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OBEDIENCE TRAINING

CLUB OF WICHITA FALLS,

INC.

OBEDIENCE ** RALLY ** AGILITY

November 2014

All obedience classes are full -- even the

Senior Class on Wednesday mornings. As al-

ways, Monday night 8 p.m. is open to anyone

wishing to brush up on their skills.

The Therapy Dog Training Class is also full.

It is nice to see so many people willing to

share their social, friendly pet with people

who can no longer have their beloved pets

with them. Sharing a pet’s love is a very,

very personal gift to give to others.

We may be doing a program for the State

Hospital for December, so I would like to

start the Drill Team back up, if we have any

interest. Since, at present, there aren’t any

folks working at the 8 p.m. slot, we can work

then -- there is still another room available

for brush up work.

We have been asked to participate in a fund

raiser for pet adoption groups on November

8, 2014, at LaDonna Place Apartments. We

have also been asked to provide some demon-

strations as well as an information table.

The event is from 12 to 4 p.m.

The Board of Directors is working on plans

for the Christmas Party. The Agility Com-

mittee is working on getting things ready for

the December Trial -- mark you calendars --

set up is Thursday, December 4th, and the

trial is the 5th, 6th, and 7th with the raffle

drawing and feed Saturday, December 6th.

If you are not already on a Committee, please

sign up to help with one of these projects.

Workers are always needed at the trials,

Putting together a program for the State

Hospital takes a bit of doing, as does a

worth-while presentation for any fund raiser

for homeless animals. The Christmas Party

doesn’t just happen. All of these take plan-

ning, and people behind the scenes.

Since the Christmas Party is coming up, it is

time to think about the possibility of having a

little fund raiser of our own -- last year, we

donated food for P.E.T.S. Pantry, and deco-

rated the Christmas Tree with collars and

leashes to be distributed to their clients to

replace some of the ropes and chains those

dogs come into P.E.T.S. on -- this was very

well received. If we want to do something

similar this year, it is time to start planning,

and gathering “decorations” for the tree.

Clip your coupons and use them for dog and

cat food and necessities for P.E.T.S. Clients.

Our last set of classes for the year are well

under way.

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Wags and Brags:

From JoAnn Spivey:

We had a really fun weekend!! Thelma Q'd in Std 2 days! Ursala got distracted every time we slowed for weaves-no Q's but improvement!!! Andie Doll decided it would be much more fun to go under the cattle panels to find someone to visit with 3 out of 4 runs. DeeDee did awesome!! 4 Double Q's with 96 speed

points!!!!

From Chris and Dave Hodges:

Jack only ran on Friday in Open Fast and T2B, Q and 1st place in both. Harlie had double Q's on Saturday, 1st & 2nd place Quin double Q's on Friday both 2nd place, QQ on Saturday 2nd & 4th, QQ on Sunday 3rd & 4th place.

Chris

The Mighty Quin and his ribbons!!!

From Linda Musgrave:

I’m going to Brag on my Boys after a nice weekend in Bel-

ton, October 17-19, 2014

Cutter “Happy to Cut a Rug”

Masters P Standard Q 1st

Masters P Standard Q 1st

Masters P JWW Q 1st --

DQ

Masters P Standard Q 1st

Masters P JWW Q 1st – DQ

LEVI “My Favorite Jeans”

OPEN STANDARD Q 1ST

OPEN JWW Q 1ST

OPEN JWW Q 1ST

T2B Q

So proud of Levi, we are making progress in the rings, es-

pecially when it comes to distractions and getting a bit

overly excited, especially in the Standard ring, but every bit

of progress made is definitely going in the right direction.

Cutter has finally accepted the fact that Levi is here to stay,

and it was so much fun to finally have my boy back. He

has been “giving me the PAW” in the ring the last couple of

shows, but hopefully, he has decided it is so much more

rewarding to pay attention and get all those good cookies,

than getting the “walk of shame” with no cookies. Now

don’t get me wrong, Cutter only gets the “walk of shame”

when he decides he no longer needs Mom to show him

what to do and decides he can make a better course on his

own, he still gets lots of rewards even if he has an off

course, or I cause an error in the rings, (yep, happens a

lot), I’m sincerely hoping that phase has gone bye

bye. Very proud of my boys!

Linda Musgrave

From Pam Allen

Pixie and I went to the Pet Costume Contest at Petco on Saturday...Pixie is dressed as a Black Cat to go with my Witches outfit...Lisa Lusignolo was also there with several rescues looking for homes. . didn't win anything but Pixie was pretty darn cute...on Sunday we went to Atwoods and met up With Lisa Lusignolo, Cindy Smith and Vicky Ma-haffey...Pixie won the Manager's Choice Award...and we all had fun Pam Allen & Pixie

Pixie was named Waggiest Tail at the Bark for Life..a well deserved award for a dog that wags constantly Pam & Pixie

This past weekend FurFace won 1st and 2nd in Novice Rally B in Austin. Jerry and FurFace.

