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LINDA BRADY

WHAT STARTED OUT AS DINNER with friends turned out to be the start of a love affair with Belgian Sheepdogs. That was in 1978 and how "time flies when you're having fun". Fun with Belgians, that is.

I owe a lot to Danielle Daugherty who gave me my first introduction to a Belgian Sheepdog puppy. His name was U-CDX Crocs Blancs Black Magic Am/Can CDX. He was everything a Belgian should be and MORE! Stable, outgoing, friendly, charming and always did what you asked him to do, without question. Then came U-CD Claire De Lune Dendy Lyon Am/Can CD. I could sit and look at his pretty face all day and laugh at his comical antics. He made me smile more than any dog I have ever owned. If I had the knowledge then, that I have now-both would have easily become Champions. But my mom, Joann, soon got hooked on Belgians and again, thanks to Danielle, a new addition came into her home - Ch. Crocs Blancs Miss Behavin' CD.

Cubby was a year old when she moved in. And "move in" she did. She was the my first Champion and ohhhh...the things she taught me!!! She also taught my dad to take HER to Dairy Queen! Cubby died at the age of 15 yrs old and although my mom said "no-more big dogs!!", it was just a matter of time until somebody won her heart.

My mom's new partner is Amblin's Enjoy the Moment AX, AXJ, Certified Service Dog. She keeps my mom very mobile and when my mom is hurting and cannot get out of her chair, Joia retrieves the phone, helps her balance and get out of the chair and picks up any dropped item. She is a lifesaver!

Before Magic died in 1989, he opened his heart and home and became a role model for the newest addition to our home: BISS Am/Can CH Bayviews Itza Queens Game UD, MX, TT, HIC, WD-S, BAD, Can/UKC CDX, S-CD ROM. What a good start Hobby had and it is too bad that Magic couldn't have been around longer to show Hobby even more things.

Hobby turned every dream I ever had, into reality. He just gives and gives and keeps on giving. As if winning Best Of Breed at the 1992 Westminster KC and Purina Invitational wasn't enough...and taking 2 Selects. In his retirement year from the breed ring as a Special he wins Best In Specialty Show at the 1995 BSCA National Specialty. Hobby officially retired from the show ring forever at the 2001 National Specialty. When we got home, AKC called asking permission to use his picture for the August AKC Gazetter Cover!!!!! What a birthday present!! Of course we said YES! and low and behold -- in late July the issue came out with Hobby on the cover with his trademark - the "waving paw" !!!!

Hobby also gave me another very special gift (along with the help of Ch. Sundowns Discovery Caper CD and Ann Kozel), a newest Belgian face in the house is Ch. Discovery's Great Escape MX, MXJ, WD-C, Am/Can/UKC CD and about 230 MACH pts to date! "Wylie" is slowly following in dad's footsteps. He finished at 21 months of age at the 1997 BSCA National Specialty by taking Winners Dog! What a way to finish!

My love of Belgians continues as well as my fondness for my Golden Retrievers. They make such a good combination and contrast. Belgian Loyalty and Golden Goodness. Life doesn't get much better !

Linda M Brady

Linda is the Owner and Training Director of the Canine Community Center in Warren, MI. Visit her website at Canine Community Center - Home page. You can reach her at: Starrbyrst@aol.com