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Success Story - Brody
Home > Rescue Success Stories > Success Story - Brody
By MARIE EVANS
November 11, 2005 (Have de Grace, Maryland)
Let me introduce you to Brody, he's a Russell Rescue dog that came to live with us eight and a half years ago, he's now ten years old.
 As with most rescues, he came with a few issues caused mostly because his previous owners just didn't understand the terrier nature and this particular terrier breed is terrier to the nth degree. I think this is the biggest issue and why so many end up in rescue. People just don't understand what terriers are all about. It's not that they're bad dogs, they just ended up in a situation where nobody understood what these dogs need to be happy and productive members of the household.
We worked on Brody's issues but also never lost sight that he is a terrier and comes with all the quirks that come with it, so he was allowed to be just that, a terrier.
Brody was introduced to the world of JRTCA trials (later than most as we worked on some issues) and we found out we had a real diamond in the rough. We found out he loved to do go-to-ground, and then we found out he enjoyed agility also, and sometimes (after a few classes in obedience) we found out that he wasn't too bad at that either. He even enjoys terrier racing but is not very fast at that but gives it his all when he does. Over the past several years, this little throw-away dog of unknown background has amassed a pretty impressive collection of ribbons and trophies.
Brody's biggest triumph just came recently when this little dog became the 2005 JRTCA National Champion in Under Veteran Go-to-Ground beating the best of the best.
I have to confess. Brody hasn't had to win anything to become the apple of our eyes. He's the smartest, funniest dog we have ever had the pleasure to share our home with and that in itself is one of Brody's greatest triumphs. He is our once in a lifetime dog.
So, remember Brody and dogs like him if you are thinking of getting a rescue terrier. His story is not all that unique, as we have seen many rescue terriers over the years at trials giving their all for their new family and winning too. He's not the only rescue terrier to win it all at Nationals, but I thought it was time to let everyone know what these rescues are capable of. Sure they may have a few quirks, but if you can accept those quirks and work them through and always remember while they will always be a work in progress, you may end up with a once in a lifetime dog too.
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