Camilla Gray-Nelson, The Dog Talk Diva

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Nature's Wisdom for Today's Woman

INNER BEAUTY: Lessons From An Ugly Dog

Her name was Sophie – a 17 years young, 3 pound, toothless, blind and deaf Chihuahua. Her “disabilities” notwithstanding, Sophie sat proudly on her mother’s lap

My home town of Petaluma, California is home to the much acclaimed World’s Ugliest Dog Contest.  This is the event’s 25th year, so I simply had to attend.

On benches, awaiting their 15 minute of fame on the red carpet, were all the ugly dog contest hopefuls – each  vying for the $1500 prize and a trip to New York City for guest spots on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the Today Show and more.  I was struck by how confident and unashamed these hairless, tongue-drooping, misshapen contestants were as they sat there with their not-so-calm humans.  One contestant in particular caught my eye and got me thinking…

Her name was Sophie – a 17 years young, 3 pound, toothless, blind and deaf Chihuahua.  Her “disabilities” notwithstanding, Sophie sat proudly on her mother’s lap, scarred head held high and sporting an oh-so-stylish pink leather collar and leash ensemble on her hairless, bird-like neck, her collar tastefully accessorized with a rhinestone fob that would make even Coco Chanel drool with envy.  Sophie did not take home the big prize that evening, but she was the winner in my eyes.

Sophie, you are my HERO.  Though the bloom is off your rose, your true beauty blossoms.  Some would call you “old”, but I find you inspiringly unapologetic, confident and strong.  You are living life now, with no regrets for what has been.  Surely you have earned every line and battle scar on your tiny, fearless face.  Without sight, you are seeing the world as you want it to be.  Without hearing, you dance to the sounds of kitty cats and birdsong.  You are the one and only Sophie, and you are ready for your close-up.

May we all, in our own way, be Sophie.  Rrrr-ar!

Picture of Camilla Gray-Nelson

Camilla Gray-Nelson

I was born on a dairy farm in Petaluma, CA, my father an Irish immigrant and my mother the daughter of a local blacksmith-turned-auto-parts-dealer. Most of my friends growing up had four legs, not two. From my earliest days on the farm I learned a great truth: that the secret to getting what you want and influencing others is quiet strength, feedback and follow-through – not yelling, intimidation or conflict. Nature taught me this. My parents proved it. I live it. It has been my personal goal to share Nature’s message of quiet power with women (and men) everywhere to help them become more effective not only with their dogs, but in their greater lives as well.
Picture of Camilla Gray-Nelson

Camilla Gray-Nelson

I was born on a dairy farm in Petaluma, CA, my father an Irish immigrant and my mother the daughter of a local blacksmith-turned-auto-parts-dealer. Most of my friends growing up had four legs, not two. It has been my personal goal to share Nature’s message of quiet power with women (and men) everywhere to help them become more effective not only with their dogs, but in their greater lives as well.

Looking for 5-Star Dog Board and Train?

Check out Dairydell's California Doggie Dude Ranch & Training Center
Petaluma, CA

Looking for 5-Star Dog Board and Train?

Check out Dairydell's California Doggie Dude Ranch & Training Center
Petaluma, CA

2 Responses

  1. Oh Camilla, She’s a Sophie with a bird like neck a darling old dog and tugs at my heart with memories of one Sophie I will never forget <3. Nice article.

  2. Lovely little girl.Suprised she was entered.Did the owner mention where the scars came from?

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