General Membership Meeting
TRUST - A Deadly Disease
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(Published in 1988 in Canine
Concepts & Community Animal Control Magazine)
By Sharon Mathers
There is a deadly disease stalking your dog, a hideous,
stealthy thing just waiting its chance to steal your beloved friend. It is not
a new disease, or one for which there are inoculations. The disease is called
“Trust”.
You knew before you ever took your puppy home that it could not be trusted. The
breeder who provided you with this precious animal warned you, drummed it into
your head. Puppies steal off counters, destroy anything expensive, chase cats,
take forever to house train, and must never be allowed off lead!! When the big
day finally arrived, heeding the sage advice of the breeder, you escorted your
puppy to his new home, properly collared and tagged, the lead held tightly in
your hand. At home the house was “puppy-proofed”. Everything of value
was stored in the spare bedroom, garbage stowed on top of the refrigerator,
cats separated, and a gate placed across the living room to keep at least one
part of the house puddle free. All windows and doors had been properly secured,
and signs placed in all strategic points reminding all to “Close the
door!”
Soon it becomes second nature to make sure the door closes nine tenths of a
second after it was opened and that it is really latched. “Don’t
let the dog out,” is your second most verbalized expression. (The first
is “No!”) You worry and fuss constantly, terrified that your
darling will get out and disaster will surely follow. Your friends comment
about who you love most, your family or the dog. You know that to relax your
vigil for a moment might lose him to you forever.
And so the weeks and months pass, with your puppy becoming more civilized every
day, and the seeds of trust are planted. It seems that each new day brings less
destruction, less breakage. Almost before you know it, your gangly, slurpy
puppy has turned into an elegant, dignified friend. Now that he is a more
reliable, sedate companion, you take him more places. No longer does he chew
the steering wheel when left in the car. And darned if that cake wasn’t
still on the counter this morning. And, oh yes, wasn’t that the cat he
was sleeping with so cozily on your pillow last night?
At this point you are beginning to become infected, the disease is spreading
its roots deep into your mind. And then one of your friends suggest obedience classes,
and, after a time you even let him run loose from the car into the house when
you get home. Why not, he always runs straight to the door, dancing a frenzy of
joy and waits to be let in. And, remember he comes every time he is called. You
know he is the exception that disproves the rule. (And sometimes late at night,
you even let him slip out the front door to go potty and then right back in.)
Years pass- it is hard to remember why you ever worried so much when he was a
puppy. He would never think of running out the door left open while you bring
in the packages from the car. It would be beneath his dignity to jump out the
window of the car while you run into the convenience store. And when you take
him for those wonderful long walks at dawn, it only takes one whistle to send
him racing back to you in a burst of speed when the walk comes too close to the
highway. (He still gets in the garbage, but nobody is perfect!)
This is the time the disease has waited for so patiently. Sometimes it only has
to wait a year or two, but often it takes much longer. He spies the neighbor
dog across the street, and suddenly forgets everything he ever knew about not
slipping out doors, jumping out windows or coming when called due to traffic.
Perhaps it was only a paper fluttering in the breeze, or even just the sheer
joy of running...Stopped in an instant. Stilled forever- Your heart is broken
at the sight of his still beautiful body. The disease is trust. The final
outcome, hit by a car.
Every morning my dog bounced around off lead exploring. Every morning for seven
years he came back when he was called. He was perfectly obedient, perfectly
trustworthy. He died fourteen hours after being hit by a car. Please do not
risk your friend and your heart. Save the trust for things that do not
matter. Please read this every year on your puppy’s
birthday, lest we forget.
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Well the second training session has started and is well
underway. Things seem to be going well in both classes. Kendall, with the help
of Denise, has been progressing through the basic class with a very nice group
of dogs and, in the advanced session, Jackie has provided some good tips and
pointers for those looking to enter the Novice ring.
For those veterans and also those contemplating the first
step, the competitive season in all areas of Obedience, Field, Agility, etc are
well underway for the new year. There have been a number of tests in this area
recently where many members have done very well. For those of you that are new,
remember that the AKC is not the only venue available. The UKC also has
numerous events in all areas running throughout the year. Their tests are very
similar at each level and are a good way to keep skills sharp and practiced.
Although we did not hold a show-n-go within our club please remember that the
Merrimac Dog Training Club has them regularly planned (check their web page for
dates/times). The show-n-go’s are a good way to proof your dog and get a
good understanding where they stand and how they’ll perform. It is also
very informal, allowing you to talk with your dog, and use treats, toys and any
other encouragement needed.
All members should remember that we are holding a general membership meeting at the Armory
on May 14 at 8:00 (immediately following the basic class)
for some general discussions and to review and vote on proposed changed to the
Club Constitution and Articles of Incorporation. Many of the changes are minor
and provide clarification on specific points of actions and issues need to keep
the club running smoothly. A copy of the proposed Articles was included in the
last PUP. If there are questions on the changes or other issues please be
present for the meeting to bring them forward or let me know by separate
correspondence.
Good luck with any show and training.
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by David Hamel
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Thanks!
We would like to thank everyone for their cards, emails and
expressions of sympathy for the recent loss of our companion, Mason. It was
very sudden and unexpected and your thoughts helped to soften the sadness we
have felt in losing him. Thanks again. Lee
& Rod Hussey
Brags!!
