THE JUNE 2001 BU FEATURE
DOG
HAYLEY’S
WINTER STORM -- "HAYLEY"
2001 ABC OBEDIENCE HIGH IN TRIAL!
by Owner/Trainer Shelly Clawson
Haley is 5 years old. She was
bred by Susan Hoover. I am eternally grateful to Susan for allowing this VERY special dog
to become a member of my family! My Husband and I wanted a dog, but could not agree on a
breed. I wanted a puppy to start training for Obedience. Then we saw our first white Boxer
in a pet store and we fell in love! I called around for months looking for one from a
breeder. We really wanted a female. Susan had a litter due and of course had no idea if
any would be white. When the puppies were born she called me and told me that Chance had
had some fawn and some brindle, and she was done. Then she said that her husband mentioned
that of all times not to have a white one -- when someone wanted one so badly! With that
Chance started pushing again and out came my Haley! I have always said she was born just
for me.
This was my first ABC, and
what a BLAST! I had no idea there would be so much to do! My husband and I had only booked
the room for one night. I never expected to win HIT! When I was asked by Nan Hauprich to
do an exibition I thought it would be impossible. I live in NJ and I had to work the next
day. When Nan said Wednesday, I said I would try. Haley and I left at 3:30 in the morning
and drove five hours back to Fredrick so that we could do the exhibition! I don't know
what was more fun, winning the HIT or being there to do the exhibition. No matter what
Haley does from here this will always be our career highlight -- an experience we will
never forget!
Having a white dog at the ABC
was truly an experience! There were those who were definitely not happy. But I can't tell
you how many people came up to me to say they are tired of hiding their white puppies and
are happy that things are changing. One woman asked me why I didn't just take a pet
quality puppy with color instead of a white? I feel pet quality is pet quality no matter
what the color. I do performance events with my dog and for performance I will take a dog
with good conformation and bad coat color ANYDAY over good coat color and bad
conformation!
Haley's AKC Novice career
includes three first placements and two thirds. She earned her CD March 23rd 2001. Her ABC
performance was the best ever -- she had never turned on like that before! Haley had the
time of her life in Fredrick. We also won the Novice Graduate Class at the ABC.
She now also has her ASCA CD
and her UKC CD, earning two firsts and two second placements.
Next, watch for Hayley in
Open! |
