Big News

Today it is my turn to share fun weekend news.

Capella. Randy Gaines photo.

Capella finished her Novice Preferred Jumpers title (NJP) yesterday in Utah, and that makes her a BMDCA Versatility Dog 🎉

This is a BIG GIANT DEAL to me because the Versatility Dog award honors Berners that reflect what I value: a smart, sound (in body and mind) working dog who also represents breed type.

Capella

To earn the award, a dog must have a championship, a draft title, and another working title from an approved list.

Thanks to Alison for this photo ❤️

Capella represent eight generations of Versatility Dogs, including six generations that I owned and trained, beginning with Abra.

Abra

Capella’s father, Ferguson, is Versatility Dog and her mom, Claire, is a Versatility Dog Excellent. Three of Capella’s four grandparents earned the Versatility Dog Excellent award.

Baby Capella with her superstar grandparents, all veterans in this photo ⭐️

At the agility trial on Saturday, an older gentleman spotted Capella and his eyes lit up. He shared that he had once had a Berner he loved so much, and I could see that love and his sadness for the loss in his eyes. Capella sat on his feet and leaned into him as he petted her soft fur and told me about his boy, letting memories bring back a beloved dog for those few minutes.

When Capella cleared the last jump yesterday and finished the title that made her a Versatility Dog, tears blurred my vision as I put on her leash and left the ring. It was my memories of a beloved dog that were with me. Claire’s baby is following in her mom’s very large paw prints.

Claire and Capella

Thanks for letting me share this happy accomplishment with you — I am grateful.

❤️

Fun Family Successes

Congratulation to Wildflower Kadi who passed her certification track recently and is now officially ready for a tracking test! Great Job, Team Kadi ⭐️ Here is Kadi wearing a tunnel 😂

Her brother, Chase, earned two more Scent Work titles over the weekend.

Congratulations to Lawrence and Chase.

Meanwhile in New York, Sparkler Ruthie also did well at a Scent Work trial.

Well done, Teams 👏🏼⭐️🏆

I love seeing what the working dogs are up to — thank you!