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More Wags, Brags and Pictures:

Pixie -- no love at Petco, but Manager’s

Choice Award at Atwoods. She was the

cat to Pam’s Witch.

A number of our members went to the

American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life the

October 4, 2014. We had a lovely day to

walk., but it was a bit warm and our perfor-

mances indicated that the noon hour was for

napping and not demonstrating obedience and

agility skills. We have already been invited

back for next year so mark next year’s calen-

dar now to reserve the 1st Saturday in Octo-

ber. In addition to Pixie’s win, Merrily, Cin-

dy’s new French Bulldog puppy, won Most

Spoiled thanks to the puppy shower given by

friends. Several people won door prizes and

raffle prizes. Relaxing while waiting to walk at the Bark for

Life.

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Thank You from Frank:

A huge thank you for the help from Tom

Moore, Herb Sleeper, Gil Rice and Kenny Hum-

pert. On October 18th, Frank rented a ditch-

er and they dug a new line from the well house

to the building -- this one is about 18” deep.

If it gets cold enough to freeze that line, we

will be living with Mammoths again. Gil build a

new box for the pump outside the building.

The old one was borderline dangerous, and the

new was in small, neat and tidy. We just want

to warn everybody, that there will be a lump in

the ground where the new line was run, until

we get enough rain to firmly pack the dirt

back in the ditch -- so watch where you are

stepping and don’t trip.

Another Reminder from Frank:

As mentioned early, the Christmas Party is ap-

proaching -- with it come the Plaques and

Awards earned by members throughout the

year. If you have earned a title on your dog

this year, if you have not received a plaque

for this dog in previous years, you are entitled

to a plaque. You may supply either a 5x7 or

8x10 photograph of your dog, along with type-

written information -- Dog’s Name, Title(s),

Name of Owner, Call Name.

If you have already received a plaque in previ-

ous years for that dog, you may submit any ti-

tles earned this year, and they will be en-

graved on a plate designed to hang below the

original plaque. These need to be given to

Frank no later than November 20th -- meeting

night. So start going through your images and

find something “suitable for framing” and get

it printed pronto. Remember, your size choic-

es are 5x7 or 8x10. No other sizes will be ac-

cepted.

We are starting a new feature this month

called BOARD MEMBER PROFILE. This

month we will profile Dave Hodges and Linda

Musgrave. As a prelude, I sent out a form to

fill out, the profile will go by that outline:

DAVE HODGES

1. Please introduce yourself. Dave Hodges

2. How long have you been a member of

OTCWF? 8 years.

3. What are some of your favorite duties with

the Club? Teacher, Cleaning - Supervising

4. How many dogs do you have, and what levels

have they achieved under your guidance?

“5” I can only claim “2” dogs, Harlie, Mas-

ter Agility and Sophie, Puppy Agility.

5. What are your goads for your animals?

PACH / MACH

6. Are you affiliated with any other groups

(could any of these groups possibly prove a

program?) Rotary -- Yes could be a pro-

gram.

7. What goals for the Club are your primary

and secondary concerns? Growth, Profes-

sionalism, Outreach, and More involvement

by members.

8. What is your mantra, favorite saying re-

garding your training? Don’t understand

the question.

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Profile: Linda Musgrave, Agility Chair:

1. Please introduce yourself. Linda Musgrave

2. How long have you been a member of

OTCWF? Since 1996

2b. What positions have you held during your

membership? Treasurer for 11 years, Agility

Chairman.

3. What are some of your favorite duties with

the Club? Teaching folks and their part-

ners how to work together in any venue,

but of course, agility is my favorite sport.

4. How many dogs do you have, and what levels

have they achieved under your guidance?

Currently, I have 4 dogs, 2 Pembroke

Welsh Corgis, Alice N (CD MACH RE), Ad-

am (CH, MCACH 2, RE, Versatility CH), Cut-

ter (MACH, best lap warmer around), LEVI

(Rally N and Novice JWW and Standard

Agility). I have had two Labs that I also

showed to their CD and who were both re-

markable Therapy Dogs. Both Named Hon-

ey Bear and Honey Bear Two, can you

guess??? Both Yellow Labs.

5. What are your goals for your animals? Per-

sonally, and to be honest, I’ve always been a

bit competitive, and I do want my dogs to

excel in whatever venue I may teach them,

but most of all, I just want my dogs to en-

joy life to the fullest, and be my steady

and committed partner for as long as I can

enjoy them. I feel we have these remarka-

ble beings around far to short a time, and I

have, and do, love them for who they are

and the comfort they give me in life, along

with the many smiles we share

6. Are you affiliated with any other groups

(could any of these groups possibly provide

a program?) No.

