Alias:  Daisy
Date of Birth:  April 22, 1999
Sex:   Female
Breed:  Labrador Retriever
Color:  Yellow
Owner:  Kari Manning
Breeder:  J. Janacek
Favorite Food:  She's a lab--EVERYTHING is her favorite!
Favorite Pastimes:  RETRIEVING--balls, toys, pinecones, you name it!

The breeder said "large, blocky, calm--the perfect temperament to do pet therapy". Ah, I thought---I've found my dream dog. Daisy turned out to be lean, fast, driven, an incredible athlete, and flunked the pet therapy test. She is my dream dog, but has lead us down an entirely different path.

Daisy participates in flyball (which she absolutely loves), agility (a very close second), and obedience (too slow, definitely not her favorite). She often catches the attention of the audience, who make comments such as "look, she's smiling", "I love to watch her run" and/or gasp as she flies towards an off-course obstacle in agility and then makes a correction at the last possible second.

Daisy's enthusiasm and joy in life bring joy to mine: — Daily speed laps around the yard for the thrill of being able to run. — Her delight in jumping; you know she's having fun by her low, throaty roar. — Throwing her head back and howling in frustration because I am out walking an agility course without her and she can hardly wait because it will be so wonderful. — Her search for the perfect pinecone to drop at my feet with the undying hope that I will pick it up and throw it for her; even more delightful would be a ball or toy. — Her rough and tumble, yet gentle, play with her pug best friend; she'll take a quick glance over as if to say, "Are you watching me, I'm good!". — Her cocked head and watchful gaze that absorbs (and seemingly understands) my every word. — And her peacefulness and contentment as she curls up beside me for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

I believe that things happen for a reason. Getting Daisy has lead me on a journey filled with fun, friendships, commitment and challenges. She truly is my "once in a lifetime" dog.