On March 17, 1997, Tick joined our family; I had no idea what an impact
he would have on our lives and our hearts.
When Tick was born he was so small he fit across the width of his breeder,
Kris Martinson's palm. Thankfully Kris knew there was something special about him and she fed him with an
eye dropper until he was big enough to take a bottle. As he grew it was clear that Kris was right, Tick was special.
And he was a carbon copy of his father, Dickie, just a 25 pound version.
After losing our beloved dogs Kilo (17) and Justin (15) to old age in April 1996, we went
a year without a dog in our household. When we decided we were ready to look for another dog Kris offered us Tick.
We knew Tick as happy puppy who loved everyone and I felt he was a good choice for our household and two young children.
I started taking Tick to obedience class and soon Gina annouced that she wanted to be the one
to train him. The search for a trainer who would work with a six year old lead us to 4-H.
Gina and Tick trained in obedience and showmanship and during the 6 years that Tick was her 4-H
project dog they accomplished a lot; earning multiple High In Trial and Best Junior Handler wins at our County and State Fairs.
They also competed in obedience and showmanship in ASCA. I'll never forget their first
qualifying score in Novice Obedience, a first place win, or their first Best Junior Handler win.
Agility soon followed and this proved to be Tick's true love. He was like a little jack
rabbit on the course. By then he and Gina were so in tune to each other that few words were needed to negotiate a course,
they were awesome to watch.
Tick accomplished much during his competive years, but his biggest accomplishment was in
what he taught us. Tick opened many doors for all of us. Because of him we became active in Aussies, training
and showing our dogs in multiple venues. And we have met many wonderful people and made life-long friendships.
Both of my kids have been active in 4-H for the last 10 years. They have raised a variety
of small and large animals, including market steers, a market hog and market sheep. Both kids have been active in club
and project leadership and community service. They have learned a lot about themselves and had the opportunity to experience
things that have helped them grow into young adults that I am extremely proud of.
Tick showed us the true heart of an Aussie. His love and devotion to our family was
endless; there was nothing he wouldn't do for Gina. Tick had a heart of gold and was the happiest dog I have ever
known. He was secure in his role as alpha dog and never abused it; all of our other pets loved and trusted him.
He kept things in balance around here, it wasn't until he was gone that I realized how much.
Tick was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma in June 2004. He maintained his sweet personality throughout his brief illness. Even during his last days he did everything he
could to make things easy on us. I can honestly say there was never a bad day with Tick,
he was a joy to live with from the day he came into our lives. He was my perfect dog, his loss has left a hole in my
heart that will never go away. I cherish the time that he was in our lives, we were truly blessed.
