Am.Can.Ch. SureShot Pistol Petey, CD, TT - Pete was going to be a handful from day one. Long before his eyes focussed, he'd wiggled his way out of the whelping box and explored the laundry room. Confidence was his from the beginning. We did obedience, scent hurdling and conformation and a sense of humour was needed throughout. Pete always had his own way of doing things. The day he got the final leg of his CD, I noticed that we'd lost 4 marks on the score but I couldn't read the judge's handwriting. I asked about the deduction and was told (the judge was smiling while he said this) "it was for clowning". I gather it was the yodelling that was going on while we were doing our heel work. I'd become so used to Pete's constant talking that I wasn't really aware of it. Oh well, a pass is a pass.

Pete was a large dog with substantial bone, lovely colour, and head but never carried much coat. Because of his size, the lack of coat was a bit of a handicap in the showring except for people that understood his strengths. I decided early that I'd not waste my money showing him to judges that couldn't get past the coat. However, in spite of very limited showing, he picked up a Group IV and a very nice Award of Merit at the GSCC National Specialty (breeder/judge). In the US, he did remarkably well. Only down for two weekends, Pete was never defeated for the points, going BW for all days, with a final BOB over Specials to complete his American Championship.

We had to say good-bye to Pete shortly after his thirteenth birthday when standing became too much of an effort to even try. The dog I had once thought could destroy the living room with his enthusiasm had become a total joy to have around. His mind maintained its youthful outlook but he'd become the "old dog" I will never forget. A huge hole was left in our home and our hearts.