Reggae came into my life during my difficult "divorce and disaster" years, and her full potential was never realized as a result. Nonetheless, she earned her CD in her first 3 trials before she turned 2. She finished her Championship, novice/owner handled, at the Erie KC supported weekend -- going Best of Winners for the 5 point major on Saturday, and Best of Opposite Sex on Sunday. She earned her CDX with 10 qualifying scores in Open A (jumping 32/64) before she turned 3, and her UD the following year after only a few months of Utility training.

Reggae only attended one National Specialty (Cleveland in '87), where she made the cut in puppy sweeps and placed in 12-18 month bitches. Her father Jesse won both the Stud Dog class and the Veteran Dog class that year, and was in the final cut of male specials. It was there that I saw another dog who took my breath away -- a young special named "Topper". I knew that if I ever bred Reggae, I wanted him to father her puppies. Topper went on to win one of several Specialty JAM's that year, and became a multi-group placer. Three years later, their litter was born.

Reggae earned 2 legs on her Junior Hunter in the fall of '90 and was learning to handle that winter. Tragically, cancer took her life before the winter was over. Her puppies were 10 months old. My personal devastation was compounded by concern for their future health.

Five of Reggae's 8 puppies were shown, all by dedicated owners who had never finished a Champion before. These 5 all finished their Championships between the ages of 17 and 24 months, and went on to earn many performance titles including CDX, WCX, TD and NA. One of Reggae's daughters died too young of cancer; another died at nearly 8 following surgery for intestinal obstruction. The other six littermates celebrated their 9th birthdays on April 6, 1999, and three of them saw their 12th birthdays in 2002!

I could not have asked for a better introduction to the breed than Reggae. She was everything I'd ever wanted, and more than I dreamed possible. The pleasure that she brought me is echoed now in the many households where her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren reside.

Waylynn loves to work and I love training her, so most of her accomplishments are just the natural result of five years spent having fun together. Highlights:

In breed, placing third in Open Bitches at the Atlanta Specialty; winning Field Trial Bitches and making a cut in Best of Breed at the Maryland Specialty.

In obedience, qualifying for the Gaines Regionals; qualifying in 13 consecutive Novice classes (US and Canada); scoring 194 her first time in the Open ring at two years old, earning her CDX that spring with all placements, then finishing her UD five months later with first and second places; and being in the Top 20 Flat-Coats (Delaney System) both years she was in the ring.

In the field, where I had never titled a dog before, Waylynn ran and passed her first JH test at a year old. She earned her WC and a JAM in Unsteady Singles at the Atlanta Specialty, and repeated the JAM at the Chicago Specialty. I didn't steady her until she was well over three years old, but she passed her WCX and Canadian WCI both on the first try before her fourth birthday. That fall, she earned a Senior Hunter leg before being bred, and her second Senior leg came just ten weeks after whelping a litter of nine pups.

In agility, placing in our first two Novice A classes after just four snowy months of training, and finishing the title with a class win; then earning her UKC title in one weekend with four qualifying runs and two perfect 200 scores.

In tracking, certifying after two months of summer training, earning her title that fall at our first test, and nearly passing a TDX the following month.

The most satisfying part of Waylynn's career is having done all the training and handling myself. But nobody really does it alone, so I have people to thank: Sue Conley, who bred to Jesse when he was eleven years old to produce Waylynn. Dottie Bruff Litz, who got Waylynn as a stud fee puppy (hence "Harmony") and then let me have her at six months of age when Reggae, my first Jesse daughter, died unexpectedly. My mother/housemate, Cecelia Butler, who endures and encourages all my dog activities, however outrageous. My friends and puppy buyers, who congratulate and commiserate. And of course Waylynn, my second once-in-a-lifetime dog, a good sport whatever the game and my best friend.

Melody Daniels, 1996

Epilogue:

Waylynn earned her Open Agility title in the spring of 1997, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Minnesota Specialty with 100 points (85 were required). That summer, she earned her UKC CD in 3 straight trials, and in the fall passed her first 2 NAHRA Intermediate tests.

In 1998, Waylynn won the Field Trial Bitch class again at the Texas Specialty, placed in Veterans obedience, and strongly finished the Steady Singles. That summer, she earned 2 legs toward her UKC CDX. In the fall, she won the Veterans obedience class at our local club's trial.

With unspeakable sorrow, we bid farewell to our faithful and beloved companion Waylynn on Thursday, February 25, 1999.

