When I heard that Marilee had bred Lacey to Roper, I was very interested in the pups resulting from a cross of two exceptional MVA competitors. I contacted Marilee and scheduled a time to come down to see the litter. From the pictures posted on the web, I was immediately drawn to the little black boy with the thin blaze. But when I met the litter, that pup, though extremely endearing and focused, just wasn't the energy dynamo that some of his littermates were. Kenny and Marilee told me that they originally were concerned about putting 'Lefty' in an agility home but when he later turned on, they realized he was the perfect fit for me. Though a bit skeptical because I hadn't "seen it", I believed them. And two weeks later, when I came down to take my pup home, I brought home that little black boy with the thin blaze.

Trek arrived in the Bay Area in true monkey-boy style, by immediately rushing in and humping Chase's large warthog toy. He was a whirling dervish from the start, and hasn't stopped since. Kenny and Marilee still ask, "Does he have enough *energy* for ya?!?!?" and I have to laugh. He has energy for 3 dogs ... I just need to learn to keep up.

He showed twice in the puppy conformation classes, first at 4 1/2 months in Cayucos (pic above) where he was out of control in the ring, even literally at one point as he broke free from his handler (patient Dave) to chase the other puppy in the ring. He took 2nd and couldn't have cared less. His next time out, in Carson City, with another month under his belt, he took BOSp. He still was quite a challenge to handle but at least managed to remain under leash control the entire time. Progress!

Next Trek started training for agility and obedience, and started competing in agility probably a bit early. Although I took my time with him, trying to build a proper foundation, I missed a few fundamentals that he needed. He attended Susan Garrett's Skills Camp (agility) and two days of a Judie Howard (obedience) seminar with excellent results as a youngster. We still have a long way to go, but I am excited about the promise of this young dog.

Although he took a while to learn to avoid inviting off-course tunnels, we finally started to click as an agility team. After playing in the novice classes for a while he earned his AD in January 07 and then his AAD that October. Standard is usually his toughest class, followed by Gamblers although he has occasionally earned top points in Gamblers (most notably at the December Bay Team DAM event where he won the 22" Team Gamblers class). He easily racked up the Masters Jumpers and Snooker Qs, although Super Qs still elude us. Not for lack of trying or ability, so we know that one day they will come!

Trek made his obedience debut in March 2008. He earned his ASCA CD in 3 straight attempts with a 195 average and two first places. His scores improved each time he went into the ring and by the 3rd leg we earned a 196 and overall High in Trial! He enjoys the game and has a natural watch; he heels beautifully as long as I cue him correctly. When we have time we will continue obedience lessons and have already started training for Open.

Trek is a wonderful companion and has the goofiest, friendliest temperament he just makes you laugh ... unless you are wearing white when you greet him. He gets along with everyone, no matter what the species, and is assured that he can woo even the most reluctant of ladies to play with him. In some ways he reminds me of Tom Hanks' character in the movie "Big" -- he's really just a kid in that big boy body. I have to thank Kenny and Marilee, again and again!, for assuring me that that little black boy that I loved in those pics was truly the right one for me.

Trek at 22 mos

Photo by Doghouse Arts

Photo by Doghouse Arts
Bay Team CPE trial (aka mudfest) March 2006

See more pictures of Trek (at 14.5 mos)