Who would have thought that Darwin's arrival in my life in July 2001 would have changed it this way ? At first, he was there to stimulate my 12 year old golden retriever, Octave. From a simple house dog he was supposed to be, he quickly became one of the most titled flatcoats in Canada.
At first, in puppy class, he was known as “The Terror” ! He finished last out of a total of 17 dogs in this class ! What a demon he was ! And he stayed a little bit that way all his life. Always happy to please me, making big smiles, dancing and always ready to poke my pocket because he knew I was hidding treats or ready to catch a ball while wagging his tail, proudly, he was one of a kind.
When he was a year and a half (2002), he earned his first obedience title (CD) at the United Kennel show. That is when I began to like these trials and I made the decision to pursue further. In 2003, he earned his CDX at Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry. Then, after only one year of training, he finally became OTCh in ten trials (2004, Association Canine du Grand Montréal) with a nice score of 192! On October 22 2005, Darwin completed his OTChX (a work combination of Open and Utility classes). It took him only eight trials to earn his five necessary qualifications. Darwin was the second best flatcoat in obedience in Canada for 2004 and 2005. Back in 2004 at the Canadian FCRSC specialty, Darwin made the 'High in Trial' ( HIT ) with a score of 194,5 in the 'Open B' class.
Next step : hunt Tests. With two weeks of training with ducks, he obtained his Junior Hunter Title. Since then, he has also obtained his WC (2004-Maxville) and WCI (2005-Thunder Bay).
He was coming from two fantastic dogs ; Whoopee (Quillquest Absolutely Kaotic CDX MH WCX) from Gillian Impey, and Devon (Ch Fieldday Devon Dream On CDX JH WCX Am/ WCX CD) from Nicole Germain.
Darwin also had another passion ; he loved frisbee ! In september 2004, he earned his Novice title ( DD ) with the Canadian Disc Dog Association. In January 2007, after almost a year without being in a ring, he completed his American CDX. At the 2007 specialty in Québec City, as test dog in Senior Hunter and without practice for a whole year, he and another dog were the only ones to qualify for the test.
We have learned to work together and have developed a profound admiration for each other. With your “Joie de vivre”, you're my hero, my idol and my best friend, ever. Our lives together were too short but you will be in my heart for as long as I live. He made me where I am now. He changed my life forever and if you're reading this page now, it's all because of him. Darwin died from cancer in my arms on April 29 2010.
I love you so much Darwin and I will always think about you. Thank you !
