05/10/2025
Smoky Mountain Equine Fest
✨Dog show addition ✨
While this little dog show is just for fun, I’ve been able to see these dogs every year and some grow from puppies into adults!
I’ve truly loved being apart of this every year, but this year, was extra special!
Meet Neyland, the Dutch Shepherd and his handler (unfortunately I didn’t get her name)
Neyland is a senior and a very best good boy! I chose him for best in show this year.. and I had no clue.. what was about to happen when they approached me so I could present them with their ribbon and winnings..
Neylands handler, who was the sweetest soul, burst into tears and wrapped her arms around me…
She said “I want you to know that he’s sick, he won’t be with us much longer, you have made our day, thank you, this means so much to us”
While I won’t go into detail for privacy, this shook me to my core.. we cried together and laughed together.. as she told me about his situation.. she was also talking about his sweet but serious personality.. which I quickly gathered by his “hey lady, this paparazzi is cool and all and I really appreciate the head scratches… but that bone you have… yeah… can I have that?!” attitude!
A respectable boy, who carried himself like “I’ve been around the block a time or two” ….. almost as if this ole dog could teach you something.. an “aged like a fine bourbon” 🥃 type of dog. That dog you just look at and immediately respect for who they are!
Neyland and his handler have quite the bond, their presence and story taught me something I will hold onto forever..
Thank you both for stepping into my life for just a moment, though our interaction was short, I will carry the memory and feeling forever.
Congratulations Neyland, you truly are, Best In Show 🧡