Ring side comments

[fbkeays]

All Duncan really cares about is getting attention and food. The conformation ring he has everyone's attention and he gets food. He will have a good time this weekend. I will look out for Beth and Blitz. Duncan thinks Blitz is really cute.
I am sensitive about comments about my ole guy. He is the sweetest thing on the planet. He is a character. I am glad that I still have him and he is able to show. As I said earlier, I thought showing him at these shows was not going to happen when we got the intital diagnosis of prostate cancer. Fortunately it wasn't prostate cancer, but a type of bladder cancer IN his prostate. I have been obssessed with doing everything possible so that he could show at these shows. It was a goal or milestone or something that made me not listen when euthaniza was hinted at. I kept on saying, he is not going to die today and he didn't.
He trotted from the van to the ring. I thought it would take longer to get to the ring but he knew that he was going to show. He smoozed the folks ring side(not the same side as the comments). I actually had a hard time getting him back to the van because he didn't want to go.

[Sharon Marples]

Heads up Francis, Duncan is having a good time and that is what counts. The rude remarks by those who evidentally have never had a wonderful veteran should be ignored. Consider the source.

Please get some pics of duncan out in the Veterans ring at the specialty this weekend. I would love to see them.

I have a very soft spot in my heart for the Veterans and am the first to join in the clapping for them as they proudly make it around the ring.

At an all-breed show we were at in September, there were Veteran classes offered and there were two, a dog and a bitch. The bitch was a CH and was 12 years old. While she was standing outside the ring, you could see her coming to life as she was getting primped and cleaned up. You could actually tell that she knew that she was going into the ring again. When she went it, her tail was up, she was smiling a smile a mile wide and she trotted around like a youngster. There was hardly a dry eye ringside, in both men and women and the clapping and hooping and hollering had many of the other rings stopping their judging to take a look at what was going on. It's times like that, that make showing dogs a wonderful sport.

I am proud for Duncan, proud for you for getting him out there and I wish I was going to be there to cheer him on.

[blisscodisco]

I absolutly love the veterans, it is my favorite class, I have a senior and to see other older Rottweilers out there giving it all always chokes me up. I am usually pretty much bawling by the time they get to the 10 and over class. So here is me clapping really loudly. Please forget those horrible people and be happy you have every precious day with your boy and he is still able to go out and be a team with you. That is the most important thing of all. Have a blast in the veterans ring with Duncan and give him a big pat from me.
bliss

[EmmysMom]

I absolutely HATE rude behavior! I pounded that into my son and am now pounding it into my grandaughters - there is no good reason to be rude in public - period!

On the other hand, Duncan had no idea and was just out having a ball and THAT is what matters in the grand scheme of things! Way to go Duncan!!

[Gunsey'sMom]

I feel sorry for those people, They just dont know the joys of the life long companionship that people like you and Duncan are able to share!

I am so glad you and Duncan are showing! How wonderful for you!!!!

[DreamweaverRotts]

Forget about those small minded morons!

Bravo to you and Duncan! Cherish every second with him and dance every dance.

Let karma take care of those idiots.

[Cdn1050]

That's horrible, people can be such ignorant arses. Don't let what others say ruin your day. All that matters is that Duncan and you had a great time, and if working in the ring makes him happy then keep right on doing it.

[mferg]

I'm sorry Brady, and subsequently you, had to be witness to such comments. I had absolutely no idea it was happening as I was tossing a sheep around in front of Duncan (shortly after feeding him tri-tip) while he was in the ring. Maybe the sheep noises were really directed at Duncan to help him think he really was on the ranch and, hence, right at home. One can only dream.

I'm sorry. If it does happen again, please bring it to my attention. I don't like people to have a bad taste in their mouths leaving BARK's shows and this puts a damper on all the great things said.

[Luvs]

Originally Posted by Sharon Marples

the source.

Please get some pics of duncan out in the Veterans ring at the specialty this weekend. I would love to see them.

Yes, please get some pictures of your handsome boy this weekend!!!!!

I am so sorry for those rude &!@*#*

[fbkeays]

Originally Posted by Luvs

Yes, please get some pictures of your handsome boy this weekend!!!!!

I will get win photos because there is only two in his age group so he will at least take 2nd! I have asked my hubby to video us in the ring on Friday. He gave me a video camera for my birthday last year, might as well use it.

[Dieselpup]

Francis, when I read your post, I just about cried. I, too, have to deal with ignorant comments from "educated" Kennel Club people when I take my dogs to obedience training on Saturdays.

True, my situation is different; the rude comments I get are directed at my white German Shepherds--that's another story. The point is, it really hurts. It's like someone hurling insults and your child--or parent for that matter.

I understand your pain, and that's why I am so disgusted.

What has helped me is to remember to remain focused on the dog. The show, after all, is really about you, the dog's handler and owner, and the dog. It's not about the other guy. Their rude, hurtful comments really reflects their mentality, or lack thereof.

Congratulations to you and Duncan. Your boy is doing much more than my own 10 year old Rottie can. I'm rooting for the fellow, as are so many other members here on this site.

Remember to just enjoy whatever time you have with this dear animal, and "let no man take your joy from you."

[LynnS]

Just returned from day one of the specialties and hopefully today brought a smile to Francis's face as Duncan was applauded, loved on and was basically the life of the party

Francis was a very attentive mom and made sure that Duncan's day was special. He definately brought a smile to my face...

[s1960]

I was very happy to see Duncan and spend a couple of minutes petting him. Thanks Francis for having him there.

[fbkeays]

I really enjoyed having Duncan at the show today. I realized just how grey he is compared to his competition. His recent health setbacks did slow him down a little more then I was expecting. Duncan loved the attention and being loved on. I do appreciate the people that came over to say HI to him. He really liked to schmooze the folks ring side. He got all sorts of good treats. He got to flirt with some of the bitches which REALLY perked him up. He is a lady's man at heart.

[DreamweaverRotts]

I saw Duncan at the specialty shows in CA and he was quite enchanting. He looked good, moved well, charmed everyone and he was standing tall for the girls as if he was saying, "Hey Baby, come here often? Look at me, I've still got it!"

Judging by the HUGE round of applause he received as he ran around the ring, Duncan touched the hearts of everyone watching. You would never know he had any health concerns. I hope we all live our lives as well as Duncan is, with dignity and gusto for as long as we can.

Thanks Francis, for bringing him and allowing us all to enjoy him.