Strike A Pose

He bought the dog in the stage of early love. The showing started later. He poured all in to the grooming, the stance, and hours of placing every hair just so.
      Such fuss over details was beyond her.
      The dog endured his nuances of touch that signalled waiting atop tables, the waft of shampooed fur, and yaps of other competitors. Worse, though, were the stranger's hands that evaluated strength and shine.
      If rewarded with a rosette, he was assured of their progress.