In the eyes of the judge.

Show Days 02 Written by Lincoln Pedersen
 
I have been going to the shows now for 6 years and enjoy every one. However, this show would have to take the cake. With a fantastic turn out - with plenty of squishy Rattos and gorgeous Meeces to share and cuddle. We’ve had an amazing level of participation in not only the exhibitors but also those learning new roles, such as; learning how to judge in all categories and learning how to Steward. The club looks as though its on an up and up with new faces coming in, even having a new person come in to learn how to judge.

Being the pet judge, I don’t get to see much, but despite my lack of visual attentiveness I can hear a lot of things around me, from laughter and chatter, to when my ears burn when I hear my name being said (all good things I hope). The atmosphere seems lighter and especially after I finish judging 77 pet rats and my job is done.

It’s half way though the show and lunch time is called. Having not quite judged to me desired half way mark, I start to go into panic mode and decide to take a quick break for lunch and continue judging in 15 minutes. However, that wasn’t the case. I got busy talking like usual and must be reminded that I’m still judging, oops. I take the journey back to my seat getting distracted a further 5 times before actually sitting down and starting again, socialising over until the end now.

With less than 3 hours on the clock I start to panic as I have about 55 pet rats to judge so I concentrate whilst being accurate with my decisions.  Time goes by fast and before I know it I’m down to my last 12 pets now. Its all or nothing at this point. I start to get excited as the near draws closer. Then… I’M DONE!!! Pens down, answers in and Bobs your uncle I’m finished for the day.

Which brings me to my favourite event. The awards! What a grandiose display! A fantastic spread of rosettes, bedding, breeder’s rodent food, rodent pet food and rodent hammocks and shampoos and mystery prizes for Bests in show and reserves in show! Covering two tables and beautifully spread out with the club’s new banner to the side for the personally dreaded photo shoots.
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Highlights of the day – Taking a big sigh of relief and being about to enjoy the rest of the day. Being able to present the awards to those I’ve judged and awarded. Seeing all different expressions when someone’s won an award for a class they thought they do terribly bad in – tots me lol. All these things almost make it worthwhile… almost… it’s the amazing company that makes it all worthwhile. The awesome conversations and the spontaneous laughter and making the occasional new friend along the way. These are the thing I love, and these are the moments I cherish. Well that’s all from me and I look forward to the next show.
 
Cheerio.