The Greenfield Center, where the dog show was being held, was a big new building at the edge of town. As the Aldens approached it the next day, they could see cars and trucks and vans arriving, and people hurrying in and out. The sign out front read WELCOME TO THE FIRST ANNUAL GREENFIELD DOG SHOW.
“We’ve never been here before,” said Henry.
“It’s big,” said Violet. “And there are so many people!”
“And dogs,” said Benny.
They threaded their way among all the people and dogs and finally reached the back door.
“Look,” said Violet, pointing. A sign by the door said REGISTRATION THIS WAY.
A moment later, Henry, who was the tallest, spotted Caryn. “There she is!” he said. He waved and Caryn waved back. She headed toward them, with Sunny walking sedately beside her.
“Hi Sunny!” said Benny happily. Sunny’s tail waved gently to and fro.
“Sunny sure is calm around all these people,” said Violet. Violet was shy, and being around a lot of people made her nervous.
Caryn smiled. “She’s used to it. I’ve got her all signed in, but I’d like to walk around a little to get my bearings. Why don’t you join me?”
“Okay,” agreed Henry.
Together they all walked out to the main arena. It was bigger than a basketball court, with rows and rows of seats all around it. But velvet ropes had been strung across it, dividing it into sections.
“Each section is called a ring,” Caryn explained. “That means that several different breeds of dogs will be shown at the same time in different rings of the arena. There will be a judge assigned to each ring.”
“How do you know when it’s your turn? And what ring to go in?” asked Jessie.
“The rings have numbers above them, see?” Caryn gestured. “And the time and ring number is listed in the program for the dog-show owners and handlers and the audience, and for the judges, too.”
“It’s a lot of work!” exclaimed Benny.
“That’s true, Benny. But it’s a lot of fun as well,” Caryn said. She led them out of the arena.
Suddenly, a man and woman pushed past them, walking a beautiful white dog with black spots. The couple seemed to be dressed to match their dog — the man had on a black-and-white polka-dotted tie and the woman had on a black-and-white spotted dress.
The woman’s face was red. “Why do we have to keep showing Zonker?” she demanded, grabbing the man’s sleeve. “Tell me that! He’s a champion now. Why not let him retire and have a little fun?”
“Because Zonker likes being a show dog,” the man said angrily. “That’s what he’s bred and trained to do.”
“You like it. That doesn’t mean Zonker likes it!” the woman shouted angrily. “I’m tired of this whole dog-show business. For once I’d like to spend a few quiet weeks at home, instead of traveling around trying to win blue ribbons!”
“And you’d do anything to get what you want, wouldn’t you!” the man shouted back, his own face growing red. “I think you’d actually sabotage a champion dalmation like Zonker — ”
Just then, the two people seemed to realize that others could hear their quarrel. They glanced over at Caryn and the Aldens. Then the woman hissed, “Shhh!” Without another word, the polka-dotted couple hurried out of sight with their dog.
“Maybe it’s not so much fun for some people,” said Benny.
Caryn sighed. “Maybe not, Benny.”
They kept walking past a double door with a sign above it that said BENCHING AREA.
“What is a benching area?” asked Jessie.
“Come on, I’ll show you,” said Caryn. They pushed through the doors and saw long, wide, low benches. The benches were divided into sections and above each section was a sign.
“The signs are the names of the breeds of dogs,” explained Caryn. “During the show, on the day your dog is being shown, you have to keep him or her in a special kennel in the section with other dogs of the same breed. Except when you’re in the show ring, or exercising your dog, of course.”
“Why?” asked Henry.
“Well, it’s a good way for all the people showing dogs to get to know each other better, I guess. And visitors to the show can come and see the dogs up close, and ask questions. If you’re interested in a particular breed of dog, like a golden retriever, it’s a good way to find out more about it.”
“There’s the sign for the golden retrievers,” said Violet.
“Oh, good. Now Sunny and I will know just where to go. Thank you, Violet,” said Caryn.
“Oh no, oh no!” A small, round woman with big brown eyes was standing at a benching area nearby, wringing her hands.
Caryn looked up. “Mrs. DeCicco, what’s wrong?”
“It’s Ruth Chin,” said Mrs. DeCicco. “You know, my assistant. She’s usually so reliable. But she hasn’t shown up yet. She was supposed to meet me here.”
“I’m sure she’ll be here at any moment,” said Caryn soothingly. “Mrs. DeCicco, I’d like you to meet some friends of mine.” Caryn introduced the Aldens to Mrs. DeCicco.
“What kind of dogs do you show?” asked Jessie.
“Beagles,” said Mrs. DeCicco.
“Her beagles are famous,” said Caryn.
Mrs. DeCicco smiled a little, but she was still obviously very worried.
Violet said, “Um, Mrs. DeCicco?”
“Yes, dear, what is it?” asked Mrs. DeCicco, looking nervously around.
“Maybe we could help,” said Violet.
Abruptly, Mrs. DeCicco looked back at Violet. “What?”
“Yes,” said Henry. He put his hand on Violet’s shoulder. “What do you need done? We could help until your assistant gets here.”
“What a nice thought, dear, but … well … well, maybe you could, at that!” She studied the children thoughtfully for a moment, then repeated, “Maybe you could.”
“They’re very good with Sunny,” Caryn put in.
Mrs. DeCicco nodded. “Very well, then. I’m staying at the Lamplighter Inn, just down the road, where most of the show people are staying. If you could come this afternoon and help me exercise my dogs, I would appreciate it.”
“We’d be glad to,” said Jessie.
“Lovely, lovely. Then I’ll just leave a message for Ruth at the information desk, in case she shows up, and I’ll meet you at the inn this afternoon at four o’clock.”
“At four o’clock,” repeated Henry carefully.
“Wow,” said Benny. “We have a job at the dog show.”
Caryn smiled at Benny. “You sure do. I think you’ll enjoy it. Meanwhile, I think it’s time for lunch for all of us.”
“I like lunch,” said Benny.
“Me, too, Benny,” laughed Caryn. “Me, too.”
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