Placement: RESERVE BEST IN SHOW!!!!

STORY:

Hazel sat at her computer desk, the monitor lighting up everything in the dark room. It was late and Hazel could hear the soft snores of her Australian Shepherd, Cassie. She lay sprawled out on the bed, taking up the whole Queen sized mattress. Scrolling down and flipping through papers, Hazel searched for the information she needed to fill out this registration form. This would be the first show since the accident that happened so many months before. No. She wouldn't go there. Shaking her head, then using her fingers, she wiped away the sleep from her eyes. She was going to do this! Turning over another piece of paper, she found what she had been looking for, and as quietly as she could, typed the information into the Registration Form.

Illinois. They were heading to Illinois. Was there even anything out there? For all Hazel knew, it was in the middle of no where. Parked at a rest stop with an impatient Tanner in his crate, Hazel grunted. She couldn't find anything on this damned map!! Cursing the map and it's hidden streets, and lying road names, she left the van. Clipping Tanner on his lead, Hazel went to find someone, anyone that could tell her where the hell she was.

Finally... barking! Usually barking annoyed Hazel, but the sweet sounds of yipping dogs, and the soft rumple of a hundred voices all talking at once reached Hazel through her open window. Yes, they were finally here! "Welcome to Braemoor Kennels" - the sign had read. Hazel noticed Tanner looking up at her through the bars in his crate from the rear view mirror. He looked relieved. For days he's had to ride in that cramp crate, and for days Hazel was completely hopelessly lost trying to find this place.

Once checked in and her spot at the show grounds picked, Hazel started to unfold her grooming table as Tanner was taking a sniff at a passing Poodle. Sneezing, Tanner shook his head and gazed up at Hazel, as if wondering, why the hell that dog was wearing so much hair spray. The poodle paid Tanner no mind, clearly unaware of Tanner's weary looks. Hazel chuckled and reassured her boy that he wouldn't be wearing any hair spray today. Huffing in agreement, Tanner jumped onto the grooming table as directed and stood like a perfect gentleman while being groomed. Tanner was the calm down of Hazel Patch Kennels; never bothered by the sights and sounds of the Show-life. That's probably what made his one of Hazel's best show dogs. That, and his amazingly good looks. While clipping his ears another dog passed by Hazel's booth. It was Chriz and her Siberian Husky Fang. Hazel stopped a moment to wave at her friend. It was nice to see familiar faces.

Hazel lay a slightly warm towel upon Tanner's back while waiting for the Herding group to be called. This was Tanner's first time showing as a Special. He had done great as an open dog; taking Winners Dog back to back in multiple shows under multiple judges. He hasn't lost yet. Hazel was nervous. Tanner was completely finished as an owner/handler, and Hazel wasn't sure if perhaps hiring a professional handler was the right thing to do or not. Sure, a professional would make Tanner look better than with her, but Hazel loved showing off her dogs herself. It made her proud of herself and of her dogs. Gave them a deeper bond. But as Hazel looked at the tough competition, Hazel secretly wished that perhaps this time she would have hired a professional. 

"Bring In The Herding Group!" 

Taking one last deep breath, Hazel looked at Tanner. He was calm as ever, just standing there; taking everything in with an ease that made Hazel nervous. How could he be so calm? Taking another deep breath, Hazel spoke softly to Tanner, letting him know it was time. Tanner either didn't hear Hazel, or was so confident in his abilities that the words didn't unnerve him. He picked up his easy going gait, and together they flew around the ring until coming to stop in the order they were told to be in. Dog by dog, each was judged, until it was their turn.

Staking him up, Tanner stood square, and looked at Hazel as if she were his one and only meaning in this world. As if the whole universe did revolve around her. His eyes sparkled with joy, and Hazel's sparkling right back with the same loving emotion. No. No professional was needed. Hazel would never hire another. This is what she loved to do. This is what her dogs loved to do. They aimed to please, and if showing was it, they did it, and they loved it. There was no doubt on Tanner's face that he would do this every single day and still not look any different than he did now.

Hazel wanted to cry right then and there, but she had to hold it together. Taking another deep breath, the judge asked Hazel to take Tanner down and back. Petting Tanner under the face, she perked him up and bit, letting him know that he had to work again. Moving away from the judge, Hazel made sure her pace wasn't too fast for Tanner, nor would it be too slow so as to not show Tanner's drive. Turning, Hazel again made her pace perfect for Tanner, her stride matching his. When he extended, Hazel extended. When he was in transition, Hazel was too. They moved together like a duet dressage team. Perfectly together, as one.

Coming to a stop, Hazel stood back as Tanner got himself into his squared free stack. Hazel smiled, and Tanner did so right back, rolling his tongue out the side of his mouth. The judge thanked Hazel and Tanner, and watched as the two made their way back in line to await judgement.