Tributes
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A Special Girl
by Debbie Berkley
How do you thank that once in a lifetime friend that opens your eyes to such a wonderful sport? Agility wasn't even a consideration at the time Nahtaki (whose name means "pretty woman" in a native american dialect) found her home with us. A purebred Aussie, she is classically unique because of her long, undocked tail. Energy by day and couch potato by night, Nahtaki helped me search for a canine activity suited to our needs and interests. Obedience was the first test. It didn't click for either one of us. Then we discovered agility and there was no turning back.
The early years were difficult as the sport was too new and the training methods clearly not advanced to the degree they are today. It wasn't until we met Nancy Gyes that the heart of the sport was opened to us. And from that moment on, Nahtaki and I began our competitive journey together.
Champions are made in different ways. To those who have seen her in action, she doesn't represent the high drive, explosively talented dogs that are found on the courses today. What she does represent, however, is the pure love she has for me. She has endured multiple retraining sessions with remarkable acceptance. She can be counted on to perform consistently and is almost always in the placings. Because of her consistency, she achieved her NADAC NATCh when she was 3 years old, her USDAA ADCH when she was 4, and her AKC MACH when she was 6. Her AKC career didn't begin until she was 4 years old. In 1999, at Aussie Nationals, she surprised more than a few people by winning both the 20" standard titling events. When all the points were tallied, she came close to winning the entire event. Numerous High in Trials have come her way. She has won USDAA Steeplechase events and placed in the money in many others. And, as the underdog in the spotlighted USDAA Grand Prix Regional qualifier for 2002 in Estacada, Oregon, she performed two technical courses with flawless consistency to not only win the Regional qualifier, but earn herself an automatic berth at the USDAA Grand Prix Finals in Irving, Texas later that same year. Her MACH2 was awarded in May of 2004. July of 2004, Nahtaki earned the Lifetime Achievement Award Bronze with USDAA, a significant milestone for any agility career. At age 9 1/2, Nahtaki once again qualified to go to USDAA Nationals and made her final agility showing in Scottsdale, Arizona in November of 2004 where she finished her career as a semi-finalist in the Grand Prix Championships. Although the decision to announce her retirement comes pretty much at the zenith of her career, it is noteworthy that she has managed 8 strong years of agility competition with never a sickness or injury. She has been an incredible teammate!
Over the years she has taught me so much about working together as a team. She doesn't do agility because she loves it. She does agility because I love it! What greater gift of friendship could there be? She has refined my skills as a handler, showing me how to be smooth and precise. And as my faults have been exposed a time or two in the course of our learning together, she has taught me to be equally gracious about accepting hers. Hers are minimal in comparison! Regardless of the location, weather, time of day, type of course or unusual distractions, that little gal has endeavored to give me the best of her abilities. She will always be my champion.
As her competitive years have drawn to a close, I don't want her to be forgotten. Her contributions to the sport have been significant. For as long as she is healthy, she will continue to play in this sport, happily encouraging High Voltage Agility students to improve their own handling skills. She is one special girl!
High Voltage Agility was founded by Debbie Berkley in 1999 when Ellie Rubinger, a Portland area agility competitor, needed a little assistance with her "over the top" Australian Shepherd. Little did Debbie know that Ellie's request for a "little assistance" would lead High Voltage Agility to where it is today. Ellie, thank you for asking for a "little assistance!"
Debbie would like to thank those very first students for their dedication and early, as well as continuing support. Deepest gratitude to Dick and Marilyn Watson, Cindy Hardy, Herb Gercke, Lisa Neusihin, and of course, Ellie and her "over the top" Aussie, Soli. Thank you all very much!
High Voltage Agility acknowledges Nancy Gyes, owner of Power Paws Agility in San Jose, California. Truly one of the pioneers in the sport of agility, Nancy's contributions have been significant. Much of the training program at High Voltage Agility stems from her influence. A true champion, Nancy has not only gathered for herself the many titles and coveted awards this sport offers, but she has been an incredible role model, a great example both on and off the field. Thank you, Nancy!
And thank you, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You have given us love, grace and, most importantly, life. May all that is said and done bring glory to your name forever.
"For God so loved
the world, that He gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in Him should not perish,
but have everlasting life." -- John 3:16