BELIEVE IN YOUR DOG

Mum was very good at trialling - her heelwork was the best
It always did impress me and I had to sit down for a rest
Completely on her own I watched mum do right turns, sits and stands
She really was quite good - I was one of her biggest fans.
I really didn't   think she needed me as she did a left about turn
But the judge said "failed" so I guess she still had much to learn.

Sometimes I didn't  sit and watch - I lagged a bit  instead
I admit the thought of 'What's for tea?'   was going through my head.
At stands and stays and recalls I was really very good
But mum let us down in heelwork - try hard though she would.

Then one day mum sat me down and in me she did confide
She  said "Rusty your heeling position should be always at my side".
Well, to be told this at six years old was quite a shock you see
So now I knew heeling was a partnership - not just mum  but me!

I was really quite  determined the next trial we went in
And do you  know we passed and a trophy we did win.
I know I made mum happy, of this I could clearly tell
And I was also very pleased that I had done so well.

So three straight trials - together - we did eventually pass
And in doing so acquired my treasured C.D.  at last.
The moral to this poem, as you can clearly see,
Is 'Believe in Your Dog' as my mum believed in me.

                                                          Rusty C.D.

This poem was sent to me by Josie Doolette.  She added that Rusty went on from there to  acquire T.D., T.D.X. and T. Ch.  -  All three titles in the one year and first sheltie to acquire a Tracking Champion title.  Congratulations!