Around Dutchland, September, 1995 by Penny Pyrbred The social event of the summer was, as usual, the Penn-Dutch Pyrenean Fun Day. Even without an official competition, the people managed to spend so much time on trivialities that they never got to the important stuff, i.e., the canine games. Even so, people and Pyrs had a lot of fun, and the people seemed to learn a lot of silly stuff about obedience and conformation showing. Nancy Coombs even managed to get obedience guru, Jane Gill, into the conformation ring! Of much more practical use, Dave Simon again dispensed beauty tips to all people and Pyrs who sought his expertise (I believe the beauty tips all pertained to Pyrs). Penny will let him do her hair and nails any time! It's just the thing to get you ready for that big night out on the town. Following a tasty lunch, much of which ended up in the Pyrs, Karl Edinger and his therapy dog, Lilley, discussed the role of the therapy dog. Penny thinks it is really generous of our people to want to share us with those less fortunate who are not only sick or impaired, but also Pyrless. Check out the article in this issue by Kathy Gress about Brutus' therapy work. This is the type of social interaction we Pyrs really enjoy! Penny is pleased to see so many Penn-Dutch people and Pyrs contributing to this newsletter (although she would like to get more mail for the "Dear Penny" column). Beth Ellis' movie review column in the last issue was great, and got Penny thinking that it might be fun to have a public affairs column with various Pyrs contributing. When this idea was suggested to Clondike Kintsfather, the response was not encouraging. In regard to a question about the French nuclear testing controversy, Clondike's response was that the French government is wasting its time harassing pesky Greenpeace protesters when UPS delivery people are free to roam the world unimpeded. Give Clondike a Mirage fighter and she is willing to rectify this problem. Hmmm! The world may not be ready for this type of column. Lots of Penn-Dutch Pyrs have been winning in conformation (let's get those brags and boasts in, people), and there are probably many other events Penny should comment on, however it is a beautiful fall day and a handsome gentlePyr is due any minute to take Penny walking. Let's get together at the fall Walk in the Woods and winter holiday party and plan for win number 6 at the January Canine Learning Experience. See you soon. (NOTE: Please use your browser's "BACK" button to return to the Around Dutchland page.)