There was no lingering illness, no prolonged good-bye; with a final kiss to her velvet brown head and a word of permission, she slipped away after a courageous 2-day battle with a neurological crisis from which she could not recover. There had been no prior warning of the cancer within.

Waylynn's public life and her recorded achievements don't begin to reveal who she was, or how she brought joy to our lives every minute of every day, or the depth and strength of the bond we shared. Her greatest talents were not in the field or any ring, but in her devotion to family, and her desire and ability to make us happy and make us laugh. At home, she danced and sang, stole our things when we weren't looking, slept on my bed and woke me up early on weekends. Because surely the day would be wonderful -- she would make it so. Her last weekend, she played frisbee with the neighborhood kids and ran land blinds for the sheer joy of it. On Thursday the house became quiet and lonely without my best friend.

Waylynn gave of herself completely for 8 years, and left me with memories to last a lifetime. I think of her now at the Rainbow Bridge, reunited with her older half-sister Reggae, with whom she played and learned to swim beside during the months that their lives here overlapped. I hope they have frisbees and fleece toys and big orange bumpers there.

I once read that the passage of time does *not* heal wounds; only the way we choose to spend our time can do that. That we choose to go forward with another flat-coat is our tribute to Waylynn, and to Reggae before her.

Sound in mind and body, Cosmo is a dog of great style, drive, scope and talent, with a need to succeed and the ability to focus and concentrate. He has a light-hearted approach to everything he does, making him an incredibly fun dog to train and compete with. He can also come through with surprising consistency, such as earning his CDX in his first three trials, and his 13 consecutive hunt test passes. While Cosmo could easily breeze through life on his looks and charm alone, he begs to work and lives to please.

Although he has never had a real specials campaign, Cosmo is a Supported Entry Best of Breed winner and has won or placed in his classes at five National Specialties. He has good breed type, great ring presence, and clean, powerful, effortless movement from every direction.

The things that we love most about Cosmo can't really be measured by Hall of Fame points -- like his character, temperament, and attitude. Those qualities have also been recognized by other breeders, who have given him the opportunity to contribute to the future of the breed. His kids, now ranging in age from five months to two years, are proving him worthy of the honor.

Cosmo's father Major won the National Specialty at the age of nine years, and mother Ravin earned her NAJ agility title at twelve years . . . maybe Cosmo is just getting warmed up!

Melody Daniels, Lyric Retrievers, and
Dawn Buttion & Marty Archambeault, Blazin Kennels

December, 2002

Cosmo lived with his breeders for his first three years, where he grew up with his mother Ravin, half-sister Augie, and niece Junebug, as well as his young human "siblings" Colin and Bryce. With Dawn and Marty, Cosmo won his first major at 6 months of age, finished his Championship with 3 majors, won a Supported Entry Best of Breed from the Working Dog class, and was pulled in Group. He also earned his Working Certificate, AKC CD and CGC during his "Blazin years".

At nearly 4 years of age, Cosmo made an enormous transition into our quiet, adults-only household where he was the only dog. He adapted beautifully and was all that we hoped he would be, both as our constant companion, my working buddy, and my elegant special.

From the moment of his arrival, Cosmo blew me away with his incredible potential, his eagerness to please and willingness to work, and his focus. CDX in 3 straight trials . . . UD with placements and 2 *extra* legs the following weekend . . . 18 field/hunt test passes . . . 20 agility trial passes . . . Hall of Fame . . . 3 National Specialty Working Dog class wins and 2 placements . . . National Specialty Veteran Sweeps class win and placements . . . multiple Best of Breed wins in very limited showing . . . Judge's Award of Merit in Best of Breed at the 2004 National Specialty at the age of 9 years under Mrs. Brenda Phillips . . . followed by 3 Group placements at 9 to 10.5 years old . . . always owner-handled and all while siring 10 beautiful and healthy litters including 30 Champions. A joyful dog and a real gentleman, Cosmo consistently produced his best qualities in his offspring, indelibly leaving his pawprints on the breed as well as on the hearts of all who knew him. (Frozen semen has been retained.)

AKC - American Kennel Club
CKC - Canadian Kennel Club
UKC - United Kennel Club
HRC - Hunting Retriever Club (a division of UKC)
NAHRA - North American Hunting Retriever Association
FCRSA - Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America
FCRSC - Flat-Coated Retriever Society of Canada

CH - Championship

Group Placements - First through Fourth place in competition against the Best of Breed winners of all Sporting breeds at a show.

