The drive to the show was a fast one. britzkrieg and I arrived at 10:30, the start of registration, far earlier than I had expected. So there was, as seems typical for skunk shows, a lot of waiting around. It was a much smaller venue than last year’s–not the same place as I had originally thought. And there was also a much smaller turnout.
First up was conformation and friendliness. Hobkin was in a terrible mood. He actually nipped or lunged at all of the judges this year. I was mortified. They couldn’t pick him up at all, which means the judges didn’t spend much time with him and couldn’t really evaluate him. He totally tanked on “Friendliness,” of course, and didn’t place at all in conformity.
Next came Prettiest Tail. I thought Hobkin showed wonderfully in this event. His tail was fluffy, and poofy, and long. But I guess the judges didn’t agree. Or perhaps they were still nursing the wounds he’d given them earlier. He not only didn’t succeed in defending his title from last year, but he didn’t place at all. This was the only event that I was truly disappointed with. I really did think he had the prettiest tail again.
And last of all came the color classes. Hobkin won first place in his color class! A salve to his dismal showing in the previous categories. So he has another pretty, blue ribbon to add to his collection.
There was the obligatory costume contest, with much evil adorableness, but again this year, we opted not to attempt to subject Hobkin to that. But I took a lot of pictures!
I’m a bit flummoxed by how poorly the fuzzwit behaved. He was so sweet and huggy when he was in my arms, but as soon as anyone else touched him, he turned into a snarling demon. I’m concerned that the skunk show might be too stressful for his wee brain. Will have to think about whether we want to show him again next year.
There were adorable skunk noses everywhere. Skunks to see and people to talk to. I had expected to see Hobkin’s godmother, Debbie, and her skunks but they weren’t there. I did get a chance to catch up with puskunk and aljit (and see her short, blue hair!). Aside from my worry about Hobkin, I had fun. britzkrieg was fantastic. I couldn’t have done it without her. She drove, did the majority of the packing and unpacking, and took pictures for me while I held a stressed Hobkin. She also bid at the charity silent auction and won a beautiful, green afghan. And last I checked, she’s still willing to talk to me! britzkrieg, you are a saint and a total sweetheart!
Most of these were taken by britzkrieg:
Hobkin displaying his luxurious tail.
Pretty Ballerina
Black and white skunks are illegal to own as pets in Georgia, so this little guy dressed up as one!
puskunk‘s Little Devil
Geisha Girl
Alijt and her blue hair!
Hobkin all tuckered out. He looks like an angel, doesn’t he? How deceptive appearances can be!
So much cuteness!!!!!!!!!
Thank you! Now if only Hobkin had behaved . . .
Sorry to hear things didn’t go better. But, hey, Hobkin still won best color, and from the pictures I’ve seen he certainly deserves it. You mentioned something that peaked my curiosity. Why are black and white skunks illegal to own?
“Why are black and white skunks illegal to own?“
They’re illegal to have as pets in Georgia so people don’t take wild skunks in as pets. The non-B&Ws are all domestically bred, so officials know they can’t be wild. Although, of course, there are plenty of domesticated B&W skunkies. Georgia law is a bit overzealous on the issue. Not a problem for me, of course, as I adore my chocolate chip lil guy . . .
Nah, you give me way too much credit. As I said yesterday, I wish all helpful deeds were that easy — and that much fun! I’m really glad I went with you. And I’m really glad some of those pictures turned out!
He was so sweet and huggy when he was in my arms, but as soon as anyone else touched him, he turned into a snarling demon. I’m concerned that the skunk show might be too stressful for his wee brain. Will have to think about whether we want to show him again next year.
You have to do what’s best for Hobkin (and for you!), but it would be a pity if you could never show him again. He really does have a gorgeous tail!
I hope you got some rest last night!
All’s I know is that I couldn’t have done it without you, and there aren’t many people who’d be willing to volunteer to skunk wrangle. You’re the BEST.
Congratulations to you and Hobkin on your latest win!!
Thank you!
Wow! Thanks for the pictures. Those are some adorable skunks. I’m sorry that Hobkin decided not to place nicely. The cat show I went to earlier this year made me wonder how Beetsway would behave at such an event. Badly, I think. Or perhaps bloodily would be more apt (as in, other people’s blood). :-z
Do you know if there are any cat shows for regular household “mutts”?
In fact, yes! Any show may potentially offer a pet catagory. Just look up the shows coming to your area in the next year or so and ask. Email them, I mean. Pets are judged, I beleive, very similarly to how Eugie described the skunks–on temperment, personality, health, and general flashyness of appearance.
There should be a category for “fiercest”! Although I can’t imagine there’d be people lining up to judge that . . .
Congratulations on winning best in color. Hobkin is a gorgeous little guy.
Thanks! My baby’s pretty, but bratty. *sigh*
Hobkin
I got to see this mighty fine lil boy!! Of course I also seen him lunging at the judges and felt so bad for his Mommie. He was mighty tired and soon as she picked him up he nestled in her arms and fell soundly asleep (what an angel he is honestly!!). Shh don’t tell his Mommie but that boy is mighty SPOILED. LOL
Maybe Darling Hobkin thinks/knows he is a winner and doesn’t need anyone checking him to see.
Congrats on the winning Hobkin and U do have a beautiful tail!
Aaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwww…..
These fuzzwits are just soooooo cute!!! I want one!!! Congrats on Hobkins being first place in his color.. you two look adorable. I always love pictures of you and Hobkin.