“Good grief, Maverick,” I grumble, but he’s already up, standing on one foot and pinning his number on my sleeve. “I haven’t practiced.”
“You’ve walked in a bazillion dog shows. Just get out there and give ‘em the ole razzle dazzle.”
“I’m not a stripper,” I mutter, shaking my head. “Come on, Spanks, let’s do this.”
Smoothing my hands down my skirt, I move my hair behind my shoulders. It’s true, Spanky’s continental pompoms have grown out beautifully, and I spent last night giving him the perfect trim. Thankfully Ladybird didn’t “help” this time.
He’s flawless as the announcer reads the unexpected change in the lineup, and we start to walk. I brace for the disappointment in the crowd, but instead, I’m happily surprised by all the cheers and air horns.
The noise is a little overwhelming because of the size of the crowd, but my heart rises, and I can’t help a smile surrounded by so much support as we walk the perimeter.
Spanky is undeterred by the noise. He does his very best gait, and we pass the judging table, garnering a few nods, then take our place beside Owen and Ladybird at the end of the row.
The crowd dies down, and the judges confer in the center of the space.
“Good work,” Owen stage-whispers. “You didn’t fall and show your underwear.”
“I’m not wearing any,” I whisper back, and he freezes.
A naughty grin spreads across his lips. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
I shake my head. “It wasn’t for that. I didn’t want VPL.” His nose wrinkles, and I translate. “Visible panty line.”
The announcer calls Maddie’s name as the very special finale, and the crowd is on their feet cheering, whistling, clapping, and making all the noise as Maddie walks out with Peepee.
They’re absolutely adorable. Maddie holds her head high, and Princess Petunia does the same as they walk all around the stadium. If she’s still nervous, I can’t tell at all.
My cheeks hurt from smiling, and my eyes mist with unshed tears. “I’m so proud of her.”
Owen reaches over to cover my hand with his, giving it a squeeze. “Thank you for including her in this.”
“Of course!” I blink up at him. “I could never leave her out.”
She finishes her walk, coming to stand on the other side of me, and the little dog assumes her perfect stack, looking up at the stands like she’s so proud as well.
The judges make their way down the line, observing and occasionally stepping forward to check a dog’s muzzle or feel its shoulders.
Haddy and I decided to award five prizes, first and second place pedigreed, first and second place non-pedigreed, and Best in Show. I’m already doing the math in my head, picking out who should win the awards. Spanky is a shoo-in to win something, even if he is my dog.
I’m just not sure how much sentiment will play into their decisions for the foster dogs, and I don’t know what they might base their decision on when it comes to the show dogs. All of them are first place winners, with Spanky being the only one who’s never had a Best in Show.
The announcer comes on the mic to let us know it’s time for the awards.
“We have a surprise for all you dog lovers out there,” he says. “Since this event is being overseen and certified by American Kennel Club judges, the results will go on the record as official wins for these special dogs.”
My eyebrows rise, and I look up at Owen. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“I think it’s nice.” He shrugs, but something about the way he says it, the look in his eyes makes me suspicious.
“What do you know?” I ask, looking around until I spot Haddy standing with the judges, making a note in the official book.
“It looks like they’re ready to call it,” he dodges, putting his arm around me, and pulling me close to his side.
I frown, looking from him to them and back. “We really should be standing with our dogs.”
“Our dogs are standing with each other.” He nods at the two of them standing side by side.
Maddie walks over to my other side and puts her arm around my waist, resting her head against my side like she’s started doing more and more frequently.
