Photo by Gerry Bradshaw
Chloe
FMX August, 2000 - August 3, 2007
Breed: Australian Shepherd
Gender: Female
Jumped: 14"
Averaged: Mid to Low 4's
Fastest: 4.48
First Tourney: 01/18/2003
Last Tourney: 09/16/2006
Handler: Gerry Meller
Chloe came to us in September, 2000 from Ohio - sight unseen. All we knew about her was that she was a female and a tricolor. We also found out that she was an Australian Shepherd. We were not familiar with the breed so when we checked it out we found that they were very intelligent and very energetic. Boy! We’re we in for a surprise.
Chloe was all that and more. She sure was intelligent. Chloe picked up on things very quickly. Before she was a year old, she began bringing in the paper for us. It was her job no matter the weather, she would make it her duty to find the paper and bring it in rain, snow or sun. One time the paper was missed at our house, but Chloe was determined to bring in a paper and started to run across the street to bring us their paper.
She sure was energetic. She always needed something to do. Whether it was chasing a ball or tugging on a rope, she was always moving. Once Chloe found the Frisbee, we couldn’t stop her. When we were outside, it would be nothing to have 2 or 3 Frisbees laying at your feet hoping we would throw at least one to her.
But all of this did not seem to be enough for her and we knew that we needed to find something else. That is when we discovered flyball and Front Runners (Pedal Pushers at the time). It was very easy to teach her the basics but when she found out that tennis balls were involved she seemed to really catch on.
In the early going, it was a little difficult to slow her down because she was so enthusiastic. But through the patience of everyone she finally caught on. She really did love Flyball. Especially at the runbacks where there were all of the tennis balls just laying there. Only one mouth but we tried to get as many as we could into that mouth. Everyone seemed to get a kick out of her and her laryngitis by tournament’s end.
Chloe, you left us way too early. We’re going to miss you. We cannot believe how quiet the house has become. No toys in our laps while we are watching TV. No Frisbees at our feet while we are working in the garden or sitting on the porch. Nikki sure misses her big sister and showing her the way.
We love you little girl. We will be looking for you at the Rainbow Bridge. We know that there is an endless supply of Frisbees there and someone to toss them for you...
Till we meet again.
Gerry, Terry & Nikki