Shaun (1988-2001)

by Nicki Hughes and Brad and Nancy Vokey

In Memory of Shaun (Manit Shaunessy O’Timerider) FGDCH

July 30, 2001

After a long and distinguished flyball career, spanning 10 years and many improvements, Allsorts Dogsports bids farewell to one of the all time greats. Shaun – our 12 year old Shetland Sheepdog and the current #2 NAFA Top Pointed Dog – was put to rest last week. Brad and Nancy knew that his quality of life was no longer acceptable or dignified and made the final, painful, decision. Brad and Shaun at one of many Winnipeg Blue Bomber CFL Halftime Shows (August 1994)

With sad hearts, his whole family came for one last flyball practice and celebrated his life with the rest of the team. Shaun was delighted to play once again and reverted back to his old training days of spitting the ball early to tug at Brad’s shoelaces.

Shaun first came for lessons when he was a year and a half old. Both handler and dog were inexperienced, but keen. Shaun remained in training longer than most of his classmates, but we knew that what Shaun had was worth the wait!

Shaun loved the snow! And thanks to his coat and his flyball heart he never felt the cold! (January 1997) Shaun entered his first tournament in November 1991 and played until September 2000. In that time he racked up over 61,500 well deserved flyball points. Shaun was the height and start dog for the team that was always beaten up on. You know, the team that runs too fast for division two but seldom wins a race in division one. With grit, determination, and many, many early starts from Brad, they sometimes pulled off the impossible anyway! Shaun at practice (May 1991) Shaun had even greater recognition in multi breed events where he often performed the height dog honors for our regional and NAFA champion teams.

Shaun always gave his heart and soul to the sport and deserves the immortalizing he has received. He will always be the 1st Shetland Sheepdog to get his FGDCH, always be the NAFA Top Point Earning Dog of 1997, always be on the cover of Jacqueline Parkin's book "Flyball Training… Start To Finish", and most importantly, he will always be a spunky, little fluff-butt, with-in our hearts.

Shaun, our little flyball warrior – we will remember you well!

More memories of Shaun
Shaun's 'girlfriend' Shawna (if only they would have done the deed!)
Allsorts Dogsports website

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