TIGGER THE DIGGER
'Tigger'
25 April 1997 - 20 July 2010
PTS 20 July 2010 after a scan showed a cancer on her liver. Only in the
last five days had she gone down hill, brave as ever. Thanks to all her friends at Thames and
to Terry Condra whose fault it is I am doing agility anyway for all the fun we had with her.
May your spirit run free on the hills you where bred for. Now you can work
sheep for ever - or take your own line over any course if you do not agree with the judge.
Maybe we can have a smooth lawn.
Peggy Sidewater
LEIGHBRIDGE BEST YET
'Barnaby'
9 December 1996 - 19 July 2010
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. On Monday, 19 July I had to
have my chocolate Standard Poodle Barnaby (Leighbridge Best Yet) put to sleep after a very
short illness. Not many people will remember us doing agility together as he had not competed
for four years but, if you have any old video footage of agility, then he may be on it as he
had a very loud and funny bark.
I had him from a puppy at eight weeks old and he was my first agility dog.
He was always very keen to please me and got the weaves in just a week. He competed for about
seven years and we never left a show without a placed rosette.
Although he never made it out of Novice (Grade 3) he gave me and all my
family years of love and affection which we will carry with us in our memories for always
Chris, Shelley, Mam, Cheryl & the Boys
NORBRIDGE PATSY
'Patsy'
20 April 1994 - 12 July 2010
Patsy's life with us started aged 17 months on a dark wet night on the M50
services where we picked her up . She came with a long list of bad habits. We took her home
and she proceeded to cause mayhem for the next nine month until she started agility which she
loved.
She did very well at agility until problems with her hips put an end to it
at the age of seven. For the next two years she competed successfully at Veterans and Any
Size Jumping.
She also took up horse and other creature watching. We once put an empty
gerbil cage on the floor and waggled our fingers through the sawdust every now and then. That
amused her all evening. She would sit out for hours, watching the horses in the field.
Those are just some of the things we loved about her and she is really
missed. There is a big gap in our lives.
Ian, Liz & all the dogs
Quiz
This is hard to write, but I am sure there are still many people back in England who
remember me with Quiz, our wonderful little Cavalier who made the 2003 World team along with
his brother Nicson. Yesterday Quiz lost his battle with heart disease, and we let him go to
sleep so that he would not suffer. Quiz remained a lively, happy dog right until a couple of
months ago when it became increasingly difficult for him to breathe.
Despite that, he still would have tried to run for me if he could. He won many
competitions and made many friends here in the USA, barking all the way as usual - and
competed at both USDAA and AKC Nationals - so he flew the British flag with pride. Wanted to
let his friends know. I know some of you who knew him well would want to know.
We will miss him forever. He was a one in a million - a very, very special dog.
Lynne & Pete Stephens
PIQUANT
PRINTERS GIRL
'Jazz'
23 August 1994 - 29 June 2010
On Tuesday, I had to do
the last kindness to my wonderful poodle Jazz and give her sleep. With multiple problems and
old age - and to prevent her from any suffering - she is now at peace. Writing this obituary
through clouds of tears I am wondering how I will get over the loss of such a very special
little lady, but I know that time will help me cope along with the all our memories.
Little did I realise when I
took delivery of the seven week old bundle of apricot fluff and curls what an impact she was
to have on my life. She was my constant companion and, when it came to agility training, she
took to it like a duck to water. As soon as she was able to compete, she showed me the way,
and soon made me realise I would have to run very fast if I wanted to keep up.
She won countless class and
went from Elementary to Advanced status very quickly. She took me to Crufts on seven
occasions. Our proudest moment was winning the Eukanuba Circular Knockout in 2000. I will
always remember Carol Hughes nicknamed her the 'scud missile' as Jazz ran like the wind.
