1st Leg of their journey took place on Sunday, November 3, 2002. Mystery took 3rd place at the Smoky Mountain Cluster Show put on by the Tennessee Valley Kennel Club, Inc. held at the Merchants I-75 Expo Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. The judge was Ms Katheryn R. Griner.
1st place went to Mystery and Melissa under Judge Dr. Hallie Ray giving them their 2nd leg on Saturday, November 9, 2002. The trial was put on by the Triangle Shetland Sheepdog Club of North Carolina at their Fall Specialty Show held at the Felicite Latane Animal Sanctuary in Mebane, North Carolina.
Sunday, February 1, 2003 was a day that Melissa will never forget. They received their 3rd Leg and Utility Dog Title!
Judge Don Young awarded the team with a 3rd place ribbon.
The trial was put on by the Charlotte Dog Training Club held at the Piedmont Kennel Club Showplace in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What Is A Title?
Not just a brag. Not just a stepping stone to a higher title. Not just an adjunct to competitive scores.
A Title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor that dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard, and though the dog himself doesn't know or care that his achievements have been noted, a Title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.
A Title says your dog was intelligent, and adaptable, and good natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed.
And a Title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with her because she was a good dog, and that you believed in her enough to give her yet another chance when she failed, and that in the end your faith was justified.
A Title proves that your dog inspired you to have the special relationship enjoyed by so few, that in the world of disposable creatures, this dog with a Title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the Title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials before or after the name.
A Title is nothing less than love and respect, given and received permanently.
By Sandy Mowery
Credit also belongs to Catherine Mills. Catherine taught Melissa how to train Mystery in a fun and positive way. All the things Melissa has done with Mystery came from all the fun she had with her in obedience.
Thank you Catherine for being there and guiding the way.
Mystery with all of her qualifying and placement ribbons!
