Coarse hands ran over his body like so much meat. They parted his lips and examined his teeth. The judge was so close that Roland could smell the TicTac’s in the man’s mouth. The second judge consulted with him regarding his own findings in hushed tones that were indiscernible over the din of the crowd. The man’s probing hands fondled the inside of the pup’s legs, freshly shaven that morning during the hours of grooming and preparation for the Show. He tugged at the tailplug nestled within the youth’s innards, causing a momentary flinch on Roland’s otherwise determined face.
If his friends could see him now, he thought with a combination of pride and embarrassment, as though such a mix were possible. His hair glossy and perfumed, his skin smooth and oiled. His Owner had even contemplated painting his nails for the event. Pink, no less. Whatever He wanted, of course, but Roland was happy that He had decided against it.
Roland remembered his training and stood perfectly still, his eyes frozen on the suited form of his Owner standing in front of him, his leash held firmly in His hand. They had practiced this scene countless times over the previous weeks: Roland perched precariously on the table placed up against the apartment’s window which overlooked the bustling main street below. All the while his Owner did His best to distract him from his task. Whatever the people there on the street thought would pale in comparison to the judges’ observations at the Show and Roland wanted that award for his Master’s mantle.
And so he stood firm, body taunt and flexed, mind focused on the man in front of him and the reward that would follow a good performance. The thought excited him and had had to fight the urge to smile and wag his tail. There were still a half-dozen other events before the awards ceremony and a dozen other competitors he had to out-shine.
***
Two pics in two weeks. Not too shabby.
No idea what the official name of the dog show is. It does need something posh. I do love an excuse to draw puppies. We’ll probably revisit the show again in the future just because it combines suits and puppy play. 
Special thanks to Roland for ideas, poses, and participation in this project. It is always nice to have a muse on hand to keep me duly inspired.
