How can I ever convey how much Ace meant to me? I’m not sure, but I’ll try.
Ace came to me at a time in my life where I was young enough to keep up with a highly spirited, demanding and intelligent dog.
Ace was everything I’d ever dreamed of in a teammate. Over the years we chased a lot of adventures together, and Ace excelled in every challenge presented to him. In his life, Ace earned more than 50 titles. From conformation, where he was a Gold Grand Champion to 7 agility titles, to obedience and rally titles, to fun things like fetch and tricks titles…Ace always performed beyond my wildest dreams.
But Ace’s true talent came in the water. Ace’s accomplishments in the water were mind-blowing. He earned his Apprentice and Working titles his first summer in the water. Then earned his Courier title at 2 years old, with his Courier X coming the following June. As for Master… Ace retired with his MWD5 Title – the first to ever reach that level.
Looking back, it was an amazing water career. From 2015 – 2018, Ace posted 15 consecutive passing runs. Then from 2019 to 2021, Ace posted an incredible 17 consecutive Master passes. Finally, after retiring him from the Master level, Ace ran FEO at Apprentice, Working, and Courier. In those runs, Ace posted 22 consecutive passing runs. In all, Ace qualified at every water level 7 or more times.
But with all his accomplishments, my fondest memories are of Ace and me, just hanging out, being buddies, friends, brothers. Him laying across my lap, breathing ever so peacefully while I ran my hands through his beautiful black coat. I’d tell myself to mark those moments. To remember them. Cling to them for as long as possible. Those are my most cherished memories. Those are the memories that bring the biggest smile to my face.
There are so many people to thank. Please know that I sincerely appreciate everyone who ever touched Ace’s life. Special thanks to Gary Childers, who not only gave Ace his name, but took the most wonderful photograph of Ace. To Tom & Judy Leather for more things than I can ever name. To Marilu Novy for her friendship and guidance. To Jan Mosher for her support and the most touching gift I’ve ever received. To Maryanne Murray for her mentorship, education, and all-around great conversations. To CJ Favre and Angie Chase for always being there for Ace. To Cathy Dugan…for trusting me with my most precious boy. The most wonderful dog I’ll ever know. And to Sarah. Of course, Ace was Sarah’s dog too, and Sarah is the person who did the most for Ace, keeping him safe and healthy his entire life. I love you SB.
Finally, to Ace, for being the most wonderful, special dog a man could ever love. I’ll love you forever Ace…my Amazing Ace. Godspeed my friend.
