For Laddie detested dog shows.

But, abnormally sensitive by nature, this sensitiveness had grown upon him with failing strength and added years.

Thus, when he saw Bruce and Bob and Jean bathed and groomed and made ready for the show, he was sad at heart.

For here was one more thing in which he no longer had any share.
And so he lay down in his cave, under the piano, his head between his absurdly small white forepaws; and hearkened sadly to the preparations for departure.
Bruce ("Sunnybank Goldsmith") was perhaps the most beautiful collie of his generation.

Groomed for a show, he made most other dogs look plebeian and shabby.