DOG OF THE MONTH

November 2005

Submitted by Sheila Jweid-Webber, proud owner of Merlin
	Born one day before Catie’s tenth birthday, Merlin was the fifth puppy from a litter of nine. He had a moon-shaped mark on his back and my husband thought Merlin would be a good name. This was good because I was running out of Star Wars™ names. I hadn’t planned on keeping a male puppy and there were only two girls. I had picked out Lazer. Denise and Keith VanHousen owned his father “Rebel” and Denise kept telling me I should keep Merlin; he was a perfect example of a Springer. After much persuasion, we went into a co-ownership. They would handle his conformation career and I would take care of his agility career. Keith handled him in the breed ring showing him to his breed championship on August 6, 1998, at the Glens Falls Kennel Club show. He also has 11 Best of Breed wins and 13 times Best of Opposite. He has sired several litters and also has champion kids.
Merlin started agility training at about 6 months old with Fran and Bill Seibert at JAZZ Agility. He took to agility well; he was very willing to please. He earned his first leg in agility at the Eastern Springer Spaniel Club trial on June 20, 1998. Seven years later, Merlin earned his MACH title at guess where????? The EESSC Trial on September 4, 2005 under Kylie Bourke in the JWW Class. Merlin has his MAD, Jumper Master, and Relay Master titles in USDAA and his Elite titles in NADAC. He also has his CD in obedience. We’ve attended the AKC Nationals in Springfield (2000); Katy, TX (2002); and Tampa, FL (2004). I would like to thank Merlin for doing all the stuff I ask him to do and for being such a mellow, laid-back guy. We can travel anywhere, with anyone. He gets along with everyone; people and pups. His best bud, Maddy, often shares a crate with him; he does a great job keeping her warm at cold trials. Merlin is supported by his fan club: Mom (Legend), Sister (Lazer), and Bean Dog (Maddy). We look forward to doing more agility. There is the AKC Invitational next year we could shoot for; maybe we could go to the USDAA Nationals. Whatever we do, we’ll have fun doing it.

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