The first, the best
March 17, 1989 - March 1, 2004
"Is this the president of the Austin Kennel Club?" a gruff voice on the phone asked.
"Yes, I am." I answerd.
Do you want my German Wirehaired Pointer?" he asked..
"Uhh.. well, no. I have Siberian Huskies," I answered.
"Well, will you help me find him a home?"
"Sure, where'd you get him and who's he out of?"
"I got him in the Dakota's. His sire is... now I don't know what all these letters mean... DC. AFC Cascade Rogue and his dame is Ch Shurcan Laurwyn's Bacon Burger."
"Ok.. I'll come see him."
And with that phone call, Travis came into our life. He was 18 months old, never been groomed, never been out of the backyard and his ears were so badly infected he had goo running down the sides of his face. But I took one look and knew this was a special dog. He came home with me that day and acted like he'd been there all his life. He was enthusiastic, happy and got along well with everyone.
He turned out to be the comsumate show dog, finished easily and went on to be a terrific special. "Old Liver Leg" as he was known by other exhibitors and handlers, he had a fan club and always got terrific applause as he went around the ring. He truly believed everyone was there just to see him. On the occasion that we didn't win, he would still try to pull me toward the judge's table to get his ribbons.
In the field he was a dynamo. The only thing better than a bird in the mouth for him, was a bird in the mouth in the water! On more than one occassion he took a slight detour bringing the bird back so he would swim with it through a canal or pond.. just cuz it was fun! At his one and only hunt test, as we walked the backfield, a weather front came through and a very cold wind whipped up to about 30 mph. We made the turn into the bird field and Travis quartered right, then left. When he turned right again, he paused for a moment, head up, scenting something. He then made a beeline out of the birdfield, running as fast as his legs would carry him. I tore after him, hollaring as loud as I could. He paid no mind, intent on something. He ran straight through the gallery and headed back into the camp. When I finally caugh up to him, he was staunch on point.... pointing the nearly full bird box underneath one of the RV's. From then on I could never convince him it was better to point one bird in the field than to point a box of birds back in camp!
In agility, his favorite obstacle was the A-Frame, with him often taking detours from what I had indicated for him to do, just so he could run the A-Frame again.
He was a charcter, loving, clownish but downright serious when it came to his work. He was the best puppy sitter, always patient and gentle with the little ones. He was an ambassador for the breed, taking part in many "meet the breed" events and often used in Judges seminars to demonstrate that a proper coat could be white. He was a friend, traveling companion and buddy for nearly 15 years. There will never be another like him. We miss you, Travis!