Safety Pins & Sportsmanship
I was tidying up my always messy vehicle the other day and found my show bag with a small collection of safety pins attached to its handle. This made me think about the importance of sportsmanship.
My bevy of safety pins originated from a show I attended in Moncton last fall. I had lost a button on the blazer I was planning to wear the following day, so I had texted my two local Dal friends to ask if one of them could please bring me a safety pin.
Not only did they bring me a pin, but they also brought me a selection. And insisted I keep them so I’d be prepared next time I had a urgent pin need. These same two people came to cheer me on ringside EVERY time I was in that weekend, which was a total of 15 times; now that’s commitment. Even more than that, one of them took Hazzard back in for group (and won a group 4!) when I had a conflict with Peril in Baby Puppy.
At the end of the weekend, they helped me get a group shot. Gathered up all my ribbons, came to the photographer with me, helped me set it all up, and even caught a behind the scenes pic for me.
These people are awesome. And they are exactly who you want in your breed. One of them was also showing her beautiful Dalmatian. She beat me once; I beat her once, we stayed friends :). As I always say, there is no shame in being beaten by a quality dog, and I was thrilled to see her win.
Fortunately, I have seen a lot of great examples of sportsmanship. I have had another fellow competitor take my class dog in so I could handle my special, even though I had just beat her lovely girl. Before I even had a moment to figure out what to do, she had handed off her dog to her husband and taken my leash and number. True class!
I have also had a fellow competitor’s partner happily take my class dog in when the friend who was slated to show her had to work. Despite my girl being competition to his girl (whom his partner was beautifully showing) he showed her with heart, kindness, and confidence (they were a beautiful team!).
Unfortunately, these shining examples of sportsmanship are not always what we see.
I have had unpleasant run-ins with fellow competitors who have given unsolicited (and unkind) opinions on my dogs, their markings, the breeding programs they came from, and the sports I decide to compete in with them. (who knew people had such strong views about weight pull?!)
I have seen new competitors be turned off the sport by long-time people in the breed. I have seen public posts on FB following shows that throw shade at competitors or sound like sour grapes instead of celebrating the winners and encouraging others.
As the world (slowly) starts to open back up and shows start up again, please take a moment to reflect before you speak (or post). Is your opinion …well….wanted? Is it relevant? Is it helpful? Are you supporting someone? Is what you are going to say encouraging?
Consider *not* sharing negative comments about someone’s dog unless your opinion is sought. Consider *not* posting that you’re upset you lost; perhaps you could congratulate the winners instead (and commiserate with your friends, privately!).
Let’s be welcoming to new people. Let’s encourage them. If you don’t like their dog? No worries, then you’ll win ;). But everyone starts somewhere. And let’s remember that at the end of their lead is their beloved furry best friend. Your words can be hurtful.
Be welcoming at shows! Encourage new people. Help them out. Check that their number is on the right arm :), ensure they’re ready to go when it’s their turn. Congratulate the winner! You don’t have to agree, but it’s the judge’s opinion that matters in the moment. Everyone deserves to enjoy their win.
We are a small breed. Let's be a breed community that makes people want to join our wonderful breed!
