Coltriever crossbreeds

Decker's other life

Apart from his obedience career, Decker led a very busy life. He was a registered P.A.T. (Pets as Therapy) dog and visited Nursing Homes and the Hospice on a regular basis. He also visited schools, brownies, scouts and even appeared on stage at the Albert Hall, Nottingham with 200 children on behalf of Guide Dogs for the Blind. He also did demonstrations on Supporters Day for G.D.B. at Nottingham and together we raised over £1200 for them. We did this by doing an Evening of Entertainment that raised £600 and the rest was sponsor money raised when we walked across the Humber Bridge. I don't know about Decker but I was absolutely terrified!

He did many demonstrations for various organisations but one of the most enjoyable was for SCRUFFTS dog show when it visited Nottingham. It also proved how good dogs are at scent - Den lost the car keys somewhere on this huge field but Decker managed to find them - the organisers thought he was so clever.

The schools we visited were mainly junior schools and one school for disabled children. The pupils really loved Decker (he even got invited to Xmas Discos) and hopefully we were able to teach them quite a lot about dogs. I got lots of letters and drawings from the children that I found quite touching even though both Decker and myself were some weird and wonderful shapes.

Whilst on holiday in Wales we visited one school where there were 48 children ranging from 5 to 11 years in the whole school. When told about Decker "playing football" they all wanted to have a go at shooting a goal past him. Bless him, he sat in the goal, eyes transfixed on his ball and never moved until it was kicked - But only six children managed to score - WHAT A GOALIE!

Decker also loved to "help" either me in the garden or Den with DIY He would lie quietly watching but would fetch anything we asked him to. Somehow though the ball would always get involved and I would find it amongst the weeding or Den would find it in his toolbox. Decker knew all his toys by name and never ever destroyed any toy. His favourite toys were shown in the decoration on his retirement cake, click on the picture to see a larger version.

Our grandchildren were quite small but Decker was very gentle and would put up with "heelwork" with them despite the huge "wheelie" turns and very strange commands. In fact he would do heelwork for anyone as long as they didn't laugh otherwise he would just jump higher and higher. He really was a dog who was loved by many people, not just our family and this was shown by all the letters and cards I received when he died - almost 100 in total. I loved Decker unconditionally and I feel privileged to have had him by my side for twelve years and I am so proud to see all his family bringing so much pleasure to so many people.

OB CH COLTREIVER CHOICE OW

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