CH Rush Hill’s Olympic Gold RN, SH, SHU, AX ,AXJ, NAP, OJP, WCX, VCX, CCA

Apollo: My Companion & My Heart

It all started out with puppy classes; then confirmation, and with the help of friends, championships.

Agility became our first focus. A whole lot of training, trials, ribbons, and titles. (Oh, what fun we had!) Along with Agility, we dabbled in Obedience and Rally while not quite as exciting nor as many ribbons we had fun and learned more skills.

Hunting became our first love. A close friend invited us to come out with her Labs and find out about hunting. So, Apollo and I tagged along without a clue what we were getting ourselves into. Wow, we both loved it! Apollo did so well; the only thing holding him back was his handler (me). I tended to stand and just watch. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching your companion perform what he was bred to do. Technically he was bred for Show; but he was an all-around performance dog. On October 3, 2010 Apollo earned the triathlon award at GRCA National Specialty in Greeley, CO.

Not only did we do Hunting Trials; but we often went out duck hunting with my brother and nephew for sport. They didn’t have a hunting dog, so they retrieved their own ducks or geese. (I did not shoot.) That first day we went out it was real foggy, wet and cold. When the first duck went down, my brother and nephew went out to retrieve it and I sent out Apollo. They came back and said they must not have hit the duck. I yelled “Where’s my dog?” My brother said, “Over there somewhere”. About that time Apollo appeared through the fog with a big smile on his face, tail wagging, and a duck in his mouth. What a feeling! In the times we went hunting with my brother, Apollo always performed great, bringing in many ducks and Canadian geese. He had a very soft mouth; never leaving a mark on them. Like they say, ‘table ready’.

Then there was Upland Hunting which were the spaniel tests! We trained for that, but I was the one who needed the help.  Apollo  loved it.  He was a natural at flushing the birds and retrieving them.  He got lots of attention being the only golden in the event as most of the other dogs were spaniels.  I remember the first trial we went to when we went to the water series, Apollo launched himself into the water landing on the bird, splashing both of the judges.  Luckly it was a hot day.  At the trial the next day the judges gave him more room.   Apollo was the first Rush Hill Golden to earn his junior and senior upland hunting titles.

Apollo was also a great family dog with a big personality. My granddaughters would dress up and play tea party with him or my grandson could play pirates and war with Apollo. On hot summer days Apollo would pull the grandkids around the lake on their floaties.

However, all things must come to an end. My companion and heart gave me so many wonderful moments and memories. Apollo will never be forgotten; rest in peace.

… Bonnie Valadez