ASCA Registered Name: Cross Keys SuzieQ STDs JV-N RV-N
AKC Registered Name: Overboard Snow Squall PT NA NAJ NAP NJP CGC JHD
Born: May 5, 1999; Died: November 25, 2011
Suzie was my heart dog. She was my first Aussie and the reason I got involved in this breed and in dog sports. Before I got Suzie I didn't know that people did so much stuff with their dogs. I thought purebred dogs only did dog shows of the Westminster Kennel Club variety. I thought obedience school was for bad dogs. Dogs on ranches herded cattle and sheep, pet dogs didn't. Nobody in their right minds herds ducks. Suzie was a door to my further education in dogs. Or, I should say, her breeders were.
Sheila and Pete Dolan of Overboard Aussies bred Suzie and her two sisters. Suzie was the first born and quite a shock with her white coat. White is a disqualifying color in Aussies, even when the head is colored as Suzie's was. But what a beauty!
Sheila, my husband Kevin's cousin, passed away in September 2010. In early June 1999 we were in Connecticut visiting the Dolans for their daughter Jen's wedding and went down to the basement to see Annie's 2.5 week old puppies. I held Suzie in my hands and fell in love. Fortunately, they were looking for a companion home for Suzie. I convinced Kevin that a third dog would not be a problem since I work at home. We went back to pick up Suzie a couple months later and began the adventure.
Sheila mentored me through early socialization, puppy education, training (for me) and feeding. Eventually, she even convinced me to try a herding instinct test for Suzie. I was hooked and started regular lessons on sheep. Once we got going on that, we started agility training. Suzie had titles in AKC and ASCA.
We got involved in our local ASCA club and Aussie rescue, and, through Sheila's editing position at the time, I got the wonderful job of producing the multiple award winning Australian Shepherd Journal for USASA. Since Sheila's death, I am the acting editor. I go to New York City to watch Westminster when the weather cooperates, and I took Suzie to a few USASA National Specialty shows and the 2007 ASCA National Specialty. Suzie was my partner and best girl, she owns my heart. I will miss her forever
Click on the first thumbnail and travel through Suzie's world!
