Hi Cheri,
I can assure you that you are not the only one who suffers with chronic nervousness in the show ring. I am known by my friends as "the amazing shaking woman" because I too am horrifically nervous when showing my dogs - even when I'm not handling personally! Wherever possible I ask my friend Andy Forman to handle for me, in fact half the other exhibitors are convinced that Andy is actually my husband (he isn't, my husband is the one smiling encouragingly and giving me a running commentary when Mack is performing, as I can't even look at what's happening in the ring). I handled Mack for his first 2 shows, both champ shows and I was absolutely terrified, to make matters worse he qualified for Crufts at his second show. For the week before Crufts I couldn't sleep and had to be put on medication, the night before I didn't even bother going to bed and was sick twice before we left the house. It was a good job that we were in Special Junior and showing early that day as by mid afternoon I was so poorly that we had to leave the NEC early - chronic migraine and more vomitting. The best part about the whole affair? I wasn't even handling!!!!
The 20 million dollar question you're now wondering is - does it get better? Honestly, yes, things ease off a little more everytime you go to a show. So, at this rate, I may be semi-confident by the year 2020!
We are bringing Mack to the United Bernard Club show tomorrow and so I'm already panicking, but I'll come over and say hi if you're also entered with that lovely puppy of yours (we did see you at Newark a few weeks ago when your friend handled for you).
Take care
Ali
Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:34 am
