Taking the Stage Again

Trying my hand at the World Dog Show again with our newest Champion, Poppy. 

When we drove to Sweden for the show, there was a weight on our hearts. We felt like we were constantly going and feeling disappointed afterwards, but we were riding a high after Holly's success with her breed survey. Poppy barked in the seat behind us as we pulled into the airport. 
Arriving at the show seemed like it took no time at all, since we were so used to the travel. There were loads of dogs around us as Poppy was put up onto the groomer's table. The good thing about having a short hair dog was that there wasn't much we had to do. We did a quick brush, handled his claws, and then got his lead on. 
The stage was dark, so dark that I had a hard time seeing the audience. But I don't Poppy cared at all. Poppy and I stood still in line, waiting for the judge to call us over to evaluate him.  I held my hand out, keeping his focus forward. 
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After the show, we walked back to our hotel and took a very well deserved rest. Poppy hopped onto the bed next to me, and was snoring in no time. I rubbed his head and smiled as I tried to get some sleep as well.