And I missed it. Darn! Meant to watch online and totally forgot. For the first time in history, a Scottish Deerhound has won Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show. Hickory is just a gorgeous, gorgeous dog. I'll see if I can find the story today to watch. USA Network has a very confusing set of links, but I will persevere. I want to see that video!!Found it at last!
Read more about the win at this link: The Scottish Deerhound . (You can watch the video of Best In Show judging here as well.) The Scottish Deerhound is an amazing dog and maybe not as well known in this country as other breeds. It is a beautiful, statuesque dog steeped in history. I am thrilled that finally, not only a Deerhound won, but that a BIG dog finally got Top Ribbon. More info on the Scottish Deerhound breed here.
I have a special fondness for Deerhounds for another reason too:
Before Rocky came into my life, I lived with another dog: Beemer. She was half Scottish Deerhound and half Shepherd and I loved her dearly till the day she passed away at the age of 14 a few years ago. She was the most charming mix of shyness, worry and playfulness and her face always registered a question which I tried, her whole life, to answer. I got Beemer from a rescue situation (she had been mistreated) and it took me more than a year to earn her complete trust. Even then, I had to be careful with sudden hand movements because she sometimes mistook it for aggression from me and would cower. Very sad. (Eventually though, she did get over this as well, thank goodness.) I had a two-fold task: To try and make her forget her mistreatment at the hands of some wretched humans and to try and make her as happy as I possibly could. I think I succeeded. She loved me and I, her, and not a day goes by that I don't miss her.
I've been fortunate to have lived with many wonderful dogs in my life and each one was always so special to me, each so unique in character and personality. Each one left behind their own brand of indelible memories. I always say: if there is a heaven, my dogs better be there waiting for me on the banks of that river. If the pure heart of a dog can't enter heaven - what chance do I have?Years ago we used to attend Westminster on one or the other of the two nights, at Madison Square Garden. To see this extravaganza in person is so much fun! But it's also a learning experience AND an opportunity to spend a bit of time shopping as well since there are tons of dealers with wonderful dog paraphernalia to sell. My gorgerous dog print that sits right in front of me on the wall above my computer was bought at Westminster. The print cost 10 bucks and a hundred, later, to have it framed. Worth every penny for the joy I get out of looking at it everyday. For dog lovers like me, Westminster was and continues to be, a kind of Valhalla.
Besides watching the judging from the seats, the most fun is walking through the 'bench' area at Westminster, where the dogs being shown that day are kept. It is always a kind of organized frenzy. AND believe it or not, it doesn't smell bad at all, well, unless you don't appreciate doggy scent. I happen to love 'doggy scent'.
Dogs in the 'bench' area are either resting, being groomed, petted, just lying around sleeping or lined up to go to the bathroom in the designated area or taking in the sights in the same way the humans crowded around them are doing. It's a great mix of dog and man and really, it's just plain wonderful. Oh, and if you're so inclined, you can talk dog business with the various dog people/owners/groomers in attendance keeping a watchful eye on their charges.
One time I remember finding myself in the middle of several enormous Briards milling about me and thinking it was like being caught up in a herd of cows. Just a lovely, lovely experience I will never forget.
