When I think back on these past few months, it feels like Cowboy and I have been thrown into an entirely new world. At the end of February, we walked into our first conformation show at the Superstition Kennel Club. I was nervous, probably more than I have ever been at anything dog-related. It was my first time handling in a conformation ring, and Cowboy’s first time showing. Neither of us had any idea how it was going to go.
It ended up being so much more fun than I expected. Stressful, yes, but also enjoyable. We picked up Winners Dog on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and even received Owner Handled Best of Breed one day. We did not make it out of the group ring, but honestly, the practice was exactly what we needed. Cowboy moved well most of the time, though he decided to gallop once on Friday, and I walked away knowing exactly what we need to work on. It gave me focus and direction instead of just nerves.
What really stuck with me about that weekend was the feeling of taking the leap. I was not ready for Cowboy when he came to me, and I did not feel ready to step into the ring either, but I did it anyway. Sometimes the right opportunities show up before you feel prepared, and you have to jump in and figure it out along the way. That first show was the start of something new for both of us.
A few weeks later we were in our very first UKC show, and I did not know what to expect there either. It turned out to be just as memorable. Cowboy earned placements in every Guardian Group class he entered, and we even made it all the way to Best in Show one day. I was humbled, shocked, and honestly a little overwhelmed. These were big wins for us so early on, and it reminded me how important it is to just keep showing up and putting in the work.
By the end of the weekend, I was exhausted from the grooming, the wind, the sand, the constant prep and showing, but I was also happy. Cowboy was proud of his ribbons and his ball, and I was proud of him. These shows are not just about competition. They have given us a chance to grow together, to meet new people, and to learn with every step. We are still figuring things out, but we are in it now, and I cannot wait to see where this journey takes us.
