New Page 1

Illions Reg'd
Thunder Bay, ON Canada
Text, Graphics and Photographs
© Copyright 2006
Linda Siczkar
All Rights Reserved
Developed by PawMark LLC

HOME PAGE

ABOUT US

Home Page About Us Pekingese Belgian Tervuren Other Dogs Links Contact Us

Can. Obedience Trial Champion Havenwest Brackenbrae Bluebird, Am. CD

H.M.S. Druid x Blue Token of Brackenbrae

Bridy - Collie
1974 - 1990

Bridy, bred by Elizabeth Redfern of Brackenbrae Collies in Thunder Bay, was my first competition dog. She was the leader of the brat pack at Brackenbrae, and came into my life when she was 1 ½ years years of age - at a time when my parents had a weak moment. Our house had only been inhabited by pekingese for at least a dozen years prior.

She achieved her Canadian Companion Dog title in 3 trials, with scores of 194, 189 and 192, earning us High Aggregate First Time Handler - complete with my arm in a cast. In 1977, her Companion Dog Excellent title was earned in 7 trials with scores of 197 - HIGH IN TRIAL, 197.5 - High in her class, and a 192.5 - 2nd High in her class. She was also 3rd Top Obedience Collie in Canada that year - quite an achievement for a teenager and her constant companion. The following spring, Bridy obtained her Utility Dog title in 5 trials, making her an Obedience Trial Champion. All of her obedience titles were earned within 1 ½ years of trialling. She survived “first-time” dog handler syndrome.

She was a sophisticated lady, riding subway trains in Toronto, where I attended the Ontario College of Art. She would accompany me to OCA parties, and only eat crackers with pate smothered upon them. She made computer cards out of the mail shoved through the slot of our house, and enjoyed walking and playing frisbee at the boardwalk in the Beaches. She carried her own gear on canoe trips, spending most of her life moving tiredlessly and with ease.

If only the opportunities for dog sports existed way back then, she would have been in her glory. Through her, I developed special lasting friendships with fellow dog enthusiasts, and met my very best friend.