[magicgenie]

I think Gemy and Swan have wonderful ideas. However, I think the dog show world is collapsing under the weight of exhibitor egos as much as anything else. Gail, my first time at a dog show was as a terribly green first time exhibitor. Nobody was nice and I'll never forget it. Even after 15 years and learning a lot more, I know the dog I had that day was a very nice one. Other exhibitors looked at me as I was a rodent or surely some creep out to rob them. People were very reluctant to advise, and I'm shy and not pushy. I went home, downhearted, and never showed that boy again. A few years later, and knowing it was a hostile environment, I sent his granddaughter out with a professional handler and quickly had my first home bred champion. I only show when I have something super worthy, and only with a professional handler. I never attend in person as the atmosphere at shows brings out all the worst in me.