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Of Course! Barbara McClatchey |
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When I was born, my mother put me in a dog basket borrowed from a neighbor, which my grandmother had lovingly cleaned and lined with silk. I like to think that my love of dogs originated in some lingering odor of dog that surrounded my infancy. My uncle was a veterinarian, and dogs (as well as cats, snakes, hamsters, and other assorted creatures) were always a part of my life. But it was not until 1987 that I was able to do what I had always wanted and get a dog to train for Obedience competition. What breed did I choose, you ask? When people at a show use to ask me why I got a Pomeranian and I replied, "to do Obedience with," they would become very quiet and change the subject. But it is my opinion that Poms are one of the best-kept secrets in the dog world. Not only are they smart and trainable, they are also willing to just hang around doing nothing until it is time to train again. I have enjoyed both training and living with them. Assorted dog activities have occupied me over the years: Obedience (including judging UKC Obedience), teaching Obedience classes and private lessons, Pet Therapy, Clowning, Rescue, Agility and now Rally. I saw rally for the first time when it was demonstrated at the Reliant Dog Shows in Houston and was not impressed. I soon discovered my mistake, however, and have been enjoying Rally for several years, showing in and judging it while it was a non-regular class, and now judging it at real trials. I love being able to talk to my dogs in the ring; Tiffany looks at me as if I've lost my mind but she loves it. I find it difficult to decide wether I prefer to show in Rally or judge it, but have finally decided that judging is more fun, since it lasts longer. I run a 501 (c) (3) rescue organization, Second Chance Poms, Inc. |
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