The championship road

Stories are written all the time about shelter dogs who do wonderful things. Many of these animals become therapy dogs or work in rescue and have proven time and time again what love and patience can do with even the most challenging of dogs.

I met Jazz several years ago when I first began volunteering at the HSSC. She was a wild child and had been returned several times to the shelter. At about the same time, I met Jazz's mom, Stacy, who was also a new volunteer.

In July of 2006, while I was still working for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, I wrote a story on training the shelter dogs which featured a great photo of Jazz giving Stacy a kiss during a class. Jazz's obedience was on the money but she still didn't have a home.

Stacy and her husband, Galen along with their first dog, Gizmo ended up adopting Jazz and giving her a forever home.

Stacy began working with her in flyball. Today I got a note about Jazz's accomplishments this weekend at a tournament in Lakeland. This is what Stacy had to say: "This afternoon Jazz earned her Flyball Master Title at the Tropic IX Tournament in Lakeland Florida. Flyball Master (FM) is achieved by accumulating 5000 points in flyball races. It's the 6th title earned and is the first "big" title recognized by the North American Flyball Association with an official certificate and a pin that Jazz will receive (and I will wear).

Jazz has worked really hard to earn this title. She also got a big rosette with the title on it. She will get a photo on our "Flyball Master" wall at the Sarasota Obedience Training Center as well. Attached is a priceless photo of Jazzy with her rosette, goofy grin, and happy handler."

Thanks for the story Stacy. Another happy ending for a supposedly unadoptable dog.