This web article prompted some discussion among friends: http://farshores.org/jd031604.htm

It is about going back in time... It got me to thinking, as an anniversary approaches, just what would I have done or be doing , if Pocket's event had not happened ? Of course, I'll never know but can only speculate based on my past interests and hobbies.

Every couple of years, I saved vacation time to travel down to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania for the 4-day national event of the STCA & ASTC Specialties. It is a glorious weekend chuck full of terrier camaraderie, puppies all dressed to "show" and full of themselves! Then there are the health sponsored events of interest to attend, and of course the dinners, awards banquets, and club business.

I have been fortunate in the later years to be offered a home to stay to defray expenses and chauffeured to all the activities. One year I took the train into Philly and another , flew in on the cheap by Southwest. It was heaven not to do the 7-8 hour drive, but that had been necessary to travel with dog(s) , anyways.

Friday was always my favorite ! I love the puppy Sweepstakes and the obedience ring held at the Lulu Temple! And of course, Saturday at Devon , despite weather conditions possible, was grand to peruse the many vendors of antiques & collectibles. Almost all out of my price range, nevertheless, I always came home with something unusual and perhaps gifts for my doggie friends at home.

On one hand, this yearly event seems so trivial and meaningless now, but on the other, I am jealous that I feel that way and long for the same inner excitement is used to hold. Little Ikey, my wheatie was in the puppy class Oct. 2005, and that was the last year I went.

I swore to myself that I would obtain at least one working AKC title on one of my dogs, and that was to be either Tickles or Ike or both. Rally seemed to be a good bet, as a combo of informal obedience and agility. I had taken all but Ike to agility and Ike completed obedience.

Mack, my Scot passed in '99, absolutely loved obedience school, with tail all awag at the clink of the metal choke chain (commonly used in those days), and he was just the niftiest getting his Good Citizen award! Back then the exercises were a bit different. The last one was to show he could be left without whining or trying to find the owner out of sight. We had done so well and passed all the previous "tests" and then it was time to enter the last room. Mack made an abrupt stop and I looked down and saw the just varnished shiny floor with a painted black line. Oh boy, Mack thought this was a big water puddle and he was afraid of unknown "depth". He had good reason and I knew that.

I distracted & cajoled him, slightly tugging on the leash. He went the few feet to the designated spot and did not MOVE or make a PEEP, while I went around the corner. Times up! Retrieve your dog---you both have passed! I scooped him up and made a huge fuss---whewww, that was a close one!

Two of my dog class instructors have not given up on me, I receive the fliers and updates for the new starting classes. Will I ever go? Ike would sure enjoy it.