Written by Gaea Mitchell
My introduction to
freestyle happened ten years ago, at a seminar in Jacksonville,
Florida. Among the truly memorable participants that weekend were
a small flock of tiny poodles and their tall, self-possessed
handler. It didn’t take long for the youngest to rise, like cream,
to the top. Exploding into the midst of the newly formed First
Florida Freestylers Guild came Pippin and Ann. They have been at
the center of our organization ever since.
Pip is quite a
character, full of fun, mischief, and creativity. He showed us
all the ways freestyle
can be done; the good, the bad and the ugly! Well, not ugly
exactly, but certainly at times he frustrated Ann. In doing so he
stretched her as a trainer and as a freestyler, and they grew
together. The rest of our group benefited as Pip and Ann shared
their journey with us, as can only happen in a supportive group,
the essence of the guild system.
Pip has been part
of many a demo, around the state of Florida and beyond. In October
of 2009 he and Ann flew to Oakland, California to take center
stage at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference. He not
only shared a freestyle performance at each demo, each day he and
Ann presented a skit, specially written for the occasion, like the
ones they perform in assisted living facilities in Central
Florida. Finally, he finished each demo by choosing and retrieving
the winning raffle ticket (as a directed retrieve) for a basket
offered at the CFF booth. So much energy and skill in such a small
package! Such heart!
You can also see Pip and Ann in her book on the Learning
Center, sharing some of the skills and props that go into their
therapy skits. Together, over the past twelve years, they have
logged around 1800volunteer hours,
divided among an Assisted Reading Education program with second
graders, three hospitals, several nursing homes, hospice, adult
daycare, special needs children,
and a psych unit. He also accompanies Ann for educational
talks and public relations programs. So you see, our special Pip
is not just a pretty
face! He is a productive and respected member of our (to him
alien) society. We could have no better representative of our
sport. Thank you, Pip and Ann. Welcome to the Canine Freestyle
Federation Hall of Fame.