Now I have to let the dust
settle and try to mend this huge hole in my heart... also the one in the sofa. I now hand her
back to our dear Crystal, who was responsible for the breeding of the Piquant line, for
safekeeping. It has been my privilege to have owned you. Run free my little one and find all
your friends - Ruggles, Cassie, Hoby, Pippa and your big brother Sammy Lammy Pie. Sleep
tight. Love you always.
Denise, Dave, Skye,
Fizz, Millie & Ozzie
SHELBARK
PENNY BLACK
'Penny'
27 November 1994 - 14 June 2010
It
is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that I find myself writing a tribute to my
eldest Sheltie who let me know from the look in her eyes this morning that she wanted me to
let her go to the Rainbow Bridge. Penny was my first pet dog, coming to live with me at 13
weeks of age. Little did I know that this fluffy bundle of energy would change my life in so
many ways.
We started
our basic dog training at a little local club just over the road from our home. Penny learnt
her obedience skills quickly, delighting me by being top points scorer at more than one
progress test. Not wanting her talent to go to waste and intrigued by fleeting glimpses of
dog agility on TV, I persuaded the ‘club enquiry people’ at Wakefield DTC that a small dog
and uninitiated handler should be allowed at least to go along to an agility taster session.
After watching Penny fearlessly attempt all the obstacles, the trainer commented that 'maybe
your dog has potential.' As the saying goes, the rest is history!
At her
first ever agility competition, Penny did one jump and ran out of the ring. Luckily we were
at an indoor show, and she finally came back after looking to see what was going on in the
other rings. Her second run was in a fully enclosed area so instead of running off she
proceeded to do a couple of jumps, run around excitedly, do another jump, run around some
more, do another jump etc etc. The experience was enough for me to know that we were both
hooked, and I decided that one day just maybe we could get a clear round.
That first
clear round came in June 1997 and, with tears of joy running down my face, I managed to talk
the show secretary into letting me have a clear round rosette to mark this momentous
occasion. Clear round rosettes were a rarity in those days even for Large dogs so with a Mini
dog I had to resort to offering to buy one just so I could have this precious keepsake.
In April
1998, Penny picked up her first ever place rosette, and it was then not too long before she
won her first trophy with both occasions being marked by more tears of joy from the me as her
delighted handler!
In her
lifetime she went on to achieve so much:-
-
Won out of Starters in June 1998
-
Went from Novice to Advanced in the space of 48 hours by
winning four Open classes in a row at the Northern Agility show in August 1999
-
Agility Club Mini Knock Out Pairs finalist in 2000
-
Eukanuba Mini Circular Knock Out finalist at Crufts in
2001 and 2002
-
Burgess Supadog Mini Agility Stakes finalist in 2003,
finishing in 5th place
Although
she was never the fastest Mini dog around, Penny was always consistent and, if she went
clear, she would usually pick up at least a rosette, if not a trophy. Her contacts were so
reliable and it was only in later years when competing with my other Shelties that I came to
appreciate just how much of an individual skill this was for any dog. Up until then I thought
it was just what Shelties always did when running across contact equipment because it was
what Penny had always done without ever really being taught to do so. Championship classes
came just a little too late for Penny as she was by then past her prime. Nevertheless she
managed a fifth place in a Chippenham Championship final.
In July
2005 when cleaning a messy bottom - long haired dogs and upset tummies do not mix - I heard a
dreadful creaking in Penny’s hips which I knew to be the sound of bone on bone. In order to
give her the best quality of life for her remaining years, I took the decision to retire her
from competition as by then we had moved to just Jumping classes because she had taken a
dislike to the A-frame. She ran her last class at Wirral show in July 2005, cheered on over
every jump by those who were ringside. She always loved to perform to a crowd, and she ended
with another of her trademark clear rounds.
Since 2005
she has continued to come to all my weekend agility shows, and if she was ringside then she
would bark at either Jan, Misty or Abi as they competed, cheering us all on to do our best.
She loved the fuss and attention that the old dogs get and only the other week she was
flirting with a male dog who had taken her fancy.
