Paula Cox's passion for the papillon dog breed has spanned two decades.
In 2002, she acquired her first show dog, setting off a journey that led to numerous champions and even a Best in Show winner.
The discovery of her now-favorite breed, known for its butterfly ears, intelligence, and agility, was serendipitous. Cox's daughter, studying at the University of Arkansas, wanted a papillon puppy. However, she had to complete her lease before moving to a dog-friendly place.
"She found a puppy and I had to keep him for four months and I fell in love with him, and I bought a papillon. He couldn't have been more opposite of her dog," Cox said laughing. "He was not your ideal papillon by any means."
Despite the contrasting temperament, her love for the spunky breed endured. Inspired by her interest in local dog shows and televised events like the Westminster Dog Show, Cox decided to delve into showmanship.
"I thought that looks like a lot of fun, and I thought I would like to do that," she said. "I started researching breeders and I tried to find a breeder who would sell me a show dog. The breeders are protective of their show dogs and were not eager to turn over one of their show dogs to me who had no experience."
After persistence, Cox obtained a female papillon named Paris. Not only did she get one championship dog, but Paris went on to win seven titles.
"I've never regretted buying her. She was a great dog. She lived with me until she was 17," she said.
Cox, a retired home economics teacher from Texas High who retired in May 2011 after 25 plus years of teaching, taught chemistry in Pine Bluff. Cox, a native of the Springhill area outside Hope, said there were more similarities between home economics and chemistry than one might think.
And of course, there is a science to dog breeding, and dog shows, she explained. And there are standards to which every breed is held.
"Every American Kennel Club approved breed has what is called a breed standard and that is sort of the written blueprint of each breed." It's a description of a perfect dog that doesn't exist, Cox explained with a chuckle.
"But when the judges are judging the dog, they are judging it against that standard. It's like where is its shoulder placement, what is the length of the neck, how the tail is set, to what degree are the ears set on the skull, the length of the coat, the texture of the coat, it is very, very detailed."
The complexity of dog show judging might confuse viewers, she noted.
"If you have ever watched a dog show, it is the best in show of the seven different breeds," she said. "You might say, well that standard poodle is really pretty, how did that bulldog beat that standard poodle? But the bulldog was closer to the standard for its breed so that is what the judge is looking for."
There are seven groups of dogs included in the more than 175 AKC breeds. Cox said her dog Dylan, who is a Grand Champion, is AKC registered as Namaste Another Roadside Attraction. He was the number 2 papillon in 2007.
Her dog, Peyton, another Grand Champion, the number one papillon in 2011 and 2012, has the AKC registered name of Copella's Rising Attraction. Flash, another Grand Companion, is currently the number one AKC papillon. His AKC registered name is Copella La Ren Irresistible Spark.
"AKC registered names cannot be repeated," Cox said. "These names are all on the dogs' records."
While Cox has had her share of winning dogs, she acknowledges there have been moments in the competition ring she has had to shrug off.
"Don't ask me to embarrass myself," Cox said with a nervous laugh. "Well, I mean I've made my mistakes, that's for sure. The first time I was going to show a dog that I would end up winning best of show with (later), I was chatting with someone. I didn't hear the announcer and I drove all the way from Abilene. They just went on with the show."
But the moment was bittersweet, Cox said.
"The lady I was talking to is my now best friend and of course she was very apologetic when I didn't go in," she said. "But it wasn't her fault, I should have just been paying attention."
Now in her 60s, Cox said she doesn't really have the energy for puppies anymore but plans to continue showing papillons in the future. Another breed she thinks would be fun to show is the Great Pyrenees, she said. She has two of those dogs who are her backyard pets.
Many people don't realize that showing dogs isn't a profitable hobby; it's purely for enjoyment, Cox emphasized.
"There are the vet bills, ownership costs and travel to go to the shows. The entry fees for dogs are expensive. People think we make a lot of money but no. We get a five cent ribbon for our winnings at a dog show. But there is pride in the accomplishment of the dog winning."
Cox estimates that her cash winnings over 21 years total less than $300.
"So, you don't do it for the money," she said.
The next dog show Cox will participate in is the Kennel Club of Texarkana Inc. Dog Show from Friday Feb. 2 to Sunday, Feb. 4, she said. The show will take place at the Four States Fair Grounds. There is no admission into the show, but a small charge to park.
"I wish I could give you an accurate number, but I think in last year's entries, there were about 800 dogs," Cox said. "Each day is a new show and every day they go all the way to the best of show. We went through a few years where our attendance was low, but it is coming back up."
Cox invites everyone with a love of dogs and sports to check out the show. She no longer gets the jitters but admits seeing her dogs compete still brings excitement.
It's just like any other hobby--if you can't have fun then what's the purpose?" she asked. "It's supposed to be fun. Nobody enters a dog show hoping you are going to lose, but I enjoy being there with my friends. Some of my best friends are the people I've met with my papillons."