Shih Tzu

Buttons and bows and a bit of perfume transform our little Gigi into a storybook princess for our daughter and her friends. She sits upon her pillow throne, doted upon by a host of little ladies in waiting. They style her hair and paint her nails, until from head to tail she is a work of art. She tolerates their loving ministrations because she's accustomed to much the same when we show her. We groom and preen her too, and she basks in the attention. She walks into the ring with an air about her that seems to say "I'm here -- and I know you're delighted!".

Head straight and nose up, she has winning another ribbon on her mind. Gigi won't be denied most nights. She doesn't appear to hope for success; her confidence makes that unnecessary. She is the best, pure and simple.

She thinks she hears the crowd chant her name; GiGi, GiGi. So, as any star would, she promises to deliver a top-notch performance. As she runs the ring beside her handler the Judge looks at all the contestants the same as he does her, but she knows that he has to do that, just to be fair. This is GiGi's night and first place will be hers, can there be any doubts? Not from her!

It appears that a Scottish Terrier will once again be her biggest rival; he has the temerity to challenge for the blue ribbon. GiGi seems to be unfazed by his obvious display of arrogance. It matters not that the Judge's eyes are toward the Scottie for what seems like eternity. He probably has already chosen her but must not let on just yet.

And the winner is......