Spotlight on Senior Dalmatians
“CASSIDY”
by Carol Ann Jennings
Cassidy is a 13 year, 3 month-old black and white bitch that enjoyed performing and meeting new friends, human and animal. As a performance dal, Cassidy obtained three companion dog titles, a novice rally title and four agility titles.
In addition to performing, Cassidy also was a TDI (Therapy Dog International) registered therapy dog that visited hospitals, rehab centers and schools. She particularly enjoyed working with Downs Syndrome children.
She also participated in obedience and agility demos at pet fairs, humane society dog walks, parades and other community activities representing the Companion Dog Training Club (CDTC) of Flint, Michigan.
Cassidy has about twenty outfits that she used in therapy work. She has always loved to dress up. For the longest time, she thought every item of clothing that came into the house was for her.
In 1996, Cassidy was awarded the title of highest scoring novice dog completing a CD in the Companion Dog Training Club of Flint. Not bad considering she was competing with a lot of border collies and golden retrievers.
Cassidy had aspired to obtain a RD title but training was sidetracked due to the loss of her companion and namesake, a thoroughbred mare, Miss Windjammer (Windy).
During the workweek, Cassidy’s job is to oversee the daily activities of her fifteen-year-old cat (Prancer) and her four-year-old dal companion, Bret D Spirit of Ms Windjammer (Wendy) who just needs a major.
Another favorite activity is traveling in the motor home. She still loves to go to dog shows with Wendy and spend time camping.
Other than progressive weakness in her rear, Cassidy is healthy. She can still run the fence line with her JR neighbor. Her vision is keen; she can spot a strange dog or person in the area from a block away. She has lost some hearing but then she has always had “selective” hearing which was a particular challenge in the obedience ring.