Sometimes when I least expect it, I get a much needed, fresh dose of motivation or enthusiasm. Such was the case; on the fall circuit this year in Oklahoma. Although I did not get to attend every show, the ringside experiences I share with you will last me through the long winter months ahead. I know I missed many moments like those I will relate. I hope there were others there who found themselves feeling that same things I felt. I feel sorry for myself for the ones I missed.

My first rewarding experience was watching a dear friend, a mentor; work his way through a ring of beautiful puppies as he judged our club's sweepstakes on October 31st. Bart Rowe was having the time of his life. Bart and his wife, Jean, own Cross Bars boxers, and long ago they shared their experience, advice and dogs with me. They took over the reins from Opal Adcock of Seedskidee Boxers in Colorado after our move to Oklahoma. My mentors encouraged me with their approval as I kept taking those first steps to accomplishing my dreams. Without Opal's early guidance and the Rowe's willingness to counsel me, I doubt very seriously if I would have ended up going the right direction or persevered these many years.

Another exciting reward came as I sat ringside on November 3rd. There I watched as owner/breeder, Debbie Schmidt, finished her first homebred champion, Chip Off The Rock Schmidt. Debbie's mentor is Stephanie Jenks. Watching Debbie's face as her new champion came out of the ring again brought that exhilaration of that once in a lifetime thrill home to roost to this ringside spectator. Although I am thoroughly delighted when my dogs finish, no feeling has yet to liken with that "first time." In that respect, I always envy the novice. Seeing a novice at ringside from time to time stepping into the spotlight is a wonderful way to help us all relive those feelings of long ago.

During the Tulsa side of the circuit, my ringside treats were not yet completed. Not only did I get to see the conclusion of a breeder's first aspiration, I was privileged to visit with some wonderful people just starting out on their trip to the winners circle. I met Malena Smither, her brother David and his wife, Janet, who had brought their first Boxer hopeful to the shows. Besides meeting these wonderful people, the fact that their puppy, Jasmine is a result of some of my own breeding was a special bonus. Still, I would have cultivated their enthusiasm regardless of the puppy's background. Taking them to heart was natural and right and the experience left me with another "high." These novices' spirits were contagious; and I couldn't help but join in their eagerness.

At the Boomer Boxer Club Specialty in Oklahoma City on November 6, 1996 the excitement continued. There Jaron Hallaba provided more delight as her puppy, Casmir's Lasting Impression, not only won GRAND SWEEPSTAKES puppy under Kim Pastella, he went on to WINNERS DOG under the appreciative eye of DiAnn Ligon. This is Jaron's first boxer and her mentor, Tammy Hiemstra, should be proud of providing a novice with such a great puppy for a great start. Not only is this Jaron's first show dog, it is also her first Boxer!

On Sunday, November 10th, I made the drive back to Oklahoma City to watch one of my grandpups, Sarkel's Promise Lucky Deal compete in the obedience ring. Grandma was there to offer support to Lucky and his owners, Billie Jean and Rozetta. Although he did not qualify, it was still a pleasure to see him competing in the ring. I was also encouraged at the number of boxers who were also competing that day in obedience competition (7 in all). Laura Morris, Korinne Vanderpool, Elvina Hildenbrand, Karen Emerson and Tracy Hendrickson all had obedience entries. Supplied with dedication and patience, they know their boxers can do well in the obedience ring -- they also have a good time! Only another boxer owner can truly appreciate the humor that "good time" provides. I leave their antics to your own imaginations.

You all see people like, Debbie, Jaron and Malena and her family at the conformation and obedience rings. They are there at just about every show. People with a brand new puppy, a first show prospect or a new obedience dog, all with brand new dreams. Their faces are eager; their hopes are high. Next time you see them, take a few minutes away from your own involvements, put your competitive nature aside, let them know you were watching and you really share in their aspirations.

Like Opal, Bart and Jean, I hope my years in the breed have enabled me to join the ranks of the old guard, the mentors of our breed. I trust I am worthy of this position. I fully intend to continue to take these tenderfoots under my wing as long as they need or want my help. It is all our responsibility to see to it that the novices' journey through the maze of the boxer world is a productive one. The better they do the better the Boxer becomes. Remember too, our mentoring is needed in all aspects of our breed, not just the conformation ring. If our young hopefuls choose another path in the obedience ring, working with therapy dogs, search and rescue, or whatever, our job as a mentor is just as important. Like myself those many years ago, they will appreciate our advice, years of experience and sometimes just our support. We must also appreciate them; they are an important life line for our breed. As I've stated many times before, I don't know all the answers, there is still much to learn. It's sometimes good fun to grow in new knowledge together. Watching them and guiding them to choose the best road possible to achieve their goals and seeing their boxer become their dream come true is an added and marvelous treat.

None of us will live forever (as much as we all might like to give it a try) and until my own self-imposed responsibility is fulfilled, I always sleep a lot better at night knowing I did my best to help. Like Opal, Bart and Jean, I will try not to be stingy with my knowledge, my patience or my willingness to augment my own learning experiences. Our commitment to the beginner is well rewarded; seeing their first champion, there first puppy, their first obedience leg or their first litter are our finest tributes. I may not come away from every show with any tangible award to put on the mantle at home, but the unexpected rewards I collect, the friendships I share with those who cross my path are priceless. Someday, if I am lucky and do my job right, someone will remember me with the same kind of endearment I feel for my own mentors.