It is
perhaps fitting that her last weekend away should have been at Cartmel with Wyre show having
been the location for the most special moments we shared. I will never forget the day in
2000 when in the Circular Knock Out quarter final she crossed the line ahead of the other dog
and I knew that she had just helped me achieve what had always seemed an impossible dream –
into the last four of the competition - qualification for Crufts. You could hear me cheering
from the next rings and again there were tears of joy. She was beaten in the Semi final and
so finished 3rd but the following year she returned to Wyre and came 1st
in the Knock Out qualifier. Such wonderful memories to treasure.
Penny
changed my life. She brought me love, affection and unswerving loyalty. She taught me about
the difference having a dog in your life can make. She is the reason that today I still have
three more Shelties in my life. Because of Penny, I have made so many new friends, have had
so many new experiences, and have so many precious memories to treasure.
The
numerous photographs, over 50 trophies and more than 200 rosettes which now remain will never
fill the hole in my life that is so huge today.
Penny was 15 years old last
November and, in my heart of hearts, I knew that the day was coming closer when I would have
to make one of the hardest decisions in my life. She had not been herself whilst we were at
Cartmel this weekend and, by this morning, I knew from the look in her eyes that she was
telling me it was now time for me to complete one final loving act for her. Her loving and
devoted heart was losing its strength, and she was so obviously ready to go to the rainbow
bridge that as I cradled her in my arms she simply moved across before the vet had even
finished the injection. Today there are so many more tears.
Rest in peace my
special little girl. Penny by name – priceless in my life.
Enjoy your time at
Rainbow Bridge until that special moment when we will meet again.
Rosie & Shelties Misty, Jan, & Abi
IN HIGH
SPIRITS
'Lucy'
Lucy
(In High Spirits) passed away into the World of Spirit at the end of April. Lucy was not
only my first agility dog, but also my best friend. We spent just over 14 wonderful years
together. I will - and do - miss her so very much.
I got Lucy from a rescue kennel in Northamptonshire and, from the first
night she came home, she slept with me as she was a little scared - or that's what she wanted
me to think that!
Lucy started her agility career training with Ian and Rosemary Stowers when
she was just over a year old. Apart from the odd run around the field, she took to it really
well. Lucy went to her third show in Jersey and won the first of many trophies. She loved her
jumping classes, but could never see the point of those contacts! She won out of Starters at
Milton Keynes show and carried on winning.
Lucy was a kind and sweet dog and enjoyed life to the full. She got away
with a lot. All she had to do was look at me with those big eyes and I would give in!
She had many friends around the ring including their owners and will
be welcomed in heaven to run free by the dogs she once lived with including Carly, Meg,
Tammy, Cassie, Tig, Jack and Larna as well as her agility friends, Brin, Blue, Freddy, Blaze
and Jake.
Run free my baby, have fun and thank you for bringing me so much joy, not
only with agility but also as my friend. I will miss your cuddles, kisses and touching your
soft and velvet ears. You were - and still are - the most wonderful dog. You taught me so
very much and I enjoyed every moment we were together. I miss you. The house is not the same
without you.
Karen xxx Ozzie, Boo and May xxx Nanny & Grandad xxx Kevin & Grace
xxx
ON THE BALL INKIE
'Inkie'
Sadly inkie passed away two weeks ago from a tumour on her spleen. She
slipped away in my arms.
She was my constant companion through everything I did. She excelled at
everything she did - companion dog shows, flyball, obedience and agility. She was always a
very reliable dog in the agility ring. She is the reason I love Border Collies so much and
why I compete in agility. Most of all, she was a wonderful pet who brought a smile to my face
everyday.
She is much missed by her daughter Ansie and by all who loved her. Reunited
with her old pals Rizbo, Reuben and Odie, Inkie you were a dog in a million and I will never
forget you.
