I did something unusual Saturday. I got up at 6:45 a.m.
I am not an early riser these days. But, I had a specific, promising purpose in mind: To go to Monterey and the Highland County Fair, and take in the dog show. There are not nearly enough dog shows – none, other than Highland, really – around here. And I don’t know why. What could draw in more happy people, accompanied by happy dogs, than a dog show?
I drove up, paid my rather high admission fee, and trudged to the stands. They were packed with adults, kids and dogs, dogs, dogs.
All the dogs were well behaved. There was very little barking – surely not as much barking as I hear from a yard near my house. And all the dogs seemed to get along quite happily. It was a lot like France, really, where dogs are welcome almost anywhere, and are all friendly – or at least not aggressive – with one another. In a French sidewalk café, there are water bowls under the tables for the dogs, and waiters bring them little treats and scraps. It is an ideal world.
The dogs ranged from the biggest I’ve ever seen – a mastiff – to a tiny, perfectly mannered Yorkshire terrier. And what must be the world’s cutest corgi puppy.
The people were very friendly, too. I met quite a few that I would like to run into again. All one had to do to strike up a conversation, was to ask about their dog. I was licked, and kissed and rubbed against by a host of dogs, and I loved it.
I walked through an exhibit hall, where reams of art – paintings by kids and adults, photographs – were displayed, along with hand-sewn items, sad taxidermy animals, canned tomatoes and green beans, and lush flowers. Why did I do that? Well, I wanted to see – plus, the “real” bathrooms are inside the school. I am not, nor have ever been, a portable potty person. I’d rather get in my car and find the nearest store or gas station. (The most sad and awkward portable potty situation I ever observed was at the Apple Blossom Festival, where a princess in a huge, frilly pink evening dress, twice as wide as the door, was attempting to get inside one. I really felt for her. I hoped she’d make it.)
I did not eat any fair food – no barbecue, no hot dogs, no funnel cakes. The only reason was, I knew the great food was just down Route 220, a couple of miles south of town. In case you’ve never stopped, know this: The Jackson River Deli has what I feel are the world’s best ham and Colby cheese sandwiches, on fresh homemade bread. The deli is run by an Amish family, and they make everything from scratch. These ham sandwiches are huge, and so yummy that, even if you can barely eat all of one, you wish you’d gotten another to save for later.
Dogs, and a delicious sandwich – combine all this with one of the most peaceful, bucolic drives around, and you’ve got a great day. Plus, you’re home in time for a much-needed nap. You’ve gotta love it!
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