Now I've seen everything!

The prize is 57 million! Quick.... buy a camel and go enter it in the pageant.

Oh my goodness. LOL

At first I laughed. But then I started thinking about all the things done to animals in order to win a prize at some shows. I'm not talking about 4H where they groom and primp and feed and clean, that to me is wholesome effort and the animal probably enjoys the attention.

But medicating and injecting and all of that, it just doesn't seem like it would be much fun for the critter.

It certainly would be interesting to go to a camel beauty pageant though.

Yeah, I don't like it at all. I could say more, but that pretty much sums up my opinion.

That is just sad.

I heard that on the radio this morning. SMH!

It would not surprise me if it's also used on dogs who need some "softening" around their eyes, or their cheeks. It's astounding the things exhibitors (usually professional handlers) will do to dogs for the show ring.

About 14 years ago, my husband and I went to Crufts in the UK - biggest dog show in the world - makes Westminster look small. In the UK, the Kennel Club is very strict about using product in coats to make it look what nature did not, and go around taking samples of the coat and having scientists examine it for product and dye. They also look carefully for any sign of tattooing on the nose - gets rid of that pink spot that never filled in properly, but totally illegal. And they do not allow tail docking for all dogs, with the exception of Spaniels, Terriers, and Hunt, Point and Retrieve breeds that are used for work - vet must certify that the dog is used for various specific types of work (including shooting). No ear cropping is allowed either.

It was quite interesting to see boxers and other dogs who typically have cropped, neatly pointed ears, with little floppy ears - changes their entire look. And then there were the poodles of various sizes; very surprising to see them with floppy topknots and coats that are not quite so fluffy as we see in the US, where they are the best examples of the "hairdresser's art" at a dog show.

I wish the AKC were as strict as the Kennel Club - better for the dogs and a judge can also see what the dog actually looks like - how close is it to the Breed Standard.

I wonder how much artifice, surgery, filling, padding and botox there is for human beauty contestants? At least they have choice in the matter, unlike a camel.

Oh, Lucille, there is LOTS! Just look at all those "grapefruit boobs" in the swim suit competition.

That's insane! I have never used botox, but wouldn't be opposed. Although I don't think I need it now, but I probably do. I hear young women are using it to prevent wrinkles. I never even gave it a thought that it would be used on animals. Guess I'm naive.

*sigh*