FOR OUR SERVICE MEMBERS

SPC Kelli Johnson & Friend

This morning we got this comment on our “Frequent Flyers” post  and decided to bring it to the top of the page to share with everyone.

Dear Mr. Wheeler,

If it weren't for your site, I would be left almost completely in the dark on the latest happenings in the beloved dog show world due to being deployed to Iraq. I can't thank you enough for your countless show by show posts and correlating pictures to give me the glimpse I would never get of the greats. I count down to the day when I can regain the ability to travel on my own terms to the dog shows of my choice, but until then, every update from you is GREATLY appreciated.

I have enjoyed seeing Amy and Dodger in person before, and I can see they make a beautiful team. I find it almost impossible to picture dog with a true disdain for the show world (and EVERYTHING that comes with it) making it to the top like they have, and all those before them. It is with this that I believe this dog loves what he does and who he does it with.

I wish people wouldn't take so much for granted. Getting to see more than the just the local specimens of the breeds we love is imperative to our sport's future. Not everyone can make it to their respective national every year, and it is with this that they surely look forward to the out of towners making a stop in their backyard. I know I have always loved seeing the "big ones" in life when our local shows arrived every year.

Good luck to all dogs, top and otherwise this year!!

With the utmost gratitude,
SPC Kelli Johnson, US ARMY

Kelli, it is you and your fellow service members that deserve my and all Americans’ gratitude.  My small contribution pales along side the dedication and courage you all show every day.  I am humbled that this blog is bringing a bit of our dog show world to your all too real world.  Now that I am retired it is all too easy to get immersed in our hobby and forget about what’s going on in the world.  I don’t think I have mentioned it here on the blog before, but my last position before I retired was with the Navy Personnel Command where I managed 13 programs for the Navy’s Family Service Centers.  During those five years I saw first hand the talent and selflessness of our Service Members.  So I thank you for your service.  I thank your parents for raising such a child.  When you get back stateside, I hope I meet you at one of our shows, so I can thank you in person.