Hobie would have been 15 years old this May 18, 2020. We found him in a newspaper ad when he was just a few weeks old and with little deliberation, picked him from a litter of 8 gorgeous pure-bred Australian Shepherd puppies.
Hobie fit right in with our pack of two dogs and two cats and quickly became leader of the pack (including us). He was always willing to please and a constant source of joy and entertainment. Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence and Hobie was no exception. Training him was a breeze. He literally learned every trick in the book and many that aren’t.
His ability to catch frisbees on the fly or chase balls was incredible. Taking him on walks, going to the park or hiking the many local trails was always a delight. Invariably, when we took him on walks, people would stop us and ask if they could pet him or just tell us what a beautiful and amazing dog he was. I can’t tell you how many times people on the street or driving by would just yell out “I love your dog!” or “Your dog is beautiful!”
One of my goals when we were looking for another dog was to find one that I could do dog agility with. I knew Australian Shepherds excelled at dog agility and I loved the breed. So, that was what I was looking for. I had never done dog agility. So, I bought a bunch of books and began trying to learn the rules. I setup obstacles such as jumps and weave poles in our backyard where Hobie and I could practice.
Eventually, I found a dog agility training class at a local doggy day care where we began taking classes once a week. Hobie’s eagerness to learn and fearlessness was amazing. He never hesitated; even on the scariest obstacles like the teeter-totter, A-frame, raised walkway, or tunnels.
After a while, we joined a local group called CAT (Cascade Agility Group) where Hobie and I took classes once a week running agility courses in a big old barn on the south side of Portland. Hobie quickly advanced beyond the classes CAT offered. So, I found a private trainer nearby where we took classes and practiced agility once a week.
Finally, when I felt we were ready, I entered Hobie into an actual dog agility competition. I will never forget how intimidating it was running our first agility course competition. The thing that really amazed me though was how unflappable and natural Hobie was from the very start. Hobie was a natural and within a few years, earned all of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Excellent agility titles and Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) Elite agility titles.
In his later years, Hobie also became a certified Animal Assisted Therapy dog which allowed him to go to hospitals or senior centers to help people in recovery or with disabilities such as PTSD or Alzheimer’s.
As you might have suspected, Carol and I are a just wee a bit dog crazy. Together I think we’ve owned over twelve dogs and I know there will be many more to come. Hobie was special though and will always hold a very special place in our hearts. We will miss him very much and will always cherish the time we shared together.
We found you in a newspaper ad
You were just a ball of fluff
You were exactly what we were looking for
You had us at WOOF!!
You learned every trick in the book
There was nothing you could not do
You excelled in dog agility
And frisbee fetching too
Your butt would wiggle constantly
Just like a bumble bee
Your smiling face and licking tongue
Were perfect therapy
A more faithful friend and soulmate
There surely never was
You are one in a million, Hobie Dawg
And you will always be with us.
Rest in Peace Hobie Dawg
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