Casselcreek  Australian  Shepherds

The "Heart" Award ~ In Loving Memory of
 

CH Casselcreek Whiskey Girl  RN-CL  STD(sd)

May 2004 - June 2007

Each year in July, the Working Australian Shepherd Club of Alberta (WASCA) holds ASCA herding trials at Leslieville, Alberta.  Whiskey was the first dog I ever trained and trialed, and we earned her first herding titles together there.  This year, 2007, we were getting ready to trial on cattle to hopefully complete her ASCA Started titles, having earned her sheep and ducks in 2005, at just over a year old.  I had only submitted her entries a few short days before she passed away.  It was then my hope to celebrate her life by creating an award in her honor. 

Judges Shannon Oxford and Rachel Vest observed dogs and their handlers over the course of the weekend's trials and their decision was unanimous.  My special friend and WASCA Club President, Jeni Gallichan, made the presentation:   

"I've been asked to present a special award on behalf of someone who loved a certain little red dog more than any one could imagine.  But as I look at the handlers present here, I know how much we all love these wonderful Aussies we're fortunate enough to share our lives with.  Today, we remember Casselcreek Whiskey Girl, and honor her brief life.  In Theresa's words, “Whiskey had a TON of heart, she never quit, she never gave up on anything, and I would like to acknowledge, through what I've named “The Heart Award”, the significance of the very special relationship between dog and handler.  When you look into the eyes of your dog and believe without a doubt, they're giving you everything they've got ... that's HEART.”   Throughout the weekend's trials, our judges have been observing handlers and their dogs working together as a team, and this award is presented to the dog and their handler who, in the opinion of our esteemed judges, have displayed the most "heart" while achieving their goals.  The recipient of this award is Lyndsay Hindbo and her Aussie boy, Kiefer. 

Lyndsay has been trialing at the WASCA trials since she was a young Junior handler, and I'm thrilled to have such a deserving young lady and her dog receive an award so dear to my own "heart".  Congratulations, Lyndsay and Kiefer. 

To read Whiskey's story, click here