In fact she inspired me to get another one, Devo. You just have to learn how to han‐
dle and bond with your unique bundle of joy.
The first dog show I ever attended was in Houston, TX.
Keeper was too young to show and I didn’t know the first
thing about showing. I sat ring side and got to see the num‐
ber one ACD. Afterwards I met Theresa Couch, who’s always
been supportive of us juniors. She handed me a cattledog
and threw me into a juniors’ seminar. That was the reason I
started showing. That was the moment I decided I was going
to show and finish Keeper.
We found a conformation class in Terrell to help me and
Keeper get used to the ring. A great place to get your dog so‐
cialized, but my questions weren’t being answered. Deb and
our vet, Dr. Freeman, suggested Leilani Doberman’s for han‐
dling class. It wasn’t too far from the conformation class.
The classes were small but Ken Hapgood and Karen Mounts
taught me everything about showing and even let me and
Keeper travel with them for free. I learned to show German
Pinschers, Dobermans, Wolfhounds, and a Basenji (I decided table dogs weren’t for me). I
got extremely lucky. Some dogs, I daresay most dogs, hate showing but Keeper loved it.
She loved the special treats she only got at shows, all the smells, and all the other dogs.
She especially loved the random toys I gave her when we won in Juniors.
It took us a long time to start winning. I was new to showing and still learning and
Keeper being a puppy wasn’t the judges’ first choice. Our first win was on a Sunday in
Kentucky under Judge George Heitzman, a three point major winning Best of Winners and
the Award of Merit. We won here and there most notably in Houston With a four point
major. And Keeper finished up in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri under Judge Lee
Canalizo. While there I picked up my new puppy, Devo, Keeper’s best doggy friend and
her own personal punching bag.
Keeper has matured beautifully. Right around a year, she just stopped being devi‐
ous without warning. It was wonderful. She is taking a short break from showing residing
mostly on the couch keeping Mr. Devo in check. Her exercise is agility class where she
puts all others to shame. She will be returning no later than the Australian Cattle Dog Na‐
tionals 2009. So look out for this dynamic duo, Keeper’s told me she doesn’t plan on com‐
ing home empty handed.
SilverDust Australian Cattle Dogs
Deb Casey
Roanoake, Texas
www.AustralianCattleDog.com
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