Doris....... you are so right. For years now I have been in love with dog shows. All breeds, specialties, rare breeds, and many performance events. I just love watching the dogs. Yes, I have seen rude people, I have heard gossip, I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. But......like life, dog shows fun have to do with expectations. I don't go to a show expecting anyone to make me happy. I don't go to a show expecting recognition, or even expecting to win. I go to shows expecting my dogs to show well, and me to have fun. The friends and the lessons I have walked away with are priceless. I will go to shows just for the hell of it, with no dogs to show. This is so true, that with all the stuff we have going on my hubby knew I would be a happier camper if I went to the National this year.....and there I was. So yes, I can truly say that I always have fun at the shows. Ileana In a message dated 12/9/2005 12:29:32 P.M. Central Standard Time, irrenhaus4@xxxxxxxxxxx writes: I think it is a shame to be involved in the "sport" of dog shows, and not to enjoy every minute, win or lose. Just the thought of a possible new, GREAT dog or bitch should be something to look forward to. My opinion. Doris E ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2005. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://www.showgsd.org ============================================================================