Cola & Trace's Retirement Part 1

Shannen Jorgenson was kind enough to post this on the AAC Bark list:

Hi all,
I just wanted to recognize a couple of agility handlers and their dogs in our area who had to make the tough decision of retirement for their dogs.

Last weekend at the Training Troop Trail, LeeAnn Carr retired her previous AAC National Champion dog "Cola". It was a very emotional event for us all and everyone there could feel the love and respect LeeAnn shares with her dog. It could have not been an easy decision, and LeeAnn once again showed her good sportsmanship in making the decision, and then sharing it with us all who were there.

Her team partner for the "retirement" run was Suzanne Bolt and her Border Collie Trace. Suzanne has had some incredible agility memories with this dog and you could see with every step they took together on a course, they both enjoyed working with one another so much.

It is never easy to make the decision to retire one of the greats in agility, and it comes all too soon. I retired one myself this year, and I know he hates it when the young ones come out to play on the equipment and he watches wishing I am sure it was him out there. If dogs could decide for themselves when to retire, mine would still be running I am sure! As would a lot of others! But since they are pets first, out friends, our companions and our partners, we make the decision for them based on what is best for them.

I know both LeeAnn and Suzanne have all the kindness and the compassion for their dogs and everyone can see just what good sports they are and how they made the best decisions based on their buddies!

We look forward to your next agility greats girls! See you at the trials!

Shannen