airbear Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 On January 4, Wick crossed gently into the next world. She had spent a great weekend at an agility trial and the next morning, she told me that it was time for her to move on. I believe she is running fast and loud on the other side. I believe she has found Bear, and that they are playing ball in a field filled with critters. Wick was my first border collie, my first girl dog, and a kick-ass athlete. Her agility career was interrupted in the prime of her life, when I found herding. I would bust her out for the BC Regionals, which would be her first and often only trial of that year, and she would rock it. She qualified for nationals a lot, and ran in 4 of them. Her first trial was in 2002, and her last in 2015. Every run was an adrenaline rush as she was fast, loud and a tunnel suck. She had more drive than was useful, and it literally poured out of her. She could be a difficult dog, as her drive was tempered by her fear of things. Certain noises, such as teeters banging, smoke alarms, and the range hood fan, would cause her to run for a safety spot. Ceiling fans worried her, people thumping on the floor above us would cause her to pace. Once she was worried, she could not be bribed with food - it would fall out of her mouth. Because of her, I learned about spooky dogs, I learned how to keep her safe and below her threshold. It took 18 months to get her to go over a teeter. She was in Masters Jumpers before she ever ran a standard course. She never liked the teeter but she did it because I asked her to. She earned her Agility Trial Championships on a teeter gamble. Because I asked her to. We're not big on alphabet soup, but hers is impressive. ATChC Wick Bronze Award of Merit Bronze Versatility Award EXJ Silver EXST Silver EXS Bronze AAD EAC EGC EJC TG-E S-TN-E FDCH As she got older, she learned to tolerate almost everything except the evil smoke alarm. Her last Halloween, instead of hiding in a closet, she lay on the couch with me, growling with irritation at the sounds. She heard them alright, she had just decided after all these years that they were stupid. She loved road trips and she went on a lot of them. She probably travelled over 150,000 km with me in all of our various dog vehicles. She liked hotels, and really liked room service. I am glad she was able to enjoy one last road trip her last weekend on earth. She ran around, tugged on her toy, chased a ball, and bit Rex on the ass. It was a good weekend. Wick was a little feral pregnant stray who was pulled from a rural shelter in Washington by the PNW border collie rescue and fostered in Vancouver. While she started life a little rough, she lived it as the proper queen of Collie Nation. I am so grateful that she lived such a long and healthy life, and that I was lucky enough to be her person. Our house is quieter now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rushdoggie Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 I'm so sorry. The hardest part of loving them is their lives are so short. What a wonderful girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 Wick was pretty darn special. She left quite a heritage, in Collie Nation! I'm sorry she's not still here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rufftie Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 great life story for both of you. it's all you can ask and all you can give. sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbc1963 Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 So sorry for your loss. What a great life you gave her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvw Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 I am very sorry for your loss, and grateful you two had a good, long run together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 You have so many great memories of her. Thanks for sharing her with the rest of us over the years. I'm sure she and Bear are having a grand time together. Godspeed Wick. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxMom Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 So sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcv-border Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 So sorry for your loss. RIP Wick. I bet you're rocking it in doggie heaven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentleLake Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 I'm so very sorry, Kristi. Wick was obviously a very special dog who will live on in your heart. With sympathy, roxanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Root Beer Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 I am so sorry to hear about Wick. You know, I remember following Wick's story on another message board, when she was pregnant and in rescue, and then the birth of her puppies, and then her adoption. I always enjoyed your posts about Wick here. I am very, very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diane allen Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 So sorry. Enjoy Heaven's agility courses, Wick - where there are no teeters! Run free. diane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 Oh Kristi, I'm so sorry to hear about Wick. What a wonderful tribute to her and how lucky she was to have come into your life. I have no doubt that she's running with Bear. Run fast and free Wick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Love my BCs Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 I'm so sorry for your loss. I've enjoyed your posts, photos and videos of Wick and your crew over the years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maralynn Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 She was one of the few remaining dogs that I remember stories from way back when I joined the BC Boards. Those very special oldsters. I'm so sorry for your loss but glad for the full life she was able to live. Run free, Wick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach BCs Posted February 17, 2016 Report Share Posted February 17, 2016 I'm so sorry for your loss. Run wild, Wick! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G. Festerling Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 I am so sorry! One of a kind for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody & Duchess Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 They never stay long enough with us, although she seemed to have great last days. I especially enjoyed reading of your partnership together....you understanding her quirks and she giving you her all. It is amazing when they do something for us, against their better judgement, just because they want to please. She was lucky to have found you, as you were lucky to have found her. So sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildFlower Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 I am very sorry for your loss. I've enjoyed hearing your stories over the years. Run Free Wick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 She was the bestest girlie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfreda Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 Kristi, So sorry for your loss. What a wonderful dog and what a great road and career Wick had with you! I know you'll miss her... Rebecca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligande Posted February 19, 2016 Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 Sorry to read about Wick. I have enjoyed reading about your adventures. Not matter how long they are with us it is never long enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chan Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 So sorry for your loss! What a journey you had - may those memories bring you comfort and joy as time passes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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