Titles

When I was in 4-H and I had to keep records of my dog activities, I remember finding a quote. I was intrigued but it's one of those things that I can only now truly appreciate. Now that my first dog is gone. I trained and showed Buzz because I enjoyed it. Because we enjoyed it.

"A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return." -Sandra Mowery from Why Title a Dog?

There are some titles I value more than others, simply because I know how much work went into being successful. I never mentioned Buzz's titles in my tribute to him. That's not what our relationship was about. But training and showing to get those titles, that is what our relationship was about.

The titles I am most proud of:

UCD (United Kennel Club-Companion Dog) earned on 1/19/2008. Obedience used to be "boring" for Buzz. This was when he would leave me the most frequently. This video is of his third consecutive qualifying UCD run, for his title. I was THE MOST PROUD. I still am.

Novice Versatility Award (NADAC award for completing the requirements for all class titles-NAC, NJC, NCC, TN-N, TG-N, and WV-N). Buzz earned this when he earned his WV-N on 3/15/2009. He was never good at weaving, but it's something we worked on. A lot. My goal was never a NATCH for him. My only goal was to get his Novice Versatility. And we did. Thank you Annelise.

ARCH, RLV, and RLVX (APDT, now WCRL Rally Champion, Rally Veteran, and Rally Veteran Champion). We started doing this type of rally because the signs are more exciting, the courses are longer, there is space to heel between signs, and I could feed him in the ring. The most important though is the availability of the veterans class. Long after Buzz could do Level 1, 2, or 3, he could still compete with me. He absolutely LOVED doing WCRL. I loved that I could still get out in a ring with my boy and watch him shine. He earned his last title, RLVX, on 7/27/13. I still cry every time I watch this video.

I've learned to live my life without you. I'm trying to never forget the lessons you taught me. Titles are about teamwork and relationship, never take either for granted.

My Buzz Lightyear.

ARCH UCD URO1

Sir Buzz Domino

RL2 RLVX NAC NCC S-NJC O-TN-N TG-N WV-N RN ThD CGC

Novice Versatility, RL1/2/V Award of Excellence
May 5, 1998 - May 20, 2014