JAM - Judge's Award of Merit
BIS - Best in Show (all breed)
BISS - Best in Specialty Show (one breed only)

CD - Companion Dog (U-CD in UKC; PC in Mexico)
CDX - Companion Dog Excellent (U-CDX; PCE)
UD - Utility Dog (U-UD in UKC)
UDX - Utility Dog Excellent
OTCH - Obedience Trial Champion (U-OTCH in UKC) (In Canada, this title is automatically awarded to a dog finishing the UD. In the US/AKC, the OTCH is a highly competitive title.)

TD - Tracking Dog
TDX - Tracking Dog Excellent
VST - Variable Surface Tracker
CT - Champion Tracker (Awarded to a dog earning TD, TDX & VST)

WC - Working Certificate (FCRSA & CKC)
WCI - Working Certificate Intermediate (Canada only)
WCX - Working Certificate Excellent (FCRSA & CKC)

SR - Started Retriever (NAHRA)
WR - Working Retriever (NAHRA)
MHR - Master Hunting Retriever (NAHRA)
GMHR - Grand Master Hunting Retriever (NAHRA)

SHR - Started Hunting Retriever (UKC)
HR - Hunting Retriever (UKC)
HRCH - Hunting Retriever Champion (UKC)
GRHRCH - Grand Hunting Retriever Champion (UKC)
UH -- Upland Hunting Retriever (UKC)

JH - Junior Hunter (AKC & CKC)
SH - Senior Hunter (AKC & CKC)
MH - Master Hunter (AKC & CKC)

AFC - Amateur Field Champion (AKC & CKC) (Highly competitive; AKC title earned by only one flat-coat to date)
FC - Field Champion (AKC & CKC) (Highly competitive; AKC title not yet earned by a flat-coat)
JAM - Judges' Award of Merit

NA - Novice Agility (AKC)
NAJ - Novice Agility Jumper/Weaves (AKC)
NAP - Novice Agility Preferred (AKC)
NJP - Novice Jumper Preferred (AKC)
OA - Open Agility (AKC)
OAJ - Open Agility Jumper/Weaves (AKC)
OAP - Open Agility Preferred (AKC)
OJP - Open Agility Jumper Preferred (AKC)
AX - Agility Excellent (AKC)
AXJ - Agility Excellent Jumper/Weaves (AKC)
MX - Master Agility Excellent (AKC)
MXJ - Master Excellent Jumpers/Weaves (AKC)
MACH - Master Agility Champion (AKC)

U-AGI - Agility 1 (UKC)
U-AGII - Agility 2 (UKC)
U-ACH - Agility Champion (UKC)

There are a number of other agility titles available through organizations such as NADAC and USDAA.

CGC - Canine Good Citizen (AKC)
TT - Temperament Tested
TDI - Therapy Dogs International
HOF - Hall of Fame (FCRSA)

What is an Obedience Title Really?

Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores, a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain, in the record and in the memory, for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard. And though the dog himself doesn't know or care that his achievements have been noted, a title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.

A title says your dog was intelligent, and adaptable, and good-natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed.

And a title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with him because he was a good dog, and that you believed in him enough to give him yet another chance when he failed, and that, in the end, your faith was justified.

A title proves that your dog inspired you to that special relationship enjoyed by so few; that in a world of disposable creatures, this dog with a title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials after the name.

An obedience title is nothing less than the love and respect, given and received and recorded permanently.

by Sandy Mowery, Highland, WI

Waylynn's Hall of Fame Write-Up

Cosmo's Hall of Fame Write-Up

Back to "Cosmo & Kids"

and

(You), the owners of (Bitch), AKC #_____, OFA Hips #_____, CERF #_____, agree to breed these two Flat-Coated Retrievers in (City/State) on the following conditions:

1. (We) certify that (Dog) is in sound health, with no known inheritable diseases or AKC disqualifications, tested negative for brucellosis on ______.

2. (You) certify that (Bitch) is in sound health, with no known inheritable diseases or AKC disqualifications, tested negative for brucellosis on _____.

3. (You) agree that (Bitch) will be bred to no other dog during this estrus.

4. (You) will be the breeder of record for AKC registration purposes.

5. (You) will be the owner of the offspring for AKC registration purposes; (You) will not transfer ownership of any offspring without written agreement specifying, at least, that:

   1. No offspring, or its offspring, will be raffled or auctioned, or sold or transferred at any time, by any means to any pet store or any individual or organization that owns, transfers, or breeds dogs with financial gain as the primary purpose; and

   2. No offspring will be bred until it is certified free of hip dysplasia by the OFA or a qualified veterinary radiologist, and until it is certified free of inheritable eye disorders by CERF or a qualified canine ophthalmologist.

