our pets: DOG COMPETITION
Dachshunds —
The Loyal and the Royal
BY ETHAN EVANS
W
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hat comes to mind when
you think of the most-regal
dog on the planet? Probably not a
dachshund, yet Parker County’s Kim
Warder proudly shows hers, Cher, in
dog competitions because, as she
says, “Dachshunds are very sassy,
loyal and royal.”
Warder and Cher’s debut as a
captivating duo began approximately
one year ago. Cher was a gift from
her mother-in-law, Janice Warder.
She was also the reason Kim consid-
ered pursuing showing dogs in the
first place.
Hesitantly, Kim Warder attended
one of the shows her mother-in-law
participated in and decided to give
it a try. Already acquainted with the
breeder, Warder trusted that Cher
would have performing in her blood.
Unfortunately, victory slipped
from Warder’s grasp (just barely) after
her first attempt. Even though she had
minimal experience competing, by
the next show, both Kim and Cher
emerged confident and vibrant as
ever, continuing their performances
and bringing in several ribbons.
“The feeling of pride you gain
is overwhelming once you win your
first competition,” Warder said,
admitting to her very own victory lap
after being told of her resounding
victory. Their first win was a pivotal
moment in their dog-showing career,
and now Warder takes pride in her
performances on stage.
Although Cher is meant for the
show life, her off-stage personality is
quite different in comparison to that
of her on-stage persona, knowing
when she is at a competition and that
she is being shown.
“Cher is the epitome of royalty
and loyalty on stage,” Warder said.
Kim Warder —
Parker County’s Dachshund Diva
But behind the scenes, Cher is
completely different, acting sassy.
“I believe she thinks she is the
alpha of the house,” explained
Warder, knowing Cher has the bad
habit of being a little bit overprotec-
tive of her owners, at times going
as far as to protect Warder and her
husband from the house cleaner.
Cher comes by her sass natu-
rally — she has her own doggie
closet. From time to time, Cher
poses in “doggie photo shoots with
her boyfriend Leo,” Best Of Breed
winner at the Westmister Dog Show.
Cher and Leo are hoping to take their
relationship to the next level, which
hopefully will result in a brand-new
generation of show Dachshund,
continuing Cher’s legacy.
Hopefully, Cher will continue
to live a long and happy life with