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Carson's Little Mishap, CDX, CGC, O-VCCX
"Missy"
December 9, 1991 -
October 15, 2002
I think everyone has had one pet from time to time that they refer to as a
"Heart Dog". Missy was mine. She was my first Sheltie and her endearing
qualities hooked me on the breed. She was definitely the reason I owned Shelties
exclusively for such a long while. She was my friend, my shoulder to cry on, my
cuddler on rainy days, my co-pilot, my nurse when I was sick, my foot-warmer
when it was cold, my pet therapy partner, my obedience partner, my
entertainment, my floor-cleaner when I was cooking, my foot stool under the
computer desk, my remote control fetcher, my shadow, my smile when I came home
from work-- my dog. She was never a champion in the breed ring, but she will
always be a champion in my heart.
I feel like a part of me passed with her and I can't help but think of how
happy and bright she was for so very long. I really thought we would have her
well past her almost 12 years, but, without doing extensive testing that would
have offered no cure, I chose to let her leave this world with dignity as her
body succumbed to what we are almost certain was bone cancer. Her body was
failing and she was so embarrassed at her times of illness. It was the greatest
act of love I could offer as we helped her to the Bridge. The rest of this page
is left as it was, because I just don't have the heart to change any more of the
present-tense things about her to the past. Good-bye, Roo. I love you and miss
you still, no matter how long your spots around the house have been empty.
Missy's appearance in my life was quite unexpected. I went to a friend's
house to put on an obedience demonstration and there she was. I fell in love and
the rest is history! We continue our training in Utility obedience, but
given that Missy really doesn't enjoy showing, we may consider retiring her.
Some of her accomplishments to date are:
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CD- AKC Companion Dog Title (January,
1996) - Missy was corrected by a match judge early in her career and
it was a devastating experience for her. It took me a full two years to
get her back in the ring for novice, and she busted 3 days in a row
because she was so afraid the judge might get her again. I held her out
another year and tried again. She rewarded me with three back-to-back legs
and two 4th placements! |
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CDX- AKC Companion Dog Excellent Title
(January, 1998) - Missy and I took our time coming back for Open and
it was worth the wait. She NQ'd her first trial, but then rewarded me with
another title in three back-to-back legs with a 4th placement,
a 2nd placement, and a 1st placement! |
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CGC- AKC's Canine Good Citizen
Certificate - Missy has actually completed this test successfully
many times. I think she was awarded her first CGC in 1993 and has passed
it for several other certifications since that time. She is also the
resident "friendly dog" in my Therapy Dog International, Inc. tests. |
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TDI - Therapy Dog International, Inc
therapy certification - Missy and I were active doing pet therapy in
a wide array of facilities for 6 years. Some of the places we have visited
are hospitals, nursing homes, children's centers, and worked with run-away
children in police custody. Due to my busy show schedule and upcoming
breeding plans with some of the other dogs, I chose to retire from Pet
Therapy. Since being a therapy dog is not a title, but rather a
commitment, you will no longer see "TDI" behind her name as an active and
ongoing accomplishment. |
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PP - Certified Pet
Partner (Delta Society) - Missy and I were certified with
Delta Society to do pet therapy as well. It is a much more difficult test
than the TDI test, but she passed with flying colors. Again, however, I
chose to let all therapy certifications lapse, so she nolonger carries the
"PP" in her list of active achievements. |
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O-VCCX - Outstanding Versatile Canine
Companion Excellent Title (Clever Canine Companions Versatility Registry) -
Missy and I were very pleased to have earned this title. It is the highest
versatility title offered by this organization. In order to receive this title,
you as well as your dog must be active in a number of different areas. |
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Narcotics Detection Trained - Missy has
been trained to find Marijuana and Cocaine, and at one time, actively worked
narcotics both on the street and as a demonstration dog. I refused to allow her
to be endangered and would not allow another handler to work with her, so her
career was short-lived. She still remembers how to do the work, but has been
retired for approximately 4 years. |
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Hero Dog - Missy was awarded "Hero
Dog" status by Jane Shons of Clever Canine Companions Versatility Registry
for her adaptability in so many different kinds of therapy situations. Missy
has an uncanny ability to read people and sense exactly what they need. Her
personality changes almost entirely from room to room with each patient,
depending on what they need most from her. She is a clown, a consoler, a
friend, a polite dog that keeps her distance, or the puppy that flops over on
her back to watch TV with her new friend. I can't take credit for her abilities
as a therapy dog-- she goes far beyond what I could ever teach or have ever
taught another dog to do. It comes naturally and is a special ability that only
she possesses. |
Missy is a very small Sheltie at 13 1/4 inches, and weighs in at
approximately 14 lbs. She is also spayed and microchipped for identification,
her thyroid panel is normal, and her hips are certified OFA - GOOD.
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