Please send any submissions for The PUP to Caryl Thompson at
757-631-0712, or e-mail pupeditor@pcotcdogs.org
Aleta Channel noted that, “On April 5th & 6th at the Merrimac Dog Training Club Agility
Trials in Gloucester, VA, Channells Chocolate Mousse UDX JH NA OAJ, handled by Laurene Galgano, earned his first OA leg and AXJ leg — both with clean
runs and first places.”
Caryl Thompson forgot to share the news that Tonka earned his second leg towards his UCD back in
March. One more to go!
Maggie Hayes reports, “Snapperoo picked up his third Junior Hunter leg on Saturday,
April 11th at the Maryland Retriever Club’s hunt test in Trappe,
Maryland. One more and he’s an official ‘swamp collie!’
Snap earned his fourth Junior Hunter leg at the Labrador RC of the Potomac’s hunt test on Saturday, May 3rd. ºHe is now
officially Fireside Snap N Crackle JH! ºI am so proud of that young dog
and now we are on to Senior!”
Jackie Kirkman is pleased to share that, “at the HROTC Agility Trial, The Flashman was 3rd place in his height division in the EX Jumpers class and finished his
Master Jumper title (MXJ). He was 1st place in the EX. Std. class in the 24" division and earned his 6th Master leg.”
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June
7th & 8th: Rectortown, VA Mattaponi Kennel Club and Dulles Obedience
Training Center - 4 UKC agility trials - Pre-entry closes May 28th. Contact
Brian Anderson at 703-392-8740 or Laura Miller at 540-822-9014
June 14th & 15th: Fletcher, NC Ashville Kennel Club - 2 AKC Obed trials
& 2 AKC agility trials - Closes May 28th. Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
for the obedience trials; Margaret Franklin at 828-697-2118 for the agility
trials
June 21st & 22nd: Richmond, VA Virginia Kennel Club - 2 AKC Obed trials -
Closes June 4th. Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
June 27th - 19th: Afton, VA Dog Obedience Training Club of Lynchburg - 3 AKC
Obed trials - Closes June 11th. Contact Judy Smotrel at 434-384-3177
July 3rd-6th: West Friendship, MD Catoctin, Northeast Maryland, Upper
Marlboro and National Capital Kennel Clubs - 4 AKC obedience trials - Pre-entry
closes June 18th. Contact Moss Bow at 336-379-9352
July 12th & 13th: Apex, NC Carolina Canine Pet & Performance - 2 UKC obedience trials - Pre-entry
closes June 20th. Contact Laura Kramer at 919-644-0408
July 19th & 20th: Westminster, NC
Tail Waggers Agility Club - NADAC agility trials - Contact Denise Dougan at
dugank9@wserv.com
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June 14th & 15th: Baltimore, MD — The Oriole Dog Training Club is
having a Tellington Touch seminar conducted by Barbara Janelle. Lunch and snacks are included in the $150
handler/dog team fee. This is a hands-on workshop, so bring a mat or blankie
for you and your dog. Registration deadline May 19th. Contact Sarah at
SRRHecht@aol.com for details.
August 16th-17th: Durham, NC — The Central Carolina Poodle Club is
hosting Judie Howard at the Durham Kennel Club building. This seminar are structured to assist people in
all facets of dog training. It is a true working seminar with a limit of 50
working sports. Judie Howard and one of her assistants will work with handlers
and their dogs. Anyone who gets a working sport will have several chances to
work their dog, either in a group or individually. There will be space for
spectators. Crating space is very limited. Lunches and refreshments are
provided in the seminar fee of $140 for participants and $90 for spectators.
For more information, contact Jan Gray at workingdogs@earthlink.com or
919-563-0815.
August 30th-31st: Newport News, VA — Merrimac Dog Training Center is
bringing Bud Houston to conduct an advanced agility seminar focusing on distance training, handling
movements, and positive training methods. Limited to 14 working teams;
unlimited number of auditors (those with no dogs). For more information, contact
Penny Garwood at Pgarw81849@aol.com or 757-826-9341.
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Ponder!
Franklin P. Jones
Will Rogers
Fran Lebowitz
Ben Williams
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Recipes!
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About PCOTC
The Portsmouth Chesapeake Obedience Training Club, Inc is a nonprofit organization composed of people
who enjoy working and spending time with their dogs. We are interested in helping you train your dog to be a well
mannered family member and a source of pride.
President: DavidHamel 757-478-6913 president@pcotcdogs.org
Vice President: Marie Stuart 757-465-5099 vpresident@pcotcdogs.org
Treasurer: Cathy Broyles 757-488-8752 treasurer@pcotcdogs.org
Corresponding Secretary: Cristy Broyles
csecretary@pcotcdogs.org
Recording Secretary: Kendall Owens 252-771-3034 rsecretary@pcotcdogs.org
Board Members: Lovey Lyons 757-657-6564 board1@pcotcdogs.org
Denise Call 757-558-1120 board2@pcotcdogs.org
Mary Ann Maegher board3@pcotcdogs.org
Leslie Wemoff 757-465-0456 board4@pcotcdogs.org
The PUP deadlines:
We make every effort to distribute The PUP the first Wednesday of each month. In order to help us make
this deadline, please submit information by the 25th of the previous month.
Please send any submissions for The PUP to
Caryl Thompson 757-631-0712 pupeditor@pcotcdogs.org