Dream Dog

When I was 13 I dreamed of owning a large male shepherd- mostly black with rich red markings. Perfectly well behaved and a Utility Dog to boot. I also dreamed of one day owning a border collie (red and white of course) Funny how things change over the years.

My first dog I ever did anything with was Tina- a shepherd cross. We did lots, and lots of obedience. Even though she wasn't purebred I trained that dog to a CDX. We took the funmatches by storm in my area. She really started my obsession. I started Agility with her way back when you only needed one Q to move up to the next level!

I purchased Indy- a dark female shepherd, out of the paper when I was 15 (1997ish). I desperately wanted a purebred dog to compete with- Tina was getting older and I wanted a dog that wasn't as limited. I saved all my pennies for that dog- babysitting, grooming, etc- every dime went into the purchase of that dog. And then at 7 months she was gone. Hip Displasia. I was 16 years old and had her euthanised because I couldn't afford to fix her. Her displasia wasn't a mild case either- she couldn't get up by herself, couldn't run, couldn't act like a puppy anymore. It was pretty awful.

You'd think that I would have learned my lesson about backyard breeders. but no. I demanded my money back from the breeders of Indy- in writing I had a guarantee. They refused but offered me a puppy out of a friends litter. I was a sucker.

I picked Kate out of the litter- she was the exact opposite of Indy- light in color, light eyes, a shy, timid little thing. Kate physically was alright. Mentally was another story. That dog taught me SO much about dog training and life. She was a handful almost right off the bat- high strung and nervous. At 6 months old her temperament went from okay to bad. Really bad. I know more about fear aggression than I ever thought I would. Despite her downfalls I love her. She is 100% devoted to me, and tries very hard to do what I want. I trialed her in Obedience and Agility for five years- and we did pretty good. She got her CD with a High in Class, and we had fun in agility.

I vowed that my next dog would have a sound mind and body. I was on a list for a shepherd pup- this time from a reputable breeder...the litter didn't take and I again was desperate for a pup.....

I never pictured my next agility dog to have such short legs- in fact I had never seen a cardigan in agility ever but when Wicca's breeder called me and said she had just the dog for me I couldn't resist going out to meet her...

I have fallen in love with this breed. I am forever looking at wesbites. I am addicted to pedigrees, blogs about cardis, forums and just general information. I will always have one (or more) Cardigans around. I have even chosen the kennel where I'd like to get my next Cardi from. I love their cheerfulness, the drive, the stubborness, everything about them. But it most definitely was not the dog I pictured way back when!

What was your "dream dog" when you were a kid?