ever came to the Show, wished me luck and I'll never forget how she makes me feel like I'm not so alone and out of place. And when we took WD, she came up and helped me make sure my picture was going to turn out. Now that is a YTCA member helping new exhibitors.
Congratulations after the fact, IMO does not do as much good as an introduction, a welcome, and a good luck especially since a newbie probably doesn't win at first. Therefore grooms alone, stands alone, goes in the ring, comes out of the ring and sees all the friendship going on, and leaves alone without anything being said to them.