The Forgotten Spinone

I’d like to beg your indulgence for a minute or two while I take this time to brag about the “forgotten Spinone”.  This is dedicated to our Niko, our very first Spinone and our loving and guiding spirit.

Our lists, emails and communications are filled with accolades and photos, and justly so, of the wonderful achievements with our Spins in all areas of endeavors…from the show ring, to the hunting fields, to the rings of agility and obedience as well as the incredible oohs and ahhs of beautiful, newly born litters.

But, I’d like to take the time to rave and brag about the seldom mentioned Spinone…the forgotten Spinone.

This is the Spin that will never hear the applause or feel the excitement of the show ring.  He is incredibly beautiful and perfect in our eyes, but doesn’t quite meet the “beauty pageant” ideal, standard or requirement of a judge’s nod of approval for the ribbons and rosettes, the numbers or placements.

This is the Spin that will never be a world class hunter.  He will be given the chances to test his abilities in AKC or NAVHDA venues, but he will only be content and happy chasing butterflies and stopping to smell the roses.  He will hunt and try to honor and acknowledge his Spinone heritage and do what he was bred to do, but only in his time and within his own drum beat and will probably never adhere to the standards of formal tests.  But he will be gladly welcomed to join any upland game hunt.

This is the Spin who will be overjoyed and good natured and listen to his humans’ commands and desires, but never to the degree that will earn him obedience or agility titles.  Nor does he care.  But he will always be at your side; his eyes eager and glistening with the light and desire to please and follow your every move and lead.

This is the Spin that is the epitome of what it means to be a Spinone…the loving companion, the soft-hearted friend and child, the comedian who steals our socks, the gold medal counter surfer, the bed stealer of body and soul and finally, with those human-like eyes, he will tell you of his joy in being with you.  He is untitled and officially unrecognized for his talents except in our hearts where he is loved beyond belief.  He demands and will receive the bestowal of the brightest and shiniest ribbon for his gentle spirit and for who he is.  We recognize you…..Niko and all your untitled “brothers and sisters”