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Accomplishments In 1980, we purchased our first Australian Shepherd. We had many years of companionship with her and in 1995, after losing her to old age, we purchased another black tri female, Annie. She became a very special member of the family. In the years since, she has become the alpha of the family, keeping all the dogs in line and sometimes me as well! She is the one that shares our bedroom and a very special place in our hearts. She was my first obedience titled dog as well as my first agility titled dog. She forgives all my novice handling mistakes and makes up for them with her energy and style. Featured here are two of her special kids. Lady Wrangler of
Crystal Canyon
Lady Wrangler of Crystal Canyon was the pup we kept from Annie's first litter. Nicknamed Ladybug, she was a bundle of energy and beauty wrapped up in a sweet, lovable package. At that time, we were not involved in obedience or agility. When Ladybug stayed too small for the show ring, we donated her to the local Dogs for the Deaf organization. Ladybug was an outstanding student and was soon placed with a young woman as a Certified Hearing Dog. This is quite an accomplishment, as only a select few make it through the rigorous program to become Certified Hearing Dogs. We are quite proud of our Ladybug and the important lifelong work she is doing for Stacey. Providing freedom and security to a hearing impaired person is an awesome responsibility!
Blackstone of Crystal Canyon
CDX, STDsd, JS-O, RS-O, GS-N
Rocky was a special pup from birth. One of 5 males, he was the biggest pup in Annie's second litter. He had a special spark the others lacked which was soon even more apparent as we started our daily walks when the litter was 6 weeks old. Before long, Rocky was doing his best to keep up with adult dogs. While the other pups would walk with me on the path, Rocky was up on the mountainside with Mom and Dad. Three years ago, a friend from our local club, Susan Haight, lost her 6 year old black tri male to cancer. He had been an active competitor in herding, agility, obedience and conformation. She began to look for a replacement and checked out the litters in the local area. I had a very nice litter at the time, but she didn't see anything she wanted until I let Rocky out. It was close to love at first sight. As Rocky did a fly by, Susan was hooked. She came for a young puppy to start off training from the beginning and left with a 1-1/2 year old show male.
In the three years he's lived with her, Rocky has accumulated an impressive number of titles. He has his AKC and ASCA Obedience CD and ASCA CDX. He has been in the top ranking obedience dogs in the nation for two years running. This year he placed 5th out of 10 finalists in the open obedience finals competition at the ASCA Nationals. Rocky has titles in both ducks and sheep. In conformation, in very limited showing, he has 14 points, including winning altered winner's dog at the Nationals! His agility wins are just as impressive, with his open AKC titles and ASCA/NADAC open titles...What a dog! Thanks to Susan, both for giving him such a wonderful home and encouraging me to compete with his mom, Annie. Annie has her elite jumpers title, and open regular title as well as a leg toward her CDX, even with time off for two more litters! Watch this page for news of Annie's youngest kids' future accomplishments!
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