Brinx
CD, CGC, TT, TDCh,
October 14, 2004
Yesterday evening we lost a very colorful and memorable Lickety Splits teammate.
Brinx, our Bernese Mountain Dog teammate passed away from cancer that attacked
his lungs. He was quite comfortable until his last day, though Jack and Susan
knew that his time was drawing near. Brinx had the distinction of being the
guest of honor at his 7th
birthday party at the Camerons' pool this past summer. Many of his canine
teammates attended and voted it the best birthday party of their lives.
Brinx wasn't the fastest dog on the team, and the ball sometimes got lost
in his cavernous mouth, but he ran with gusto and enthusiasm. His bark was
known by all of the other teams that raced him - his massive bark when he
was about to run frightened many a die-hard opponent. His racing career was
limited by a distinct intolerance of heat and many health problems.
After taking a few years off with 485 points to his credit, he was entered
at the Catchers tournament this past month to finally get the title that
he deserved - a Flyball Dog Champion. For the last race of his life, he ran
like he had always run - he charged down to the box, somehow get his ball
in his huge mouth and ga-lumped back for his waiting cookie. He did his job
three times and earned his title. It was a spectacular sight and everyone
cheered for the old guy.
Brinx is now a bright memory, and remembering him run in flyball, barking
his way to the box brings a smile to those of us who were there. We extend
our condolences to Susan who was Brinx's leader and to Jack who loved him
just as well. Rest in peace, Big Guy.
-- Eunice, team captain
Brinx came from a breeder in Iowa, who apparently breeds Bernese Mountain
Dogs who think they are labradors!
Although he is currently semi-retired from flyball, Brinx stays in shape
by swimming whenever he can in his pool. When he gets into the pool area,
it is nearly impossible to stop him from getting into the water! In
flyball, he was best known for his loud, intimidating barking on his way
down the lane to the box. His bark was known to scare other teams' dogs,
who did not know that Brinx was just so excited about playing flyball! He
also enjoys agility but has let his mom know that he does not care for conformation
or obedience!
Brinx knows how to get what he wants: he will bark when he wants to play
but makes his people get up and get a toy for him. If another dog wants to
play at the same time, Brinx will walk away! He won't go near dirty water
("there's slime in this water, mom!"), although often his drool is the source
of the slime. Though his breed is known for their carting/pulling abilities,
Brinx seems to think he is a hunting (bird) dog.
Brinx is pretty much game for anything. He enjoys outings and going for
rides.
On September 18, 2004, Brinx came out of semi-retirement to earn his long-awaited
FDCh title, earning 15 points running three heats with our Predator squad.
Brinx retired as the #2 Bernese
Mountain Dog in flyball.
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