The Lovely Music of a Partnership

For those who know me, the magical relationship I shared with Tique' was unique. Our dances together in obedience and agility garnered scores which were recognized with multiple high in trials. Tracking with her was relaxing for me...Tique' was an honest worker and never, ever led me astray. During herding, she managed me quite neatly...I was always in the wrong place at the wrong time and she worked in spite of me. When Christopher was born, he became her responsibility and slept under his crib. A dog of great sense and sensibility, Tique' was perfect in absolutely every way.

A glimpse into my house...into the office building at dog school...into my binder containing two decades of training notes...my adoration of her is prominent.

So, you can imagine, and my friends know first hand, that the loss of Tique', at 14+ years of age, was a blow that brought me to my knees. Literally.

At the blackest time of my life, people who loved me surrounded me...my veterinarian, Candace Stormer, DVM of Rolling Hills, my soul-sister, Chris Zink, Ph.D. DVM, http://www.caninesports.com/ Ginger, Kathy, Robin, Patti, Paula...all of my girlfriends supported me for months.

I'm not without dog. I have two really, really nice Tervuren...Reeva and Trip. However, I just couldn't bring myself to train either of them...my music had stopped. My partner was gone.

But, I'm not interested in rehashing my loss - we've all had them. My message to you is to celebrate the gift of your past companions...then get to work enjoying your current companions.

It took me a year to be able to enjoy Reeva and Trip. My breakthrough with Trip was herding with Jerry Rowe http://www.twincreekherding.com/. It was remarkable; Jerry advocated for Trip. "He loves you, Andie and is trying to figure out the game. You, dear, need to be worthy of him. Get in the game." From that moment on, the connection between Trip and I was forever changed for the right reasons.

With Reeva, it took a bit longer. Ironically, it came to me during a class I was taking. I love taking classes at CCSC and enjoy learning new skills. It was Patti, who teaches our jumping classes, that gave me reason to pause. After a challenging jump course, Patti came up to me and started listing all of the ways that Reeva "saved me" on that jump course. Reeva has an elegant jumping style and due to her great structure can make difficult maneuvers appear effortless. She also adores me. Those were the things that Patti pointed out to me.

At a dog event this weekend, I visited a photographer's booth and, surprisingly, discovered that she had used two of Reeva's jumping photos in her advertising display. I stood there and looked at the familiar face of Reeva...the dark, inquisitive eyes. The thrill she experiences when working with me...being my partner.

We can all name dogs from our past who were remarkable companions in a variety of ways. I'm suggesting that when we are blessed with a dog that we call 'once in a lifetime', that may be a disservice to those who follow in years to come. Don't waste the years you have with your current dogs. Take them for walks. Play a lively round of "tuggie", give them plenty of peanut-butter stuffed kong toys. Snuggle with him/her on the bed. Teach them skills. Make the best of the time you have together. Regardless of how long your dog lives this life with you, it won't be long enough. Trust me.

I'm a fully engaged partner of Trip and Reeva. At this point, they are my focus and the construction of each unique relationship is a journey that I relish. I want to be the kind of teacher that they so richly deserve. That's my goal.

There are times tho, that they move over and let the memories Jacques, Maverick, Rocket and Tique' come back and work with me. I give Trip and Reeva credit for being smart enough to let me indulge in revisiting the companionship of those who shaped me into the trainer I am today.

Don't walk. Run.
Go. Now. Hurry.
Your dog is waiting.
For you. Only you.
She is waiting.

Enjoy the journey -
~Andrea Meinhart