Holeshot Racers Flyball

           Flex​

Flex, my best friend,

The day I found you changed my life forever. When you were just two weeks old I came to the farm to meet you, you and your brother’s and sister’s were just starting to see the world. I came back every week to see you guys and to decide who I wanted to be my companion. Every time I came to see you, all your siblings would run and jump and bark and say, look at me, look at me, but not you. You sat quietly observing what was going on and only joined in the fun when you were invited by me. You weren’t what I thought a Border Collie should be. You had big prick ears, eyes too close together, pointy nose and freckles. FRECKLES?????? Border collies were black and white and that was it, in my world. So at the age of 6 weeks after going and seeing you weekly, I didn’t know who to pick, I was stumped you were all great. They told me to pick you! Not believing what I was hearing, I asked why? They said, I just have a feeling about this one. So i had one more week to think about it. When we came back at 7 weeks, your ears were bigger and you had more freckles and i thought that’s just not right. But they insisted it was you I should take home. Reluctantly, i did!!!!! We took her home, right out of the barn, first car ride and off we went visiting. You entered the house like you were meant to be there and I not knowing much about dogs or flyball for that matter, decided to roll big green tennis ball across the floor for you. You went and picked it up and brought it back to me and dropped it right in my lap. Amazement crossed over everyone’s faces, and said do that again. So i did, I didn’t see the big deal at the time, I do now. So again I rolled the ball and you repeated it flawlessly. That has been you to this day flawless. I have to say, you didn’t teach me a lot of training skills due to the fact that you just knew everything before i even asked. You were so driven and biddable never wanting to do anything wrong, and always doing whatever was asked of you over and above. You did teach me calmness, confidence and to dive into everything you do with all that you’ve got. You were the best first flyball dog anyone could’ve asked for. I didn’t know much about the sport but it sure seemed like you did. You’d give me that look when walking out on the lanes and I was all nervous, as if to say, it’ll be ok, we are here to have fun, relax and just play the game with me. You had confidence that you also instilled in me and once we were out there on the lanes together, nothing else mattered. 

Then your retirement came and it was a very hard time for you and me, but we got through it together, us still playing ball and frisbee together and having a great time in your retired days. So a few months ago we were at a tournament and we decided to give you one last run at flyball at the age of 13. You again did it flawlessly, even getting a 0.00 start from 15 feet, and I know I couldn’t do that, that was all you. So we ended on that note, the perfect dog with a perfect start. That was a great way to leave the lanes.

Now old age has caught up with you and there is no more play in your world. The sparkle in your eyes is gone, the hop in your step is now a hobble, you no longer crave food, so it’s our time to say good bye to you on this day. You will forever be in my memories, in my heart and on the racing lanes with me. You continue to live on through all your great pups you produced as well. Now go be that puppy full of a spirit that’s so driven and a heart that is so big, in that special place where many are waiting for you. Go show them how it’s done my friend. We love you, you are one of a kind.

Your loving family