Holweit's Stancher "Duffy" CD, HIT, RA, CGC
Double-certified Therapy Dog, Certified Therapy Test Dog and Herding Certified
In 2002 "Duffy" wins High in Trial
"Duffy" completed the third leg towards his CD (AKC) title at the SCWTCA Obedience Trial, King of Prussia, Pa., 10/5/02. Winning High in Trial with a 194 was an added bonus! Shown by Novice Class A handler (and first-time Wheaten owner) Dorice Stancher.
Special thanks to Sylvia Hamilton for breeding us such a wonderful dog, and for her guidance and encouragement. Thanks also to our instructor, Bill Delaney, American Canine Academy, and our supportive Wheaten friends.
In 2008 "Duffy" wins Wheaten Ambassador Award
Thank you to the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Association of Canada for choosing my dog, "Duffy" (Holweit’s Stancher) for the 2008 Wheaten Ambassador Award.
When I purchased Duffy as a newborn puppy from Sylvia Hamilton, in the fall of 1999, I never realized how he would become such an important and meaningful part of my life. From day one, he was different than the other dogs I had. Days after he arrived, my son became very ill and I had to remain by his side. Duffy remained steadfastly at the foot of his bed too, only leaving him when I took him out. He knew that I was concerned and so was he.
Sylvia required that we enroll in basic obedience and encouraged us to start competing, possibly even in the SCWTCA Specialty someday. Just competing to me seemed like a lofty goal since I had never done this before. Two years later, we competed at the Novice A level, earning a High in Trial in 2002. It’s a day I will never forget. We have also titled in Rally and compete at the Excellent Level. We were recognized for our efforts in “Front and Finish” magazine and several local papers. This could not have been accomplished without the support and encouragement of Sylvia, who was never too busy to answer my many questions, or to offer a kind word or suggestion. She has been a great role model.
Duffy’s steady, easy-going personality allowed him to pass the AKC Good Citizen Award with ease at a year, and he became a therapy dog shortly after. This year he was promoted to Certification Dog and I to Evaluator. He was also certified an additional time so my son, Mark could handle him on therapy visits. Every year we visit Camp Dream Street for children with cancer. My son and Duffy have received the Golden Bone Award for fundraising for the past three years for raising thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society Dogswalk, a large event attended by approximately 1,200 people. Duffy also won the Tricks Competition at that event three years in a row and now opens the competition to “show how it’s done”.
Duffy is my right hand and co-conspirator in a variety of fun things. We tried sheepherding and he pried four big ewes off of a fence to pass his herding instinct test. This past spring we marched in the Dogs of Ireland group in one of the largest St. Patrick’s parades in New Jersey. We’ve kayaked together, taken seminars in canine freestyle and tracking together, and this past winter skijored together. And as the years have flown by, we are denying our age together, as we dream up more activities to see how far we can go.
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