Dear Listers: There are many times on this list that we discuss the problems that exist with entries and showing the German Shepherd Dog in conformation. Tonight, I would like to share some of the things that are right. This past week I was mugged/sexually assaulted/attempted car jacked while doing my job. I have stitches in several areas, a black eye, a hairline skull fracture, brusing and a reconstructed outer ear. Prior to this happening, I had entered my six month old puppy in the New Jersey shows so that he could get a feel for the ring and my husband and I could have a fun few days out with our boy. Clearly, I did not expect the events that unfolded when I made my entry. Over my objections, my husband thought it would be a good idea to go to the shows despite everything that happened. He thought it would be helpful for me to try to find normal in my life. So, off I went to the show. To be quite frank, since this happened I am scared of my own shadow and do not want to go anywhere. I cannot tell you what it meant to me to have the support of those who attended the shows this weekend. Karen Wagner who assisted me when I first arrived and continued to check on me throughout the weekend; Donna and Olivia Calabrese, who not only handled and helped me with my puppy, but who encouraged and supported me, and helped me find laughter in what has been a really crappy week; Trish, who shared a story of personal strength and victory; Leslie who spent time sharing about dogs and letting me know I would eventually be okay; Philip who always has a kind word and is such a gracious man; Mary Ann Carew who took the time to sit and talk with me; Susan Legg who kept checking on me to see how I was doing, and the countless others who had something kind to say or to encourage me and/or my husband. (I am sorry I don't remember everyone's name. They told me that was part of the head injury and it should dissipate. I just find it frustrating.) Folks, there may be problems in our breed/club, but when it really comes down to crunch time, these fine people stepped up in a big way. I am not a person who shows often. I have not been in conformation for years. This past weekend, none of that mattered. I had some of the biggest names in the breed encouraging, helping and genuinely caring about my well-being, and loving up my puppy. Yes, it was a dog show. But to me, this weekend, it was so much more. It helped to remind me that goodness, kindness and compassion still exist. And it is alive and well in our breed. I am beyond thankful for each of you who helped me enjoy this weekend. Lisa Wilbur ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2011. 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. Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post. This group and its administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in any post. 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@xxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org SUBSCRIPTION:http://showgsd.org/mail.html NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================