Kirsty Davis
PEARTBROOK
DARK DREAMER
'Herbie'
01 January 1996 - 18 April 2010
David Sweeney has lost his beloved Peartbrook Dark Dreamer (Herbie). In his younger days
Herbie was a brilliant agility dog. He won well at top level in small agility for some years,
including winning his Stud Book Number. He was also shown successfully as a puppy, qualifying
for Crufts. He was even used to illustrate the breed standard at a talk on Shelties.
He was the first dog puppy we ever kept and was David's dog from the minute he opened his
eyes. Herbie ruled all at Peartbrook with an iron paw and was pack leader til the end.
He has left an enormous void in our lives, he gave us so much. Sleep tight special boy.
David & Jean Sweeney
CRACKER JAACK
'Cracker'
It is with huge sadness and many tears that I have to let
people know that Sharon Cann had to say Goodnight to her wonderful Staffie boy, Cracker Jack.
Cracker joined Sharon’s family
at the great age of 10 when he old owners were fed up with him. He came on his holidays and
stayed. He joined in agility training occasionally but was best known in his full time
supporter’s role... from the sidelines. That’s if we could wake him up and evict him from the
van!
He was a real ambassador for his
breed, greeting all he met with kindness and love. He had the gentlest soul and would do
anything for a cuddle and a bit of sausage. Cracker knew his own mind and could often be
found raiding the food supply when we thought he would be taking it easy in the sunshine!
An incredible turn of speed
could be witnessed as well if he needed to outrun you for anything. Camping won’t be the same
without his snoring coming from the tent next door or his big seal like bark when he wanted
something.
Such a big Staffie will leave a
massive hole in our hearts and our lives. Cracker was one in a million and will be deeply
missed by Sharon and us all. Sweet dreams, big guy.
Anne Sunwell x x
XANDOA'S SITA
'Sita'
18 September 1997- 13 May 2010
When I saw your road getting weary, and
your hills to hard to climb.
I knew my darling in my heart the time had come for peace to be thine.
My beloved Sita finally crossed over the rainbow bridge
on Thursday, 13 May at 7.50pm after suffering her second distressing attack of Canine
Vestibular Syndrome, leaving her to tired and weak to pull through.
Sita you might now be out of my sight but
you will live forever in my heart.
Reunited in God's arms with Tia and Ebony
Sleep tight my so very dear Friend and soul mate.
Until we meet once more,
Linda Kightley
SANROGUE
SECRET AFFAIR
'Pickle'
2004 - 2009
It is with deep sadness that shortly after
Christmas, after battling illness, Pickle was laid to rest.
She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her and will always have a special place in
my heart.
Bee
Bella
It is with deep sadness that my beautiful
Rottweiler Bella was laid to rest on Tuesday.
She loved agility training, however, early
onset arthritis at four years old meant she was no longer able to take part.
She had a lovely character, and having
grown up with my Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Hollie and Phoebe, adopted the same
temperament.
She was diagnosed with a bone tumour in
December and did well to survive as long as she did. Her leg was amputated for pain relief,
only for her to develop nerve pain. Despite medication, the pain got so bad that she was no
longer able to stand, so the decision was made to ease her suffering, aged only 8 years.
She was a loyal and loving companion and
will be missed immensely,
although I take comfort that she is now reunited with Hollie and Phoebe.
Emma Ward
APOLLOS
DANCING QUEEN
'Diva'
2000-2010
It is with regret we have to inform you
that Sarah and Ellen O'Hara lost Diva on 29 March 2010, to heart failure. She was a very
special little King Charles Cavalier Spaniel who we saw rise through the ranks from Starters
to Championship, then the World Qualifiers. She had so many wins before her heart condition
forced her to retire.
We send Sarah & Ellen our sympathy and
love on their loss, and would like to remember the joy she gave you in happier times.
Rest in peace Diva.
Love
Clive & Dorothy Foden
ARNPRIORS ASSASSIN
'Sassy'
Sassy was put to sleep on 12 March 2010.
She didn't do agility herself but loads of agility people have puppies by her.
She was an old girls aged 14 1/2.
