Dog Show

The Rock Springs Recreation Division held the Children's Dog Show this morning at Bunning Park.  At the last minute, and after much prodding from Kim, the kids decided it would be worth going.  (Kim really wanted us to go even though she would be at work.)  Ethan went right to work on creating a costume.  Cedar didn't agree with the direction of the theme.  She was thinking a more pink, sparkles, princess direction.  We quickly tried to explain that we needed to work together, that Ethan started the cowboy costume theme, and that we had 20 minutes to get us ALL ready and out the door!  I think she knew it would be difficult to get her outfit on Jenny, but to show her inflexibility and passion for her idea she put the outfit on over her shorts and shirt.  She finally conceded after arriving at the parking lot.  She switched out her own pink, sparkles, princess outfit in exchange for the bandanna around the neck.  

Big dogs!  Tiny dogs!  And everything in between. We registered then tried to stay away from everyone.  My anxiety meter was fairly high.  My kids and the dog plus people we don't know and their dogs felt like a disaster waiting to happen.  Thankfully things went smoothly for everyone.  After the show started and we were waiting for our turn I decided my kids better do something other than stand up there in their somewhat recognizable cowboy theme outfits.  We practiced tricks, namely sit, wait/get it, and hide and seek.  I know, totally challenging .... and then add all the distractions!  The pressure was on.  

"Up next, The Harper Kids and Jenny!"  

"Um, yes, that's you guys.  Go, go, go!" I said.

A slightly awkward, yet flawless performance.  For the most part Cedar held the treats, Myles handled the leash, and Ethan gave the commands.  Polite oohs, aahs, and clapping ensued.  

They felt so accomplished and the moment became much more meaningful.  

They won 2nd place for their cowboy theme costumes AND 2nd place for tricks.  Jenny couldn't care less as there were squirrels prancing around the park.  

That's some dog.  

Those are some great kids.