Spirit Award

My Texas and Oklahoma cattle dog friends made me cry.

During the BBQ they made a presentation to me of kind of a spirit award for positive outlook and inspiration. They presented me a gift in honor of my previous participation in rescue, dog sports and mentoring others interested in Australian Cattle Dogs.

Then everyone stood and clapped. I was beyond words.

I have never received such an honor and that kind of attention from so many friends.

The gift is a wood carving portrait of my first AKC registered ACD, Cobber (Champion Silverhills N'Dust Cobalt PT). Cobber died last year. He is in our hearts forever. Charley is going to cry when he sees the carved portrait.

Cobber started us down the dog world road. I had never been to a dog show until Cobber was 6 months old shown for the first time. He loved to show and it was great socialization for a young dog. Then he hooked us on exploring the world of training and herding. He changed our lives forever.

I am overcome by the support of my friends. It lifts me and carries me through many hard patches.

I am really looking forward to herding in the next year and competing at the next nationals in California.