7. What goals for the Club are your primary

and secondary concerns? I have always,

and will continue, to support our Club’s edu-

cation of the public and the great work our

Therapy program has provided for so many.

We continue to put on outstanding trials,

both obedience and agility and I want our Club

to continue to offer outstanding venues.

We are a Club, which is a group of folks

who love our dogs, and/or pets in general, and

we will always have different opinions and ide-

as, but that is what makes our group special.

We continue to come together for the same

purpose. I hope we always will.

8. What is your mantra, favorite saying re

garding your training? Team work!

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Linda and Dave for

completing their questionnaires and getting

them back to me. I have also developed one

for new members so that we can meet and

greet these folks and welcome them into our

group; however, since we have been doing pup-

py in training work for the last couple of

months, I haven’t gotten my hands on email ad-

dresses for some of our newer ones -- don’t

worry, I will be springing on you soon.

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More Pictures and Odds N Ends:

As some of you know, Dyann Kramer and Shara

Humpert went to Taos, NM the first part of

October -- Dyann went to play with the Eagle

Flats Brats, Dulcimer Group, at the Wool Fes-

tival and Shara went to support her sister’s

endeavors. Dyann made a little more of a va-

cation of it, and sent back some gorgeous pic-

tures for everyone to share.

Glorious New

Mexican Aspens.

God’s gold, in

abundance.

Mission San Fran-

cisco de Asis

(Saint Francis of

Assisi -- patron

saint of animals.)

Above right is a

panoramic view

from a New Mexi-

co Highway.

Picture of Shara’s Bandit at the Texas

Shootout. Looks like he is wearing a bow tie.

Below, Razz, exhibiting some of the distance I hope he

has when we really start competing.

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Submitted by Dana Goff from The American Kennel Club Newsletter.

Between Love and Mercy: When to Let Go

AKC Gazette breed column: A little dog named Tootsie teaches our columnist that sometimes life’s

most difficult decision is death.

Tootsie was my first Toy Fox Terrier, a tricolor with a heart-shaped spot on her side—surely a good sign, I

thought, as I chose her from the litter. Incredibly intelligent, she mastered all the usual tricks at an early age and

quickly progressed through advanced obedience, including hand signals, at 4-H obedience classes. She was a

precious member of our family, not just a pet, and we were inseparable.

As my childhood friend, she was the best.

I liked to get away to read by sitting up in our backyard peach tree. Tootsie was there too, springing to the first

branches and climbing up to perch next to me. My sister often teased me about this, as sisters will.

I had mischievously taught Toot- sie to leap up and bump people,

as they bent over, with her four feet. One day I spied my sister

picking flowers. I waited patient- ly, strategically aimed Tootsie at

her posterior as she bent down, and launched my little canine

missile with a command of “Get her!” Tootsie hit the target

squarely, and my sister rolled down a little hill. It was worth all

the punishment I got for that.

Several dogs in the neighbor- hood became ill with an un-

known infection. Vaccines didn’t prevent it, and medications did-

n’t cure it. My neighbor’s be- loved Poodle died, as well as

another friend’s retriever-mix. Then Tootsie got it. Similar to

distemper, the virus progressed quickly. I was determined to

save her, however, and pleaded to take her to the vet. It was in

vain though; he couldn’t help her.

In my desperation to keep her alive, I hand-fed her, gave her

water with an eyedropper, kept her warm, and bargained with

God about how good I would be if she survived.

She improved for several days, and then she suddenly wors-

ened. As I cradled her, she moaned and shivered in pain.

My mother told me gently and kindly that if I truly loved her, I would let her go. I sobbed and resisted, but in my

heart I knew she was right.

My father drove us to the vet as I held my little dog close. When the vet administered the drug, Tootsie raised

her head and looked at me, as if to say goodbye, and then she was free. Through my own tears, for the first

time ever, I saw my father crying too.

This conflict between love and mercy prepared me for a greater loss. Our second son, Matthew, was diagnosed

with a rare form of cancer at 19 years of age. It overwhelmed him within months, despite having the best care.

Although there was no hope of survival, the doctors wanted to place him on life support and treat him with radia-

tion. They promised it would extend his life a couple more weeks. The experience of Tootsie’s death helped us

to overcome that natural temptation to hold on. Her short life showed us that when there is no hope, and treat-

ment becomes more of a burden than a benefit, mercy is love.

We let our son go to where I believe a little dog with a heart-shaped spot greeted him.