6. All costs of transporting (Bitch) to (Dog), or all costs of breeding by fresh chilled insemination or frozen semen implant, including all costs of collection, preparation, shipment, and insemination/implant, shall be paid by (You), who shall advance or promptly reimburse (Us) for such costs. (You) assume all risks and agree to hold (Us) harmless for any loss or damage.

7. The stud fee is $______, to be paid one-half at the time of the first natural breeding or fresh AI (or prior to collection of fresh chilled semen, or prior to release of frozen semen); and one-half when two or more offspring live more than 72 hours.

   If fewer than two offspring are born or live more than 72 hours, (You) are entitled to a repeat breeding between (Bitch) and (Dog) on (Bitch's) next heat for no additional stud fee beyond the second half of the stud fee, which is due at the time of the repeat. In such event, (You) will bear all costs of transporting (Bitch) to (Dog) and the cost of repeat brucellosis testing of (Bitch), and/or all costs of breeding by fresh or chilled AI or frozen semen surgical implant, including all costs of collection, preparation, shipment, and insemination/implant.

   In the event that (Dog) is not available to any bitch for stud service by natural breeding or semen collection at the time the original or the repeat breeding is scheduled to occur, then (You) shall be entitled to one (1) straw of frozen semen for surgical implant in (Bitch), with (You) bearing all costs of preparation, shipment, and surgical implant of the frozen semen.

8. It is recommended that progesterone testing of (Bitch) be performed at (Your) expense, to determine the optimum timing for breeding.

9. (Dog) has bred naturally with a number of bitches, and readily achieved multiple ties with each. If natural breedings are desired, (We) will make every effort to see that they occur. However, if, in (Our) sole discretion, an artificial insemination is advisable, (You) authorize (Us) to have an AI performed at the vet clinic of (Our) choice, and (You) agree to reimburse (Us) for the costs of collection and insemination (approximately $_____).

10. (You) shall provide a written list to (Us) of the names and addresses of the owners of any puppies resulting from this breeding.

11. No puppies from this breeding will be sold to prospective owners or brokers outside of the continental United States, Alaska or Canada without the express written consent of (Us).

This Contract is made in duplicate this _____ day of _________, _____ by and between ______________, hereinafter called "Seller", and _______________, hereinafter called "Buyer".

Seller agrees to sell, and Buyer agrees to buy, both upon the following terms and conditions, a certain Flat-Coated Retriever described as follows:

Sex:
Color:
Date of Birth:
Registered Name (if applicable):
AKC Litter/Registration Number:
Sire:
Dam:
Breeder:
Price:
Terms:

This breeding was carefully planned based on thoughtful consideration of the qualities, accomplishments, pedigrees, and hip and eye clearances of both the sire and the dam. It is hoped that this breeding will produce sound puppies of correct type with field and obedience potential, and most importantly the outstanding temperament and personality that make the Flat-Coated Retriever an ideal companion.

It is the opinion of this breeder (Seller) that it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the relative quality of individual puppies at the age when the puppies go to new homes. A person looking for a guaranteed "show quality" or "breeding quality" puppy is strongly urged to buy an older, mature pup whose merits can be more accurately assessed.

The Flat-Coated Retriever described herein is, at the time of sale, in good health to the best of Seller's knowledge and belief. It shall be the Buyer's responsibility and expense to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian of Buyer's choice within five (5) days of the sale, during which time the puppy may be returned to Seller for a full refund of the purchase price. No other guarantees are expressed or implied.

The following conditions, clearly marked, are fully understood and agreed upon by both Seller and Buyer. Should Buyer fail to comply in any material way with any of the following applicable conditions without Seller's prior written approval, Seller shall have the right to immediately retake possession of said puppy/dog, and ownership of said puppy/dog shall immediately revert to Seller at no cost to Seller.

Check all those conditions that apply

( ) 1. Buyer shall at all times provide a safely fenced yard or kennel/run area of adequate size for exercise, with protection from the sun, wind, rain and other elements.

( ) 2. Puppy/dog shall not be tied out or kept on a chain.

( ) 3. Buyer shall provide a crate or exercise pen for confining the puppy/dog.

( ) 4. Buyer shall not allow the puppy/dog to be abused, neglected, tormented or teased by any person or animal.

