Fluffy is Good

Posted on March 24, 2005 by Ty LeGarde 

I have to admit something. The last article I wrote that was posted on this site; "They Aren't "Just" Dogs" generated a response that I was not really prepared for. Without really intending to?I touched on a lot of nerves. The response I got was all over the board. Some were critical of what I wrote, and told me it smacked of "fluff". Admittedly?it was not the most truly "journalistic" piece I have ever written. In fact, I'm fine with fluff. We all need it once in a while. How the heck else does a movie like The English Patient get produced? (For all you tough guys keeping score, I totally hated the movie?for all you gals out there?it is my second favorite movie ever, right after Super Troopers). Some told me of their dogs and how what I wrote was a reflection of what they feel. Some wrote me and told me of their dogs that have headed for the big dock in the sky. Others wrote I should stick to writing about the current events in the sport and how I am the one to write it because I have been given the space to write about it. The underlying tone of every response I received however, was one of a deep passion for animals?especially dogs.

I should hope so. You are at the Mack's Super Retriever Series web site after all. Perhaps you surfed here on mistake after a Google search for "Super Recipe Series" the ever popular (and fictional) television show on the Food Network. Maybe you are here checking on events for your dog-crazy brother-in-law. Whatever the reason?you've found us?and you are reading this. You must have some type of connection with dogs. Which is a good thing.

As long as I am launching into an entire article devoted to my own admissions, I should probably tell you it was indeed?me?that put the tack on Mr. Anderson's chair. Sorry Bert?for blaming it on you?but you gotta admit you had it coming. All joking aside?I am truly still awe-struck that Mack's, DU, and the good folks at SRS would want anything to do with what I have to say. It really is an experience of a lifetime?even if it sometimes fluffy. What is even more awe-inspiring is that people actually read this. I'm serious. I am very humbled by what is my readership.

Where am I going with all of this? I am not sure I even know. What I do know is that I am happy to write about Big Air. I tried to explain it in my last piece. I do this for my dog?and for all of you. As I said, the last article I wrote generated a lot of response. The reason I have such a passion for the sport and find the time, energy, and words (however misguided) to write this article is because of the great dogs, and people I have met being involved. Gats and I have yet to secure our Anheuser-Busch sponsorship?but you know what? This one is for you.

This is for Mike Jackson and Little Morgan. These guys have inspired many. They are at the top of the heap and have been for a long time. They got there because of Morgan's brilliant mastery of jumping huge. They got there because of Mike's dedication to the sport. They are the best and hats off to you for trying to beat 'em. Thanks Mike and Morgan.

This is for Will Gutman and Daisy June. This is a team that started small and came up big. Great Outdoor Games berths are hard to come by and Will and Daisy have done it a couple times. When Will could not compete with Daisy J a couple weeks ago due to "girl problems"?he spent his weekend helping others work with their dogs. Granted?sharing his knowledge could mean yet another competitor to challenge him. He does it anyway.

This is for Tom Dropik, Tucker, and Rocky. Who?without?I wouldn't be writing anything about Big Air. Tom gave me a chance, let me showcase my ability (or lack thereof), and gave me free rein to polish my style. Without the dedication of Tom and the longevity of Tucker?I doubt our sport would be where it is today.

This is for Wade Coplin and Dwight. These guys have a special spot in my heart. Wade immediately took me in after my move to Montana and introduced me to the Big Air Family out West. I've jumped Dwight about as much as I have jumped my own dog. Wade routinely takes time off from work to run events and he and Dwight are another pair of GOG competitors that are more interested in the promotion of the sport than their own personal gain. Champions of our sport.

This is for Larry Neau and Molly. This team showed up as newcomers to a Chicago Big Air event and haven't looked back. Molly is a Golden Retriever that jumps over 20+ feet. Larry was one that called me after the "Just" Dogs article and told me about his non-jumper Bailey. Bailey routinely out-worked Molly on Larry's pheasant hunts, taught Molly how to be a lady in the house, showed Larry and his family about loving, living, and being a good dog. We are going to miss you Bailey. Save some pheasants for the rest of us.

This is for Dean Skillman and Wylie. Wylie is Gats and I's favorite color (yellow) and shows with dedication, perseverance, training, and a belief that you can do it?you can achieve anything. Wylie's first competition was not as successful as Dean would have liked. Wylie jumped somewhere around 9.00 feet. He is now the dog to beat as Dean and Wylie are headed to the 2005 GOG. Goes to show that with a little work you can accomplish anything. A great example for aspiring Big Air trainers everywhere.

This is for Sara Knapp. She is the daughter of Andy and Rochelle. Sara is five years old and has a collection of ribbons that all of us would envy. She jumps her dog Sam (who wears a very stylish pink collar?because in Sara's words: "Boy dogs can wear pink too.") and is the embodiment of what this sport means: The inclusion of any and all. Thanks Sara for demonstrating that however big this gets?it is still just dogs jumping off a dock.

This is for Stan Mateus and Mitch. A team that does not care how they finish?it is that they are there that is important. Stan competes because his dog loves it?and I love watching them. We need more like both of them.

This is for Zane Capen and Buddy. Despite adversity?Zane has found something that he loves and can share with the thing he loves the most: Buddy. These guys came out to an event in Chicago and showed that you do not have to be a water-lovin' retriever to jump big. Watch out for Buddy and Zane if you are going to the Virginia event.

This is for Bryan Miller and Bocephus. I made the telephone call that brought in a new competitor who did not know he made Finals and bumped Bryan and Bo out of the Finals I was working last week. Bryan came up and shook my hand as he walked out of the venue. Bo jumped after the Finals were over and probably hit his biggest jump of the weekend. Another example of class, and the promotion of our sport.

My point? What makes this sport great?and what generates column space?is the involvement of truly great people and their dogs. I am just lucky enough to merely write it down.

How is that for "fluff"? Ah?admit it ya big softie. It's exactly what you need to get registered for the Ducks Unlimited Big Air competition. Now, if you will excuse me?I think I'm missing the English Patient.