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.
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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.
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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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