The First Step

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Confucius

My journey began twenty-six years ago when my parents decided to enter the world of purebred dogs and dog shows. Actually, it was more my Mom’s idea. I think that she approached my Dad with her soon to be patented line, “How much do you love me?” According to her, I needed a challenge in my life since I excelled at every other activity. I was ten years old so I could show our new dog in both Junior Showmanship and in the Conformation ring. Don’t worry, I will explain all of these crazy dog show terms in good time. For those of you who like to read the last page of a mystery novel, you can find out everything you wanted to know and more at www.akc.org or you can watch the 2000 “documentary” Best in Show.

In the beginning, I did dream of going to Westminster. It was the dog show in the United States and being the overachiever that I am, I wanted to be there. Little did I know what that would involve? I couldn't just say, “Mom, I want to go to Westminster.” I had to actually do the work. Deathly afraid of doing something that required work, I went along showing dogs and living life, neatly tucking that dream in for a Rip Van Winkle night.

However, all dreams find a way back to the sunlight and such is the case with my quest for an invitation to Westminster. Most successful people achieve their goals with the help of others. That is why I am here in the blogosphere. I need your help. If I commit to sharing the steps along my journey with you, then I must actually do the steps. If I actually do the steps, then I will have a fighting chance to achieve my goal. I thank you in advance for sharing this adventure with me. It will be interesting, that I can promise! Now, I invite you to visit the Westminster Kennel Club. Don’t worry; you won’t need to leave your home. Just hop over to www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

See you on the road to Westminster!