Maggie Peacock
NYRVANA XAVIA
'Misty'
25 March 1995 - 11 February 2010
Sadly,
six weeks before her 15th birthday, we had to say goodnight to Misty.
Affectionately known as 'Moo'
she was the dog with which Wendy learnt her agility skills. More than the trophies and cut
glass in the cabinet, it is Wendy’s handling abilities which will live on. In 2000, they
qualified for the ABC finals at Tatton Park.
Misty was still competing at
full height at the age of 12 – and she still showed a keen interest in the agility equipment
at 14, even going over mini height jumps!
An exceptional girl in many
ways, she is going to be a very hard act for our future dogs to follow.
Wendy Woodcock & Chris
Beale
Ag. Ch.
WAGGERLAND WHOOSH OF NEDLO
‘Loobie’
25 March 1994 – 1 March 2010
Monday, 1
March was a desperately sad day for Lesley Olden as it was time to say goodbye to her
beautiful, clever and above all happy smiling dog Loobie, just short of her sixteenth
birthday.
Loobie was a
bright star in Lesley's life and in the agility world. In 2001 Loobie became the first
British Agility Champion going on to win a total of 5 cc’s. She won the Olympia Agility
Stakes twice and the Beta Final twice. She won so much it would be impossible to recount it
all here but, in any case, she was about much more than just winning. She was about joy and
exuberance and fun and being on the edge. She was simply brilliant.
Loobie burst
onto the agility scene back in 1995 and started as she meant to go on by winning her first
ever competitive class at Packington Show. I can remember seeing that run and thinking to
myself that I was watching a future star. She just got better and better. Loobie had the
most amazing contacts; incredibly quick acceleration off the tightest turns; huge amounts of
drive and enthusiasm but so beautifully schooled. Loobie never failed to give her all in
everything she did with Lesley.
The
connection between Loobie and Lesley was tangible and that, coupled with the raw power of
Loobie, made them a partnership that had to be watched whenever they took to the ring. She
was just the most exciting dog to watch. Outside the ring, she was the sweetest dog and loved
to greet her friends and show off her tricks. She was Lesley's loyal and beloved companion
for nearly sixteen years. She was the perfect dog.
As already
said, she was a bright star in the agility world and now she will be a very bright star
shining down on Rainbow Bridge. Of that there is no doubt.
Sleep
peacefully beautiful girl.
Nancy
Hudson
BLACKROBBIN
HIGHLANDER
'Glen'
Just to let people know that my sister, Chris Miles, had to
say goodbye to the legendary Blackrobin Highlander (Glen) and his litter brother, Kyle, this
morning. Both boys had been getting steadily more frail over the last few weeks, and this
morning, both were obviously failing. Kyle and Glen had always been inseparable. It seems
fitting, but sad, that they are not to be separated by death either.
Glen has to be one of the foremost stud dogs with a terrific
influence on the breed over the last ten years. He has produced three agility champions, one
obedience champion, the winner of the Crufts agility championships, Olympia winner, and the
winner of the Crufts obedience championships, plus all the many other offspring that have
reached advanced level in agility, and ticket level in obedience. Plus, of course, his many
ISDS offspring that are trialling, or just doing a good day's work on the farm. Kyle had a
lesser influence at stud, but still consistently produced really good dogs.
He frequently came to stay with me, and he was always such a
gentleman, fitting in with my own dogs without a problem, or cross word. He was truly a
remarkable dog, and the world is poorer for his passing.
Rest in peace, Glen. You will be much missed.
Jackie Bromwich
LIKELY LAD OF
VALGRAY
'Laddy'
August – ish 1996 14 years ago – February 25th
2010
It’s
with great sadness, through tears and heavy heart that I am writing this to let you know that
Elaine' List's 'Laddy' has gone to join my Cass over the Rainbow Bridge.
