Many people put
performance titles on their dogs, we do it because we enjoy the challenge and
because working with our dogs teaches us more about them and often, a little bit
about ourselves. This piece says it all!
What is a
Title Really?
by Sandy Mowery
Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title,
Not just an adjunct to competitive scores; a Title is a tribute to the dog that
bears it, a way to honour the dog, an ultimate memorial.
It will remain in the record and in the memory, for about as long as anything in
the world can remain.
And though the dog himself doesn't know or care that his achievements have been
noted, a Title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.
A Title says your dog was intelligent, adaptable, and
good natured.
It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however
crazy they may have sometimes seemed.
In addition, a Title says that you love your dog. That you loved to spend time
with him because he was a good dog and that you believed in him enough to give
him yet another chance when he (or you!) failed and in the end your faith was
justified.
A Title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed
by so few. That in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a Title was
greatly loved, and loved greatly in return.
And when that dear short life is over, the Title remains as a memorial of the
finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend. Volumes of praise in
one small set of initials after a name.
A Title is nothing less than the true love and respect, given and received and
recorded permanently.