Category: Behind the Grain

Sometimes life takes away exactly what you thought you wanted and gives you exactly what you actually needed. That’s the story of Smudge’s journey from show prospect to perfect companion—a transformation that happened not despite 2020’s chaos, but because of it.

The Show Career That Never Was

When Smudge arrived in February 2020, I had plans. Big plans. Here was this beautiful whippet with perfect “BOO” markings, substantial build, and classic breed characteristics. I was ready to dive back into the dog show world after being away for way too long. I had my show prospect, I had my enthusiasm, and I had my timeline.

Then March happened. And April. And suddenly, dog shows weren’t happening, travel wasn’t happening, and the whole world had pressed pause on normal life.

For a while, I held onto those original plans. Surely things would get back to normal soon. Surely there would be opportunities. Surely the show career was just delayed, not derailed. But as weeks turned into months, and months stretched toward a year, something interesting began to happen.

I stopped missing the shows I wasn’t attending and started appreciating the dog I was living with every single day.

The Gift of Uninterrupted Bonding

What 2020 stole in opportunities, it gave back in time. Pure, uninterrupted, focused time with Smudge during those crucial first months when he was still figuring out who he was going to become. Instead of weekends spent traveling to shows, we spent them just being together. Instead of training for the ring, we trained for life. Rex was still working at the VA so it tended to be just me & Smudge.

During the last three years of my migraine journey, when the world felt overwhelming and uncertain, Smudge became my anchor. Not because he was trained to be, but because that’s simply who he is. While I was dealing with health challenges and the stress of everything happening in the world, he was learning to read my energy, to be present when I needed steadiness, to remind me about physical limitations in his gentle, non-pushy way.

The dog who was supposed to be performing for judges became the dog who was perfectly attuned to just one person—me. And honestly, that feels like the better deal for both of us.

From Prospect to Papa

Life had more surprises in store. In early 2023, Smudge briefly took on a new role when Fuega had her unexpected litter. Our gentle giant became a father, though true to his personality, he approached parenthood with the same calm dignity he brings to everything else (except storms or me leaving the house).

While Fuega handled the hands-on puppy care with her typical intensity and strategic thinking, Smudge provided what he’s always provided—steady, reassuring presence. He wasn’t a hovering father or an overly involved one. He was just there, solid and dependable, letting Fuega do her thing while making sure his family felt safe.

When the puppies left for their forever homes this past March, Smudge handled the transition exactly as you’d expect. No drama, no obvious pining, just acceptance and a gentle return to the rhythm of our daily life.

The Trip That Proved Our Bond

That same March, Smudge made his only trip away from me since arriving in 2020—a journey back north to be neutered. After Fuega’s surprise motherhood, we decided it was time to make sure there wouldn’t be any more unplanned litters, giving her the chance to grow up without the responsibility of raising puppies.

It was a necessary trip, but saying goodbye—even temporarily—was harder than I expected. This dog who had become such a constant, reassuring presence in my life was suddenly not there, and the house felt different without his substantial, calming energy.

When he came back, the reunion was everything you’d hope for from a dog who’d spent four years becoming perfectly attuned to his person. Not dramatic or over-the-top—that’s not Smudge’s style—but warm, solid, and completely right.

Almost Six and Perfectly Himself

As I write this, Smudge is approaching his sixth birthday—that same October 20th that started our whole story. His muzzle is greying more noticeably now, and that distinguished one-sided mustache is almost completely faded. The changes are subtle but real, reminders that our time together isn’t infinite.

But age has only refined what was already perfect about him. He’s still my mental health anchor, still my physical limitation reminder, still my one and only good boy who helps keep my world stable when everything else feels uncertain. If anything, maturity has made him even better at reading what I need and providing exactly that.

The bodybuilder build is still there, though we’re managing some post-neutering weight concerns. The “BOO” markings are still clear, still perfectly Halloween-themed for his October birthday. The calm presence that fills whatever room he’s in hasn’t diminished at all.

What We Found Instead of What We Lost

Looking back, losing that show career wasn’t really a loss at all. It was a redirection toward something more valuable—a bond built on daily life rather than weekend performances, a relationship based on mutual support rather than competition goals.

Smudge never became the show dog I originally envisioned. Instead, he became something better: the perfect companion for the life I actually have. He helps me navigate my health challenges with patience and understanding. He reminds me to slow down when I need to, simply by being his calm, steady self. He provides the kind of uncomplicated devotion that makes even difficult days feel manageable.

The timing that once seemed so wrong—arriving just as the world shut down—now feels prophetic. I got exactly the dog I needed exactly when I needed him, even though it wasn’t the dog I thought I wanted.

Still My Birthday Present

Six years later, Smudge remains the best birthday present I’ve ever received, even if it was four months late and came wrapped in winter weather delays and global pandemic chaos. He’s proof that sometimes the universe knows what it’s doing, even when we can’t see the plan.

From show prospect to gentle giant, from father figure to devoted companion, from delayed birthday puppy to steady presence in uncertain times—Smudge has been exactly what each moment required. As he heads toward his golden years, I can’t imagine a better companion for whatever comes next.

That’s our Smudge—substantial in build, gentle in spirit, and perfect in timing. Sometimes the best gifts come disguised as disappointments, and sometimes the dog you never expected becomes exactly the dog you always needed. Fuega is coming up NEXT!

Whether you came for the woodworking stories or stayed for the whippet tales, thank you for being part of our Sarkanys Rising family. Every story we share, every piece we create, is better because you’re here to share it with us.