Success?????

The feeling of being successful in an interesting thing. I think it is one of those things that we are always striving for and just when we feel it is in reach the definition changes.

I remember not too long ago when success for me meant that I could own a dog that could win points at an AKC show. That was such an exciting thought for me!! After that happened for me, I felt like to really achieve success I would need to finish a dog. The idea of owning a champion dog dominated my daydreams and desires. I remember when just being around a champion would make me feel like I was in the company of greatness. (I know I was a little naive). I would be star struck just to be able to pet a champ. When I finished my first champion, my appetite was certainly whetted, but I still didn't not feel successful. I felt that I needed more to achieve that elusive goal. I wanted my first home-bred champion. I would lay awake at night and dream of finishing my first home-bred champion. Again, after I accomplished that dream, my definition of success had still not been fulfilled. I started to have bigger goals. I wanted to place at that national. Oh that was was the dream that would be so life changing. I know others that have many placements in a single national specialty show, but I was sure that one placement would be enough to satisfy me. This year that dream was realized. Now, I have always had a dream that I was sure could never be fulfilled. I dreamed of having one of my dogs go BOB in a sheltie specialty or best in show. Now that was a goal I could dream about forever and never achieve. I knew that achieving that one would for sure make me feel successful. Well, again this year, that happened. Luci, BISS Ch. Lacewood Bi Starlight went Best in Specialty over 6 specials at the tender age of 19 months. She was shown in her first show as an adult that same morning for a 5 point major, and then in the afternoon at the second specialty of the day, she went WB again for another 5 point major and then Best in Specialty. I not only get to be around this dog and pet her, but I get to live with her sleeping with me if I like. What could be better than that!!!

You'll never believe this, but I still do not feel all that successful. I have had successes, and I am so grateful for those successes, but my desire to do more has not even started to be sated. As I think about it, maybe that is a good thing. If we felt that we had achieved real success after our first small success maybe we wouldn't reach for the stars. The greatest successes I have had in showing dogs, have come when I least expected them. I have been overwhelmed with joy at each one. I feel so privileged to have been able to have the successes that I have had. It is very humbling to look at my beloved little dogs and realize the joy they have given me both in the ring and out of the ring. I am so blessed!!!

But now I am looking forward to success some day. Maybe I will be lucky enough to achieve that success before I come to the end of the road. I don't know if anyone else feels this way about their successes. But here is to a future of success for all of us!!!