Even the best of us isn’t immune to occasional negativity. As the Dog Show Mentor, I witness the highest highs and lowest lows among owner handlers, as well as the ups and downs of professional handlers and judges. No matter who we are in the dog show world, we all experience those moments when things don’t go our way.
Recently, I’ve seen how one uplifting moment, captured in a photograph, can bring us back together and remind us why we love this sport in the first place.
Not long ago, I posted a photo on social media taken by the talented Diana Han of Nor Cal Bulldogger Photography. The picture (below) shows a young girl touching her chest and smiling with sheer delight as I point to her for the win. In that instant, the energy, emotion, and excitement radiate from the girl and her dog, an image so contagious it immediately resonated with fellow dog lovers. This one moment, a simple but powerful exchange captured on camera, also led to assumptions that blossomed around it.
This photo went viral in the dog show world. My Facebook page alone generated 23 shares and over 200 comments in a matter of days. Comments ranged from:
“Precious!”
“I was her once. I know it will stick with her.”
“She will never forget!”
“Impressions made. This will last a lifetime.”
“What a priceless memory!”
“Wow—a career-defining moment caught on camera.”
Overwhelmingly, people were moved by the scene. Many assumed it was the girl’s very first big win—her “life-changing” moment. Some even reminisced about their own childhood (or adult) experiences stepping into the ring for the first time. In the face of all the negativity that can swirl around the competitive side of the dog show world, here was a picture of pure, unbridled joy that reminded everyone why we do this in the first place.
Amid all this positivity, though, I noticed a common thread: commenters were making assumptions about the girl’s background and feelings. While it’s beautiful to see so much support, it’s important to acknowledge that these undoubtedly well-meaning assumptions did not match reality. People interpreted her expression as awe, nervousness, or the shock of a first significant victory.
In truth, this young girl (just eight years old) comes from a family deeply involved in agriculture and dog shows. For several years, she has been helping her family show pigs and dogs, and has already gained considerable experience. As a result, she’s not exactly new to the thrill of winning; instead, she’s used to working hard and earning accolades. She is authentically passionate about competition; her family didn’t throw her in the ring to play the “cute kid” card.
When I interviewed her mother, I asked whether all the attention from likes, loves, and shares had overwhelmed her daughter. She responded that her daughter is not just comfortable with the public’s enthusiasm but has grown accustomed to it. She graciously permitted me to write this article and shared the now-famous photo for everyone to see. So, while many assumed this was a heart-stopping first-time ring moment, it turns out that this talented young exhibitor is quite the seasoned competitor!
Moments like the young girl experienced bring to mind the work of Carol Dweck on the power of mindset (and Angela Duckworth’s concept of “grit”). These theories suggest that success comes from the combination of natural talent, a desire to learn, and consistent, determined practice. This young girl clearly has talent, but she also has grit—the kind that forms when you’ve worked at something from a young age and learned to handle both triumph and disappointment.
Even though she’s used to winning, the photo captures that spark of joy experienced when we connect with our passion. Despite tough competition and occasional negativity, it’s the same spark that keeps many of us in the dog show community coming back, weekend after weekend.
As a mediator by training and someone who considers myself quite sensitive to others’ feelings, one of my aims is to spread joy and open-mindedness in the dog show world. Some philosophies I foster in Dog Show Mentor are: Rather than assume, ask. Rather than judge, mentor. Encourage others to discover the “why” behind the smile or the disappointment. This approach can transform the ring into a place of mutual respect and learning, where seasoned professionals and brand-new handlers alike feel seen and supported.
The story behind that viral photo is more complex, and even more inspiring, than the assumptions hinted at. It’s a testament to how quickly dog show enthusiasts rally around a heartwarming moment and how we sometimes project our own histories and hopes onto others.
Ultimately, moments of pure joy—whether a first-time exhibitor thrilled by a surprise win or a young but seasoned handler basking in well-deserved recognition—remind us why we devote so much time and passion to this sport. The authenticity of those emotions isn’t so unlike the recent Westminster win by Monty the Giant Schnauzer, where the exuberant dog and his handler’s heartfelt reaction captured the admiration of exhibitors, spectators, and viewers on TV everywhere. By acknowledging our assumptions, celebrating each other’s progress, and nurturing the next generation of handlers, we can keep that positivity alive and well in the ring. After all, these authentic, uplifting connections truly make the dog show world shine.
