Dick Shuey and his Doberman Pinscher, Emmett, felt like the gender twisted maxim “always a best man never a groom.” During Dick and Emmett’s first two legs toward their CD title they achieved two second place finishes. First place was another CPT participant Lee Mischiara and his German Shepherd, Britta. Dick was proud of Emmett’s accomplishments and happy for his CPT colleague Lee. But, he still aspired toward that elusive first place finish.
Well, last weekend Dick and Emmett became figurative grooms (figurative because we wouldn’t want Dick’s wife of 30 plus years Gail accusing Dick of bigamy). Dick and Emmett achieved first place at the Kennesaw Kennel Club sponsored AKC event in the Novice A class defeating eight other entrants.
Dick and Emmett showed a total of four times in Novice with three second place and one first place finish, including an outstanding high score of 196 out of a possible 200 points. In two of the trials Emmett also won high scoring Doberman in all classes. Quite a record for this first time obedience competitor who spends Monday through Friday as a noted Labor Attorney.
Emmett has made phenomenal progress since enrolling in CPT Beginner Obedience as a nervous rescue dog with severe dog aggression problems. Through Dick’s love and hard work and CPT’s guidance Emmett has evolved into a wonderful pet who is comfortable and gentle amongst people and dogs.
Dick believes CPT’s Competition program played an invaluable role in completing Emmett’s metamorphosis. Emmett enjoyed the intellectual stimulation and activity and benefited from the socialization. Dick enjoyed the improved bonding and his increased adeptness when handling Emmett at home, at the vet, or amongst crowds. The competition awards are merely a collective crown that stands atop what overall are more notable accomplishments in improving Emmett’s and Dick’s quality of life together.
And now Dick and Emmett are hooked! Since graduating from the Sunday morning Novice Competition Class they have enrolled in our Friday morning Advanced Competition Class. Look for Dick and Emmett to complete their AKC Open (CDX) title in the Spring of 2003.
If you are interested in learning more about CPT’s Competition programs, please contact Mark Spivak at 770-396-6433. We would thoroughly enjoy adding additional names to the list of CPT successes.