Good girl, Tootsie! ―Beverly E. Stanley, American Toy Fox Terrier Club

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REST IN PEACE, SWEET DOT

CH Glenmar’s Dangerous HT, PT, NJP,

TSAD, TGIII

10-16-1999/10-27-2014. You came to us a pup-

py, and you left a large hole in our hearts. You

had very simple wants -- you loved your sheep,

and were the best working dog we ever had.

When we had a full herd of sheep you could

control them all or work as a drive back dog to

help the young dogs learn a particular spot. You

liked agility, but not judges -- too close for

comfort, and you would stay on top of the A-

frame for, seemingly, hours. Obedience was

the same thing -- you only had a few people you

really trusted, and if anyone came into your pe-

riphery, you became a worry wart. You did

achieve your breed championship. You were a

slight little thing, but graceful, and elegant un-

til the day you passed. You had been so happy,

up until the last day or two, and then it seemed

you just had a upset tummy.

Frank found signs, we figured out later, that

were the remains of a stroke or seizure. I

went to find her to give her the usual aspirin,

and found her snuggled in her favorite bed,

drawing her final breaths. To the very end, she

bounced and barked and then left us quietly.

You can’t ask for a better exit than that.

Say Hello to Picard, and Bertie, and Monica, and

Kissy for us. Tell them they are always in our

thoughts, as you all are. I know you will be

waiting at the Bridge for us., Sweet Girl --

what I don’t know is how may sheep you will

have rounded up for the big Meet and Greet.

Rest In Peace. .

Calendar of Coming Events: Please mark

yours accordingly.

November 1 and 2 -- Steve Moon Agility

Seminar. Contact Linda Musgrave if you

would like to Audit.

November 8th: Noon til 4 p.m. Rescue

Fund Raiser at LaDonna Place. Apartment

Complex, 2612 Southwest Parkway.

November 13, Board Meeting, Club Building,

7:00 p.m.

November 20, Regular Club meeting, Club

Building, 6:30 Pot Luck, 7:00 p.m. Business

meeting. Last chance to get your pictures in

for title plaques.

November 27 -- Thanksgiving -- let us all

be thankful for the bounty we have received.

December 4th --set up, December 5-7,

OTCWF Agility Trials -- J.S. Bridwell Ag

building -- dirt arena. 12/6/14 Christmas

dinner for all club members and trial com-

petitors -- huge raffle to be drawn that

night.

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The Livestock Guardian

Meet Halo. Some members of the club may know her, some may not. She doesn’t go to obedience classes, she'd

be more inclined to go under an agility jump then over and she doesn't sleep on my bed. Halo is an almost 3 year

old Great Pyrenees and is my Livestock Guardian Dog.

Livestock Guardian dogs have been used for centuries by shepherds. Unlike a herding breed, like a Border Collie,

a LGD lives pretty exclusively with their charges, protecting them from any threat. The stock becomes like the

LGD's "family" in a sense. In similar fashion to a herding breed or a gundog, the ability to "guard" is very much

bred into the breeds of livestock guardians. Most are larger in size( as in some of their native lands, they must

protect their charges from bears, wolves and mountain lions too!), are generally docile in nature (when their flock

is not threatened) and very protective.

We raise sheep and while sheep are pretty easy to care for, our local predators, mainly coyotes, bobcats and

loose dogs, can wreck havoc on a flock. Halo lives with our sheep in the pasture. While I wouldn't go as far as to

say she "loves" them, she takes her job very seriously, even patrolling the airspace above the pasture from

blackbirds (apparently, in south Texas, many sheep producers have problems with Mexican Buzzards making off

with their lambs, so even though Halo is simply keeping the kildee's and blackbirds out of the pasture, the in-

stinct is correct!).

She is quite fast and I’ve watched her chase off a coyote that decided to take a shortcut thru our pasture to

get to where he was going. She can be heard barking throughout the night (why they generally are not the best

choice for city living!) and like most of our dogs, she has distinct barks, in terms of a warning bark versus a

"there is something imminently threatening my sheep".

While she is not a "pet", Halo is an important part of our ranch. She does live outside year round. In the summer,

she will cool off in a pool of water. In the winter she grows her Pyrenees coat and will sleep with the sheep in the

shed in the straw. She receives all her vaccinations, heartworm meds and flea protection, just as Fletcher and

Kate do, but her job is outside with the sheep.

So while she may never grace the show ring or the agility ring, without her, raising my sheep would be much hard

to near impossible. :)

Coyote Creek Ranch

Registered Dorper Sheep

http://coyotecreekranch.weebly.com/

Editor’s Note: Huge thanks to Sarah for bailing me out this month. You have to love it when a dog like Halo

shines against all odds. She is obviously loves her work. More people should be so dedicated.