Benson's day out at Discover Dogs for the Scruffts final

Well, what a day we had! I was dragged out of bed at an ungodly hour
to have a brief walk (I would have much preferred a longer rootling
round the rabbit holes) before a long and very boring drive in the
car. Not much for a dog to do, particularly when Mum gets lost, except
look out the window and watch us pass the same coffee shop three
times. And Mum's language and other drivers and lack of roadsigns can
be quite startling for an innocent chap like me!

We finallly arrived at Earls Court just in time for the 2 minutes'
silence which I observed on my best behaviour (well, I needed a sit
down after my swift walk from the car park) then it was off to find a
bench. I'm 12 now and like my comforts so it's not much fun having to
sit on a concrete floor. My friend Bungle was there but he's such a
big chap I have to keep out of his way in case he sits on me. But
whilst we're waiting, there's always people passing by for me to watch
and some of them even come over for a fuss and a photo and a cuddle
which I love - particularly when it's the very small people with their
squeaky voices.

I do love wandering round the stalls, particularly those which have
doggy toys, and chewy things that Mum always says are horrible and
smelly (well, what does she know about the joy's of a pig's ear to a
small chap!). She makes me go round the breed stands which is fine as
I get to meet lots of other dogs but she goes all gooey at the standard
poodle stand and I find her quite embarrassing and sit with my back to
her, ignoring her being unfaithful to me and paying far too much
attention to those dogs with funny haircuts.

Finally we get chance to have some lunch (elk sausage - yummy!) and
rest my paws. There's a lot of noise coming from the ring now and
excited people and dogs barking - very uncivilised behaviour! Then we
get to the really boring bit - queuing to wait for our class. I manage
a little doze whilst I'm waiting - I'm never stressed (except by
firewoks!) and find the whole showing process a bit boring. Finally
it's the Golden Oldie's turn and we head for the ring. I've got my
best bounce and waggy tail on but really I'd find it a lot more
interesting if, instead of prancing round the ring, we just stopped and
talked to all the little people gathered round the edge of the ring -
they look far more interesting than the judge and the man with a very
loud echoey voice (it's a microphone, Ben! - Mum). I lie down patiently
and wait my turn, lying on my back for a tummy tickle (I have no shame
or embarrassment at showing my tummy in public!) until the judge makes
her way to us. Then Mum makes me stand up and wag my tail and look
bright-eyed and excited (I'm very good at that 'cos I know she's got
chicken in her pocket!) and has a little chat, then my turn is over.

Well, it wasn't my lucky day - the judge didn't pick me - and we had
another wander round and then started the long drive home. I was so
tired I fell asleep almost as soon as I got in the car. Now it's back
to a nice warm cushioned floor, my dinner, and a lovely long nap in the
comfort of my own home and dreams of what might had been. Not that I
care - win or lose, my Mum loves me and that's all that matters!