U-CD, Purdy Dream Weaver, AAD, EAC, CGC (English Shepherd)

Purdy

Purdy

Kathy knew her second English Shepherd, Purdy, was special when she met the eight-week old bundle of black and tan fur. Friendly, eager and incredibly intelligent, she demanded attention. Clearly this puppy was going to love Agility! Sadly, one week later, Purdy injured the growth plate in her leg while playing with Rufus.

After two operations to help her leg grow straight, Purdy became strong again, but Agility was out of the question. Purdy was determined, however, and one day she barged through the door, raced to the weave poles, weaved five poles correctly and looked at Kathy with pleading in her eyes, as if to say, "I can do this stuff. Please let me!" She had learned to weave by watching other dogs. After long deliberation it was decided that Purdy should be given the chance to play the Agility game, if only for a short while. Soon she was having fun and getting lots of the attention she desired.

The team of Purdy and Kathy Lofthouse only entered a handful of trials, one of which was a Grand Prix Regional in 1995, when, to Kathy's amazement, she came first in the 24" class. In 1996 she went to the USDAA Grand Prix in Ventura and placed 6th in the 24" height class. Her only fault in the finals was anticipation of the table count caused by a handler who was, quite understandably, overwhelmed by the magnitude of her dog's achievement.

Before her early retirement from the limelight, clever Purdy easily mastered the obedience exercises to earn the United Kennel Club Companion Dog obedience title. Kathy recalls that Purdy made the judge laugh on the "recall over the hurdle" exercise as she ran so fast to Kathy over the jump that she crashed into her with her nose. The judge commented afterwards "I guess that is what one calls UTMOST ENTHUSIASM!"

Constantly bright, eager and ahead of the game, Purdy spent every day of her life displaying "utmost enthusiasm". She was simply the best, a gifted dog with a depth to her character that could not be measured and a spirit that could not be dampened. She will always be missed.