Horton

Because I didn't realize that I could assign him an AKC-type name, his registered NAFA name is Horton. If I had known better it would have been Babswick's Horton Onyx and Beyond. Because he is - way beyond!

Since Horton was my first dog, I had little experience to draw from. The first time I tossed him a ball, he ducked! Flyball prowess didn't initially seem to be one of his gifts. But he doggedly persisted and is now a steady, consistent team member. What makes me happiest is the excitement he shows as he waits his turn in the lane. In his eagerness to "Get that ball!" he seems to absorb the energy of the team member racing past him on their way to the box. And, being the food hound that he is, he happily races back to me to claim his treat. Now that he is 12 years old, he is showing signs of slowing down, but in his prime he ran in the mid-5's; his personal best was a 5.2.

Horton is a Canine Good Citizen and has earned his CD Obedience title and his RAE Rally title. He has also done some tracking training and can challenge any border collie in cat herding. His next venture will be Barnhunt.

When AKC agreed to list NAFA titles, a request was sent out for photos and bios of "Canine Partners" (AKC-registered mixed breeds) who were running flyball. Since Horton's materials were among the first received by AKC, he was among the dogs featured in their Canine Partners newsletter. And this year he's being featured again under the headline of Older Dogs Rock! Other publications that feature him are the 2016 Mug Shots calendar and the "best of the best" Mug Shots book. Horton doesn't let his celebrity status go to his head, but I am extremely proud of him. My H-Man, Horton Eugene, Hortonza will always have a special place in my heart.