At a recent dog show I was ring side near where the Irish Setters were about to be shown.  There was a gentleman kneeling nearby and he was having a conversation with his dog – almost whispering in the dog’s ear.  He was looking at the dog, petting him, and I overheard him say, “The best you can do is good enough!”  What a wonderful sentiment and it absolutely sums up how I feel about the dogs and handlers in the show ring.  This man would be happy no matter how well the dog performed because he knew that the dog was doing the best that he could.  I love that!  Dog’s just want to please us!  It’s their nature!  I don’t like seeing dog handlers who get upset when their dog doesn’t win a ribbon or when they may do something in the ring that’s not quite right.  I truly believe that the dog is doing the best that he or she can on that given day.  Who knows, they may not be feeling well, are distracted by all of the excitement at the show, may be too hot or too cold.  Who knows the reason, but they are doing the best that they can.  I really believe that.  So for me, it was so touching to see this gentleman telling his dog that whatever the outcome in the ring, it was okay!  He knew that his dog was doing his best to please him!