Man, what a weekend! This was my first exposure (close and personal), to horse folk. I like 'em. (Actually, my wife was horse folk in another life and I will admit, I like her a lot!) What an incredible group of people. Getting to share the stage with these cowboy and cowgirl trainers was an honor that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Now, I've said all along, that if my dogs got adopted, I would be a winner. Both dogs got adopted to wonderful homes, close enough that I can help them transition, so they will never end up in a shelter again.
About Samson and Maverick...I was so proud of what these dogs did. I knew going in that I had one of the easiest dogs to train (in Samson) but, without a doubt, one of the hardest dogs to handle. Samson was awesome. You could see his level of concentration as he tried his best to block out the distraction of the crowd and horses. He was able to muster a fourth place ribbon, and he was able to get a home with two of the cutest kids you have ever seen. (...A home that knows JRT's!!!) The hardest part of the weekend came when I handed Samson over to them. Samson, in true form, walked away and never looked back. I had to remove myself from the group standing near by, where for minutes long, I cried like an 8 year old. Man, this was tough. I didn't think it would effect me like this, but it did...Boy, did it!
...Same with Mav. He's got a wonderful home with a gal that will is committed to keeping him, forever. Maverick deserves this. He just wants to be a dog...Which is one of the noblest pursuits I've come to appreciate. Maverick is a good at being a dog. Maverick will live with horses, another dog, and various other critters. He SO deserves this.
Now we are back home. Karen and I are numb. This emotional mix is a butt-kicker. I look over where the hole is in our den, the hole where just last week sat Samson's and Tess's (Karen's EMM dog) crates. There are no crates there. Last night I stared at that spot for several minutes only to turn and see Karen looking at me with tears streaming down her face. The 8 year old in me reared its ugly head again...I cried, and cried, and cried...
On another note. The EMM staff is one of the most professional groups I have ever met in my life. (Melissa, you rock!) No matter how much chaos knocked at the door, they were cool and calm. Dog people can be a little passionate and the EMM people handled our passion with compassion...Great job, you guys!!! And, as for the Humain Society of North Texas, gals? You know you have always been and will always be my heros. (Sandy Grambort, God blessed this world by placing you here!) Before I went to bed last night, I wrote an email to Patti Colbert and asked what we could do to help her prepare for next year. There is no way I would miss an experience like this!