The big weekend is over and I saw a side of Tess that was beyond inspirational. The emotions are beyond description. Excitement, nervousness, anxiety, elation, frustration, fear, amazement, happiness and deep sadness. It was good to be back amongst horse people. I had forgotten how kind and big hearted they are. I used to be a 'horse person' in my younger days before I got into dogs. I often found myself watching the horses with a tear in my eye thinking that just 100 days ago, these horses were wild and had been transformed by some of the most amazing people on the face of the earth.

When this whole thing started, I remember the words of Patti Colbert in regards to the mustang competition ... "It's not about Showmanship, its about Horsemanship". These words rang true for us dog trainers as well. "It's not about Showmanship, its about Relationship". It was truly the relationship I had built with Tess over the last 6 weeks that allowed us to make it to the finals. I didn't find out until just before the finals that Tess had been considered one of the least likely to 'train up' because of her aloofness and minimal motivation.

It wasn't until Saturday afternoon that an interested adopter came forth. An elderly gentleman, recently widowed who had lost his black lab of 15 years was all alone and he was looking for a companion. Although I had made a promise to Tess that if we won, I would keep her myself, I was beginning to think that maybe that was a selfish thought.

During our finals performance I saw the side of Tess that I knew was in there somewhere from the first moment I had met her. She gave her all and she absolutely LOVED the audience. I honestly thought I was going to lose her focus when the crowd roared when she jumped on a square box and gave me a kiss. From there I saw the glint in her eyes come even more alive and she was pumped! I don't really even remember our routine, but I remember when I called her to me from a distance she lept into the air and ran to me with enthusiasm and a big smile was on both of our faces! Due to her physical limitations, I had put together a routine that emphasized control and her desire to comply to my cues. Although we were not perfect and I had to repeat cues a few times, she never blew me off and I was able to maintain control. I could tell she was playing to the crowd and her eyes were full of mischief and her energy was on fire. Our final piece of the routine included turning off the lights, going to bed and saying our prayers. She gave her all for the audience and for me and I'll never forget it.

Sunday was very bittersweet. I loaded Tess up into her adopters car, kissed her on the head and walked away. I know I had promised to keep Tess if we won, which we did; but I think there was someone in this world who really needed Tess more than I did. I have no doubt that she will transition into the quiet lifestyle of this elderly gentleman and will help ease his pain of loneliness. We will stay in touch and make sure that all goes well. A big piece of my heart goes with her. I hope I have given her back her trust of mankind by giving her the power to love unconditionally.

I am looking forward to next year and giving another little piece of my heart....

Karen Deeds
Canine Connection