To say the things he truly feels And not the words of one who kneels The record shows I took the blows
Even in this crazy sport we love called showing dogs, the AKC sets proce- dures to be followed, and rules and guidelines regarding behavior for judges and exhibitors alike. A per- son’s individuality to do things differ- ently can often be a topic of judgment among the fancy. When I began in this sport, we had many different people who could only be described as “colorful.” You never knew what they would do or say. There were very few magazines, and the advertising of dogs and show wins was minimal. Many of the judges in those days had their own individual procedures and processes. Some were known as “tooth fairies” while others would not tolerate a dog soiling their ring. Still others had reputations for liking “the ladies” or “the boys,” and some were well-known to “spread the wealth.” Although very different from each other, what they all had in com- mon was a deep background in our sport, and they were well-respected. I think they earned their monikers because they all did it their way. THE JUDGE’S STORY— ’MY WAY’ Let’s take a look at how the song “My Way” can tell the story of many of the judges of the past as well as a few of those who are current. And now the end is near And so I face the final curtain My friend, I’ll say it clear I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain I’ve lived a life that’s full I traveled each and every highway And more, much more than this I did it my way As someone who has been involved with dogs for half a century, I know I have lived a full life. And like many others in the sport, exhibitor, breeder, and judge, I have traveled each and every highway. Most of us who have achieved any success did it our way thanks to the great friends and mentors who allowed us to develop our thoughts and interpretations and apply them as we saw fit. Regrets, I’ve had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this I did it my way. All of us have had regrets, not only in judging but also in life. We are, after all, human. I have never met anyone who is perfect in either category, though I have met a few individuals who would like for you to think they are always right and never make mistakes. In our lives and our careers in the sport, we chart a course that could be a breed- ing program, or possibly, a path to- ward accumulating various breeds and achieving various levels of judging. It is a long road and takes many years to achieve success. Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all, and I stood tall And did it my way This journey is never easy. We make mistakes along the way. Breedings that, although carefully thought out and planned, for some reason just don’t “click.” We acquire new breeds, and in those early assignments we may struggle with what we’ve learned and what we see standing in front of us—and we hope to get it right until we are comfortable with that breed. I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried I’ve had my fill, my share of losing And now, as tears subside I find it all so amusing To think I did all that And may I say, not in a shy way Oh, no, oh, no, not me I did it my way We all have loved, laughed, and cried with our many friends and family. Our dog family is filled with so many people who have touched our lives. We enjoy their special moments to- gether and we support them and cry with them when they suffer tragedy. We all have had our share of wins and losses in the ring and the amuse- ment of observing all the drama along the way. For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught
And did it my way Yes, it was my way.
Although this song was originally thought of as sharing the sentiments expressed by an individual who is looking back on his life, I also view it as a way to look at our journey through the sport of dogs and espe-
cially the journey of a judge. INTERPRETATION & PRIORITIES
You have heard the phrases “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Both of these phrases can be applied to the judg- ing of dogs. Each judge has his interpre- tation of the Standard and may also have his or her own set of priorities. All too often in our sport, some critics find fault with our judges. Field Reps who don’t agree with their choice may give them a poor report. Handlers and exhibitors who lose can often be heard being critical of the outcome of the day. When the top-ranked or rated dog does not win, the cries go out even when the winner was an extremely deserving winner that was owner-handled or sim- ply not being actively campaigned. It is very easy for any of us sitting ring- side to find ourselves judging the dogs. What you may not understand is that while you have dismissed in your mind those exhibits that you have eliminated ringside (as you focus on those that you see as the competition), the judge in the ring can only focus on each exhibit as it is presented to him or her. Good judges have that true self-confi- dence which allows them to block out the outside influences and focus on the exhibits in front of them—on that day and at that moment. More often than not, they are getting it right even if you don’t agree. I ask you, would you rather have a judge who always puts up the most advertised dog or the top handlers? Or maybe, you would like to see capable judges just do it THEIR WAY. I know I can always look into a mirror at the end of the day because “I did it my way.”
24 • T op N otch T oys , J uly 2022
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