www.TheNewBarker.com Spring 2018 THE NEW BARKER 35 To quote the author Elsie De Wolfe, “Be pretty if you can, be witty if you must, but be gracious if it kills you.” The owner-handlers are more communicative and enjoy talking about the sport and their dogs. There is a lot of fussing over the dogs, as the competitors wait around in the crowd to enter the ring.You can stand next to them and admire the dogs, but do not even think about touching or petting them. The dogs have been primped to perfection.The junior handlers are among the most fun group of competitors to engage in conversation and watch in the ring.They are also the most gracious to one another after the winner has been announced, openly offer- ing congratulations and encouragement. (Continued on following page.) Afghan Hounds in the ring. Banjo, an Australian Shepherd puppy. Bandit,Australian Terrier. Borzoi in the ring Professional handler Rhonda. Mira, a miniature Bull Terrier. A Sealyham Terrier gets a good luck kiss from his human. We have been covering dog shows across Florida for The New Barker since attending our first one in 2007.The Florida Classic Cluster, now the Florida Gulf Coast Classic Cluster, is held every January in Brooksville.These photos were taken at this year’s show. For the cost of five dollars to park, the public can enter the show, held outdoors at Florida Classic Park, and roam the grounds to watch thousands of dogs compete.It’s a great place to people watch too. Many professional handlers have their game faces on and are focused only on going in the ring. g