It was exhilarating today to come to an end of almost three days in a row since Thursday, with a hiatus on Saturday, of borzoi specialties. That meant it was out with the best hounds by the best breeders, and seeing everyone again taking them around the ring. This including a very special handler who flew in from the West Coast, California, to help out her clients on the East Coast on their home turf for this special event. It was a joy to see her, since she was someone I missed seeing in April, not being able to attend the Borzoi Club of America’s National Specialty Show in Albuquerque, NM due to my illness. We keep in touch on FB but it is not the same as having a one-on-one, face-to-face conversation. I felt cheated then but am happier now for having seen her here this weekend. All works out for the best sometimes, and some surprises really are happy ones.
Today, LT took me to the show. It was the BCDV (Borzoi Club of Delaware Valley) Specialty show, and his first borzoi specialty. It was held at the ever growing further away each time I go, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, NJ. I cannot say enough wonderful things about it when I am there, however I am full of complaints driving the distances to and from. We did it though and for us, it was a day of socializing and rekindling friendships that are very important to me and even us as a couple, since LT is so well known now among my friends. They are like family relationships, as I am deeply fond of most of the people who were there. It filled me with elation being there especially after being so sick all winter. Even though we were there without a borzoi of our own to show, knowing how difficult and futile it can be showing a breeder’s dog when you yourself are not the breeder at a specialty, we were there as happy spectators and saying “congratulations” to all our friends for their respective wins. It is their day to shine.
We rushed home when it was over because our aged Paris was alone. It is so sad to see his ever weakening condition, mostly in the hindquarters. I am reminded of Mikhailya’s collapse in June 2013, and am careful not to walk him far from our property. If he goes down, I will not be able to get in up alone. One wonders why must it end this way….. especially after seeing so many young ones today, so fit and in their prime. Hard questions all, with no answers.