Where have all The FloWers Gone? LONG TIME PASSING… Where have all The FloWers Gone? LONG TIME AGO…
by suzanne Dillin
T o say I have been deeply involved in our dog world for over 47 years is startling. To me at least. I used to know a bouquet of dog people, but sad- ly, today, there are very few flowers to gather. The original bunch is still here, shouldering all of the volunteer work as well as involving themselves in their respective breeds. The ones that were planted to die off in the winter did not make it to the next level. Some of them just went away. Some of them struggled not knowing what they didn’t know. That being that, they chose the wrong stock to spring from. I recently was engaged in a dis- cussion regarding the state of volun- teerism. The exhibitors are voicing their displeasure at the judging panels and are tired of the same ‘ole same ‘ole. That’s like saying, “I’m tired of my life because nothing ever happens of any consequence.” Really? What part of that is lack of respect, responsibility and involvement? When we were all young—and yes, we were—I can remember the hope and thrill and diamond dust sprinkled all around my new puppy. I dreamed of standing along side of the respected handlers/breeders/exhibi- tors/judges and so on. The show ring was an enchantment to me. It still is. Our ‘breeders’ and foundations were always supportive and usually good mentors. One of the very first important actions was to join a breed club and/ or an all-breed club. Here is where the foundation would be established for
all future failures and successes. We would learn from those around us. Or we would not learn at all. We did not “know everything” and our mentors kept us targeted toward our goals. Every time my family moved to a new area, I was offered an oppor- tunity to meet new dog people with new views. I volunteered with the local clubs. The only way to actually learn anything is from the bottom up. You can’t be the President if you haven’t learned what the janitor is responsible for. Where would our successful dog people have been without the volunteer mentor/exhibitor/ club level support? In our day, we would never have disparaged a judge, a show event, or other dogs. (We went back to our set- ups, grumbled and came back the next day. Some of us actually matured along the way.) We were able to learn from those with more knowledge. We were allowed and encouraged to gather in the grooming areas and talk with pro- fessional handlers, breeders and judges. And yes, we had the opportunity to learn from some of the “greats.” When I think of the comment that the exhibitors are “tired” of seeing many of the same judges, it makes me wonder. s 7HEN WAS THE LAST TIME they volunteered? s 7HEN DID THEY OFFER ENOUGH EXPERI - ence and desire to learn how to help by doing the work from the ground up? s 7HEN HAVE THE VAST MAJORITY OF exhibitors gotten involved with the
welfare and execution of volunteer- ing for the arduous tasks to sup- port their local club? Or for their National Breed Club? s 7HAT QUALIlES THEM TO CRY “I’m tired”? This situation of being “tired” is exactly the same as not bothering to vote. No Vote? No Voice! No service to give back to the sport? No Voice! Where HAVE all the flowers gone? Are we willing to plant the seeds for the future of our dogs and dog venues? Or are we so self important that whining will get the sport on course? How will we handle the inevitable fall out? Are we so willing to use up the gifts and time of those who do volunteer? Thanking all of you who spend whatev- er it takes to make a better world. These quiet, dedicated field of flowers need your help. If we take ourselves into the service side, perhaps there will be a day when the “I’m tired!” tears dry up. The only way to make a change is one step at a time. s *OIN A CLUB s 6OLUNTEER YOUR TIME MONEY and talent s #REATE A RESPECTABLE HISTORY where your voice will be heard and accepted s 'IVE BACK s 0AY FORWARD s )MAGINE s "UILD Volunteer. But do not think you can have a legitimate voice if you don’t unite and lend a hand.
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