Editor - Paulette
Peckol
Do
The Trees Get In The Way?
--By Helen Phillips
Sometimes the forest just grows up too thick,
Sometimes we get lost in the fog.
We forget that our primary purpose in shows
Is to have a good time with our dog.
We get so involved in heeling and stays,
Teaching proper response to each call.
We forget that instead of retrieve on the flat,
They'd rather be chasing a ball.
We devote every effort to grooming their coat
Til it looks like a soft mohair rug,
It's aligned and it's puffed when the dog
underneath
Would prefer a grand hair-mussing hug.
Our lives become busy, the club work complex,
With letters and meetings and talks.
No time for just sitting out under a tree,
Or taking those long springtime walks.
It is true that our dogs get the time and the
care
That dogs not so show-worthy might miss,
But is it time in the back of the van in a crate
When they'd rather your lap and a kiss?
So don't let the forest or fog or the glory
Determine what is your dog's fate.
Take a walk in the clouds, give a hug, throw a
stick,
Before you find out it's too late.
--from Mountain States DTC "Wagging
Tales" 11/83
via Pasanita OC "News" 11/94
via Claire Marx personal mail
