This is CCOC's first Obedience Champion in ten years:
Ob Ch Impish Lady of Lebelle ADX CDX
but better known as 'Josie' and her first time handler/owner Suzanne Keys.
Josie, a registered well bred pedigree at 2yrs 8mths, being bruised, a little battered, over weight, fearful of people's hands and men, had found herself in the SPCA.
Later, when Suzanne wanted to join NZKC she found that little Josie had had a very good start in life in a loving home, but perhaps too good because her dominance had been unwittingly allowed to assert itself and as a young adult it had 'got out of hand', especially with small visiting children. She was rehomed and what happened after that we don't know except that she was admitted to the SPCA some twelve months later along with her breed papers. Life for Josie, a cute and very pretty dog, had gone from bad to worse and was probably heading for death row. A poodle breeder heard about her, got her out, took her home and tidied her up.
Josie was three when they started in a Maiden's class following on from an eight week domestic course. They represented the Zone 4 team in1997 at Pukekohe as the Special Beginners and came second after a run off for first and won the individuals on a full score. That win also collected the trophy for the highest score of the weekend. Josie also appeared on television in the Tux Wonder Dog 1997 series, with a successful swim retrieve in very windy conditions.
So much for a good start, but then came the tough days, particularly in Test A of perseverance, heartache and an ageing dog, but eventually came the jubilation of becoming a Champion on the Leeston Show Grounds this Autumn.
Josie, at 10 years, has mellowed, but is still very active. She lives with three cats, fetches the paper, collects the mail, has even had a go at dancing, loves hunting for rabbits, has a variety of party tricks, and loves food of almost any description!!
