TOAST TO THE FIELD TRIAL MAN & WOMAN
by Diana Boggs
Parts borrowed from a poem ascribed to Teddy Roosevelt in 1910
Considering the kind of Vizsla people we are celebrating,
We don’t think Teddy will mind one single bit.
Photo by sb/Drawing by dlb
It is not the ft gallery or spectator who counts,
Nor the “armed” chair fter who points out flaws of valor,
Or where a hero of deeds could have done better;
The credit belongs to that field trial man/woman who is deep in bird dog aura, bird after bird, dog after dog, year after year.
Whose weathered face is marred by blood, sweat and tears,
Who strives valiantly with audacious courage,
Who errs to come short of blue ribbons & still dreams of adventure,
Who knows keen sporting enthusiasm & devotion of good dogs,
And spends her/himself over again in this breed-improvement cause.
Who knows best the triumph of high achievement,
Who knows the worst from daring of greatness,
Who knows their place shall never be with wearisome souls who know neither the pinnacles of courageous glory or valleys of denied despair;
Who knows a true measure of an Amateur field trial man and woman.
