Activity Level Proof

Background:  In one of the Malinois Yahoo groups [malinois4fun@yahoogroups.com], the question was posed concerning the activity level of Malinois and when do they “slow down”.  This is evidence that some really do not – and how wonderful that can be to see.

I met Miss Abby a few years ago at a American Belgian Malinois Club National Specialty.  She was entered in the Veteran’s Class [conformation] with her owner Donna.

Veteran’s Class is our opportunity to celebrate those dogs who have come, done, and are now “retired” but still make the scene to show others they still have it and what it meant to “have it”.

Sometimes, the vets are *patient* canines and take their time to make it around the ring.  Applause is spontaneous as we envision our younger dogs’ futures in the dogs being celebrated in front of us. It was a warm day so all the Belgian Malinois were feeling great. Everyone was feeling very appreciative.  Its like watching an All-Star sporting event in which they bring out the legends from the past. If you know your history, its wonderful to see these dogs again. If you don’t know the dogs, your heart still goes out to them as they make their jaunt.

And then came ABBBBBBY!!!  She bounded, she pranced, and she strutted her stuff. We went from feeling congratulatory and maybe a bit sympathetic to the “old girls and boys” to being overjoyed at the sight of Miss Abby!  Applause turned into smiles and then to laughs. It was inspirational to see Abby tell the world that she wasn’t *really* a veteran and that this was her show – just TRY to take it from her!  The photos are fairly tame compared to what happened – but when you are laughing and clapping, its hard to take pictures at the same time