The first time I saw Brink, he was a puppy star in a seminar that Jan had sponsored. He was so awesome, and was duly nicknamed, Brink the Brilliant. When Brink was 10 months old, Jan called and wondered if Brink could come live in the Schiefer home forever. I had loved him from the day I met him. As I drove away from the herding trial, with Jan in tears, little did I know how far Brink would take me in herding and obedience.
In herding Brink taught me so much. I learned how to put pressure on a dog... a lesson that I use today. I also learned whistles, and had a blast showing Brink in Pro-Novice. One trial, the sheep ran away to the trailer before he got close.
I asked the judge for a rerun, but she told me to work them from the trailer. Brink did work those sheep and brought me 5 other loose sheep that were by the trailer. He looked so proud bringing me all ten sheep! He couldn't understand why he was called off his fine work when we finally did get a rerun!
TC-CH HC OTCH Brink
The day he got his OTCh, the conditions couldn't have been worse. The night before the trial, it was pouring rain all night long. I wondered how we could possibly compete. When I got to the show, they were moving all the rings onto tennis courts. There were still plenty of puddles, but no mud. Brink had the best heeling with a gorgeous figure 8. When it was time for groups, I was probably the most nervous I have ever been. I tried to pick a spot where he wouldn't be down in a puddle. As he went down, Brink stayed in a sphinx down. Well, we made it through groups, and was I ever happy when the judge called us up for first place.
Then I went down on my knee to thank my beautiful Brink. He really gave me all he could, and had so much heart through the journey. He did it all to make me happy. The judge, Linda McDonald made the comment that she was glad we had performed so well, because she really liked Brink. She said that when he came into to the ring, he had a great deal of presence. I was proud that she could see how special he is.
Thanks so much, Jan, for allowing Brink, my main man, to be a part of my life.
Carol Schiefer, CA
Brink’s sire is Scheme
Brink’s dam is Chisel
