Kathy Buck and her partner, Marty Klugstone, are involved in OES Rescue in the Southeastern United States (www.carolinasoesrescue.petfinder.com). This is the story of one of their rescue dogs, Murphy, and some of the predicaments he and Marty have gotten themselves into on their unplanned detour into the rally ring. Those of you who attend OESCA’s national specialties may have met the dynamic duo when they took part in the national rescue parade. The following story is Murphy’s quest for his RA title as told by his partner in competitive crime, Marty.
Murphy's Law Unleashed
Murphy was surrendered by his previous owner due to being "snippy" with the owner’s son and brother. When they surrendered him it was obvious that Murphy was fearful of men. The pick-up was fairly uneventful, however. Murphy, on a retractable leash, stayed as far away from me as possible. Kathy had to get him into the car. Once back in Wilmington we stopped by the vet and we were heading home...or so we thought.
While Kathy talked to the doctor, I walked Murphy outside. He seemed to be getting a little more used to me. As we walked I went to switch his leash from one hand to another and dropped it. Not a problem. I’d just step on the leash and… the noise scared the big guy. We were off to the races!
Now, Murphy is a tall, lean fella (32 inches at the withers) and as I found out that day very athletic! Chasing Murphy up a very busy road, I realized I was losing the race. I was able to catch up three times with the help of some people in a pick-up truck, but couldn’t quite get my hands on his leash. Murphy finally stopped in a parking lot and I scooted on my hands and knees to get a hold of his leash. When I stood up there were cheers and horns blowing!
We thought he might need some training… Having never had to actually train a dog before, this was new territory on all fronts. But I enrolled him in a beginner’s obedience class. The trials and tribulations continued. Murphy was so afraid of all the commotion that he would shake uncontrollably going into the training facility. Once he became more familiar with his surroundings, with the support of the club members, Murphy began to excel in his classes.
We entered our first class on March 2005 and on September 8th 2005 Murphy received his Canine Good Citizen!!
Murphy and I continued to excel in training and a friend introduced us to Rally. A way to compete without doing the dreaded "Stand for Exam"---not our strong suit! We started training in Rally two nights a week. A transformation had been made....Murphy wanted to be with and please me!! Former arch enemies became best friends!
All along I have called Murphy "Murphy's Law Unleashed" and so that was what I decided to put down for his “registered” name when we applied for his AKC ILP/PAL number that would allow him to be able to compete. After all, he has far and away proven that Murphy's Law has been unleashed on me! A celebration ensued upon his AKC registration coming back. His hangover will not soon be forgotten.
We hastened to get our entries in for Rally Novice; three shows in Raleigh, three up and three down...but not so fast! It sure looks easy from the outside; inside the ring it’s a whole other story.
Murphy worked wonderfully on his first run but unfortunately his handler could not count. As we blew past station #4 our run was stupendous....Murphy's Law had been unleashed once again. Argh! Concentration is the key!
Our next three outings went well. Three tries and three qualifying scores.
Two placements and a Rally Novice Title! On to Rally Advanced!
Once again Long Shanks (one of his many nick names including Muffin, Muffin eater, Muff Muff and tall boy!) performed as a true champion. I, on the other hand, still cannot count. Similar course as the previous, unfortunately a change of direction followed a spiral....another repeat of Murphy's Law Unleashed! and, through no fault of his own, our first run in Rally Advanced went unrewarded.
No worries. Next show we head out confident of our mastery of rally (I am confident, he is mastered) knowing we were working mostly flawlessly in excellent level classes. We volunteered to run in Excellent for another team that had two dogs in competition and performed well.
Here again it came time for the rubber to meet the road---skid out of control, we knocked the bar (remember the name--I chose it!) Two for two NQs; I haven't prayed so much in my life.
Sunday came ...cool crisp autumn morning, Murphy's in his element. We’re quickly in and out of the ring with our first qualifying score in Rally Advanced! The curse has been broken!!
Next show...
In the morning we get up, lounge around and head out towards the show. “Murph, we need to get gas.” As I’m pumping the gas I looked at the program again. Good thing! We had ten minutes until walk through and the show is ten miles away!
We made it with one minute to spare.
The judge was a saint. Murphy refused the jump twice (living up to his namesake), but we still qualified with a 90!
Sunday we’re second to last in class. Wait.....the second station is a jump. No way!
Yes way. We qualified with an 82. We now have our Rally Advanced title!!
This completes our journey to date. We are going to continue competing through Rally Excellent, RAE and on to the CD.
If there is a moral to what I have tried to convey here it would have to be this: When it seems that all odds are against you a rescue dog will rescue you! With all my heart I would like to thank OESCA, Kathy (for her support in our endeavors), the members of Azalea Dog Training Club (whom I have come to know and love) and all the rescue organizations....without you all none of this would be possible.
Thanks for reading the story of one of the many special "Rescue Dogs"
Marty (Daddy to Murphy's Law Unleashed RA CGC)
[Editor’s note: Murphy and Marty have since earned two legs towards their Rally Excellent title (RE), and we’re looking forward to reading more about their Murphy’s Law adventures as they pursue their Rally Advanced Excellent titles (RAE) and their Companion Dog (CD) obedience title!! – KBL]