He was rescued by John Omlo down in Cornwall. He had been
abused by humans, yet this chap never showed any malice towards anyone. He was a dog you
would have always wanted your new pup to meet. He had the best 'doggie skills' I’ve ever
seen, in any dog.
He was a great ambassador to the agility world. He retired
with Spondylosis, having had two agility wins to Advance (G7) and countless occasions taking
Bethany to Crufts.
-
Valgray Junior Dog of the Year 1999 and 2000
-
Burgess Supa Dog Final Winner 2001
-
Qualified for Agility Dog of the Year Final at Crufts 2002
This is just a small selection of his achievements that I can
remember, but apart from all that, he had amazing soft, long nose, and was a fab guy to live
with.
Now Laddy noonoo, you can go and chew in half as many leads
and toys as you like. You can bark as loud as you like whenever you like. I’m sure he taught
Red that one! And run as fast as you like, chasing all the deer and those darn pesky cows, as
you like!
Till we meet again, Laddy noonoo.
Angela, Ian, Red Buzz, Harry & Mindy xxxxxx
TAZZMANIC OF
VALGRAY
'Taz'
1997-2010
My
beloved Tazz went to sleep peacefully in my arms on 8 February 2010, having gone through
cancer of one eye. In June 2009, her eye was removed. We were told that the the chances of
cancer spreading were 4%.
On Christmas day she went blind, and two days later she had
other eye removed. She was amazing and coped with blindness, going for walks and being almost
normal!
But having being warned the cancer might spread to her brain,
she lost the plot. Though we gave her every chance with steroids, I felt that I had to ask my
wonderful vet Tim to say goodbye to her.
Words cannot describe how I miss her and what a wonderful girl
she was.
RIP Tazz
Lindsay Parker
TYEFOLD RED
PEPPER
'Tyler'
11 September 1996 to 28 January 2010
Tyler
was diagnosed with lymphoid leukaemia in June 2009. We did everything we could to make his
time with us the best it could be. Charlie took him away on an agility holiday and stayed by
his side constantly apart from doing his runs.
Tyler lost his battle to live on the morning he was due to be
given rest on Thursday, 28 January. He started to go downhill very quickly from the
Monday. He had lost all his weight, and he had stopped eating. By the Wednesday, we needed to
carry him everywhere.
We decided this was no way to live, so we asked our vet to
come to our house to give him rest. In true spirit, Tyler took this painful decision away
from us by drifting peacefully away on the Thursday morning, just after our last cuddles
together.
What
can you say about losing your best friend, he was always there for us, never wanting anything
else but to please. He was Charlie's dog of a life time, loyal, faithful and one big cuddly
red teddy bear, loved by all who knew him including All children, he was an amazing agility
dog who did everything he could to please Charlie.
They went all the way to Advanced together, qualified
for Olympia and won the Dogs in Need Senior Classic Final in 2001. Tyler was a great all
rounder and also enjoyed Obedience and loved his flyball..
You are greatly missed. Run free dear Tyler. Your paw print
will stay on our hearts forever.
Sue, Charlie, Craig & Karen xxxxxxxxxx
DOO-LALLY-DOT
'Dotty'
27-Augsut 2004 = 29 January 2010
I
finally lost my dear old Dotty Dog a couple of weeks ago, aged 15.5yrs. She was the nutty
collie who always insisted on carrying the biggest tuggie to the ring whenever she was
working. It was her pooch pacifier as she used to get stressed if dogs didn't queue neatly
and if they barked or were just generally unruly. This is where she got her nickname 'WPC
Dot.' She was a real stickler for law and order.
Her agility achievements consisted of only four clear rounds which got her
to Senior, aged eight years. She never really required a handler. She worked to her own
agenda. When she got it right she was breathtaking to watch, and when she got it wrong the
ring party suffered!
Dot was the sweetest, kindest dog and I look back on our life together with
a real warm glow. I was so lucky to have her and we lived life to the full. The memories are
now all mine and I will treasure them until we meet again.
We will all miss you forever.