( ) 5. Buyer agrees to comply with all laws pertaining to dog ownership, including licensing and leash laws, and shall not use or allow the puppy/dog to be used in any unlawful activity.

( ) 6. Buyer shall provide proper veterinary care for the life of the puppy/dog, including appropriate vaccinations, and shall feed an appropriate balanced diet. Water shall be available at all times.

( ) 7. Buyer shall have the right to name this puppy/dog; however, Buyer agrees that the first word of this puppy/dog's AKC or CKC registered name shall be ( ).

( ) 8. If original Buyer is unable or unwilling to keep this puppy/dog for any reason, Seller shall have the right of first refusal. This puppy/dog is not to be sold, given away, transferred or euthanized (put to sleep) without first notifying the Seller.

( ) 9. This puppy/dog, and any of its offspring, will not be raffled or auctioned, nor sold or transferred at any time by any means to any pet store or individual or organization that owns, transfers or breeds dogs with financial gain as a primary purpose.

( ) 10. This puppy must be spayed or neutered (castrated) before eight (8) months of age by a licensed veterinarian, who will certify this to Seller.

( ) 11. Buyer will take careful precautions to insure that this puppy/dog is not accidentally bred.

( ) 12. This puppy/dog shall not be bred without the express written consent of Seller prior to the breeding, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, EXCEPT, HOWEVER, in order to preserve and promote the multi-purpose nature of the Flat-Coated Retriever, this puppy/dog shall not be approved for breeding unless and until it has met at least two (2) of the following three (3) goals:

(1) A minimum of five (5) AKC or CKC Championship points under a minimum of two (2) different judges;

(2) An AKC, UKC or CKC Obedience, Tracking or Agility title;

(3) A hunting title, certificate of completion, or licensed field trial points from AKC, CKC, FCRSA, NAHRA, or HRC events.

( ) 13. This puppy/dog shall not be bred unless and until it is certified free of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or a qualified veterinary radiologist satisfactory to Seller; and unless and until it is certified free of inheritable eye disorders by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation or a qualified canine ophthalmologist satisfactory to Seller.

( ) 14. Buyer agrees to promptly notify seller of any change of address (physical, mailing, and electronic) or telephone number.

( ) 15. Buyer shall attend and graduate from at least one (1) Puppy or Basic obedience course with this puppy/dog prior to the puppy/dog's first birthday.

( ) 16. Buyer agrees that Seller may inspect both the puppy/dog and its living quarters at any time upon twenty-four (24) hours prior notice.

( ) 17. Seller shall have the right to review and approve of any photographs (except official show photos) prior to publication in the Newsletter of the Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America, the Flat-Coated Retriever Directory of North American Dogs, or Specialty catalogs.

( ) 18. Buyer shall promptly notify Seller of any serious illness, injury or health problem affecting this puppy/dog, and Buyer agrees to authorize Buyer's veterinarian to release information regarding this puppy/dog to Seller.

( ) 19. Buyer shall notify Seller upon the death of this puppy/dog, and shall inform Seller as to the cause of death.

( ) 20. Seller shall microchip this puppy before 8 weeks of age. Seller shall maintain the microchip records and list Buyer as the principle contact with Seller as an alternate contact. Upon notification of address/telephone changes, Seller shall update the registry.

( ) 21. Buyer shall not export this puppy/dog outside of the continental United States, Alaska, or Canada without the express written consent of Seller.

( ) 22. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Signatures, addresses, telephone numbers of all parties

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together . . . -- Anon. --

Yet it is a small matter, for if the dog be well remembered, if sometimes he leaps through your dreams actual as in life, eyes kindling, laughing, begging, it matters not at all where that dog sleeps. On a hill where the wind is unrebuked, and the trees are roaring, or beside a stream he knew in puppyhood, or somewhere in the flatness of a pasture lane where most exhilarating cattle grazed, is all one to the dog, and all one to you -- and nothing is gained, nothing is lost -- if memory lives. But there is one best place to bury a dog.

If you bury him in this spot, he will come to you when you call -- come to you over the grim, dim frontiers of death and down this well-remembered path and to your side again. And though you call a dozen living dogs to heel, they shall not growl at him, nor resent his coming, for he belongs there. People may scoff at you who see no lightest blade of grass bent by his footfall, who hear no whimper, people who never really had a dog. Smile at them, for you shall know something that is hidden from them, and which is well worth the knowing. The one best place to bury a good dog is in the heart of his master."

--Editorial from the Ontario Argus--

(from "Separate Lifetimes" by Irving Townsend)