Dog
HIGHLANDS
 VOLUSIA
 

Outstanding Member for
June 2008
 




































GRAPHIC GRAPHIC
 Kydee West


My name is Kaydee West, and I have been involved in the Florida 4-H Dog Project for five wonderful years. Throughout this time, I've endured my share of "ups and downs", but I am a firm believer in the idea that there is something to be learned from every situation and that anything worth having is worth working for.
I remember my first 4-H meeting. I was in the sixth grade. My parents had always wanted us to be involved in 4-H, but they hadn't been able to get any information about clubs in our area. One day, there was an article in the paper about the South Shore 4-H Dog Club, and after making a few phone calls, my parents said we could join. So, the next Tuesday, we loaded into the car and headed off to the first business meeting. We were swamped with information about what types of leads and collars we would need, and of course, shortly thereafter, we ran to the pet store and purchased what we thought were the right items. You know how that goes...Well anyway, I anxiously counted the days until our next meeting. Finally, the day arrived, and I slid a blue nylon slip collar over Lassie's head. We arrived at the leader's house and Lassie refused to walk on a leash. I tugged and pulled, but it was all in vain. My little dog wouldn't budge. I was heartbroken.

Here I had waited al this time to show off how wonderful my dog was, and she wouldn't even walk on the leash. The leader kept encouraging me to keep trying, and gradually, week after week, we improved. Next, it was time for our first show, then the second, and now I can't even tell you how many shows I've participated in. I have box after box of ribbons that I've won - participation ribbons, red ribbons, blue ribbons, white ribbons, pink ribbons, even some green and yellow ones. But to me, the ribbons aren't the important thing. I mean, honestly, who took first place in your obedience class at your last show? How 'bout the show before that? I don't remember. I'm not trying to degrade the accomplishments of those who won that ribbon, because certainly, that required a great deal of work and effort, and I applaud them for it. However, to me, dog showing is about learning, and that learning manifests itself ribbons and trophies on occasion but certainly not all the time. I learn so much from the people around me. We have excellent leaders in this program such as Ms. Sally. They can teach you a great many things, but dog showing isn't only about learning to show dogs. There are many life skills to be mastered in this sport as well - such as teamwork, communication, leadership, patience, and certainly responsibility. These are all things which I have learned from my involvement in the dog project. These are traits that will not only benefit you in dog showing but also in life. Who better to teach you these traits than your fellow 4-Hers and the furry friend at the other end of your leash?




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