Sarah & Leigh - Poppy, Tee & The Stig x x x
BOSLING YOGI
BEAR
'Yogi'
19 December 1998 - 30 January 2010
Yogi
was sadly put to sleep at the age of 12 years on Saturday, 31 January after a short illness
and eventually going off his legs.
Yogi was a dog in a
million. He didn't do agility but for ten years he accompanied us to all the shows and
enjoyed hanging with the Moorepaws clan out on the exercise fields and raiding BBQs whether
invited or not.
We got him as a young
puppy, product of a accidental mating between brother and sister. He subsequently had
problems with his growth and spent a lot of his puppyhood at the vets. This didn't stop him
having fun. Little puppy in a big body who could get up to all sorts of things. When Jon was
in the shower he would drag his clothes outside and wee on them. He destroyed our kitchen and
would frequently knock visitors flying by attempting to copy the collies by jumping in their
arms!
He grew to be an amazing
dog. He was a blood donor, gained his gold KC good citizen and worked as a PAT dog. He was
always there for me through good and bad.
Five years ago my brother
Michael became terminally ill with a disfiguring form of facial cancer.
The
week before he died Mike asked me to take Yogi to the palative care unit to see him one last
time. Yogi bounded over to him and stuck his head on Mike's lap. Mike burst into tears.
When I asked him why he was so upset he told me that people who had come to visit and had not
seen his face since the cancer would have that look of shock all over their face, whereas
Yogi took no notice of this - it was so comforting to him. When Mike died Yogi was my rock.
He would come and find me when I was upset and just be there.
Many will say that 12 was a
good age for a Newfie, which is true, but it will not help the heartbreak his loss has
caused. I can never thank him enough for the joy he brought to my life. He died in my arms
eating cheese which was so him.
Sleep tight beautiful
angel. You will always be in our hearts.
Love Mummy, Daddy, Jazz,
Fizz, Sasha, Tia, Zico, Riggs, Tyler and Bondi Hales xx
ORIULE
TRUMPCARD
'Trampas'
It
is with great sorrow I have to say that Trampas (Oriule Trumpcard) was put to sleep on
Saturday, 30 January 2010. He was such a special dog and I was so lucky to have him for
nearly ten years. I nearly lost him at ten weeks and vets were not sure he would be able to
do Agility, so I did obedience and Dirty Dancing - that's Heelwork to Music - just in case he
wasn't up to agility.
But he certainly was up for
it! With a better handler he would have got much higher than we did, but he made the most of
it despite being handicapped by me. He made sure I knew when I had gone wrong by barking at
me!
Sixteen months ago he was
given four weeks to live. He went on to win eleven 1st places in that time as well as some
2nds and 3rds plus other places and clear rounds. We did get to Champion level at UKA and in
January he came 3rd in that class!
Tramps was such a show off.
It has been said he would perform whenever I opened the fridge! He loved his Dirty Dancing
and was so good at it - better when I remembered the routine! The first good routine we did
took me 12 hours to get right. He only took two hours to learn it and he never forgot it.
Obedience was not really
our forte. He was better than me! Heelwork was our downfall but the rest was brilliant. But
we could never have got anywhere because his command for down was the word calling his
parentage into question!
He
smiled every agility round he ever did. He was just so keen and loved to work. His last day
was at Anthony Clarke's Biathlon day. Trampas did his best obedience and had a good go at the
agility. He met a lot of his friends - both human and doggy - so he had a wonderful day out.
There are so many people to
say thank you to for helping train Trampas, for admiring him for the wonderful dog he was and
for just saying hello to him - for remembering him.
My heart is broken but all
the wonderful memories will help mend my heart in time. Thank you to everyone who does
remember my beautiful Goldie, Trampas.
Ann Smith
Afterward: Thank
you for putting Trampas on the Net. Had a few emails about it! One friend cried buckets and
asked if she goes before me will I write hers! With Agility friends you can always get a
laugh even in the worst of times! Ann
Petloss.com,