Memory Lane...

[mhstuart]

This morning I read Sandra's post about the Jump for Cash. It took me to some old pictures of different dock jumping events. Wonderful fun!

I can't believe how many fantastic people we have been fortunate enough to meet, the places we've been, and how much fun we've had through the years with all of you, past and present.

I suppose as Hogan gets older I get more nostalgic about these things, but I figured I'd post a few images that people might enjoy, and might spur some fond memories in others too.

Best,

Mark and Hogan

[mhstuart]

I don't think there has ever been a bigger smile at an event! From the 2005 Fred Hall event in San Diego.

[mhstuart]

This was from a 2004 event in Katy, TX just outside Houston. Tony and I had a chance to go to a pre-season game Chargers vs. Texans that night. Sierra ended up winning the event, one that will go down as possibly the hottest event on record.

Notice the image, then look at the old Splash Dogs logo...:)

[mhstuart]

The inaugural San Diego DockDogs club event. November 1st, 2003

[mhstuart]

This was taken at The Big K Ranch outside of Elkton, OR. in August of 2003.

This was Todd Bobula and Gabe's first event. Gabe was not jumping at all the first day and Todd and I must have spent an hour and a half the night before the final competition day getting Gabe to jump (and mixing in a few Budweisers too). Gabe finally started to fly into the pond and didn't stop until he reached the Hall of Fame.

He certainly had a little different style back then!

A couple months later, Gabe would go on to win the first ever DockDogs event in the state of California, at the San Diego Pet Expo.

[mhstuart]

So, this is a little self-indulgent, but I had to put it in here.

The big reward a number of years ago was to get invited to ESPN's Great Outdoor Games. My dear friends Lisa Heitmiller, Andrea Yankovski, and myself were fortunate enough to qualify together at the Western Regionals outside of Seattle.

This picture was taken at the conclusion of the 2005 GOG at Disneyworld.

Unfortunately, both of my teammates careers were cut short due to injury, and subsequent surgeries. They still get out there and play with their dogs at events when they can.

Andrea was certainly the most innovative trainer ever for Super Vertical. She integrated her expansive knowledge of horse jumping into Super V.

Lisa, well, she and I have been at it for a heck of a long time now. Her committment to the sport and her dogs inspired me to continue on in the sport long after I though we might step away.

Though I always participated in this sport for my special Hogan--to save his life, and promote dog rescue--my time in the sport would not have been nearly as fulfilling without the comeraderie I shared with Lisa and Andrea. I love you guys. Thank you for everything.

[MickeyD'sMom]

Wow what a great picture! Those wonderful smiles! What a wonderful opportunity and I sure you will treasure those moments forever!

[mhstuart]

Wags for Wishes was a dream come true. It has been such a blessing that we could all get together and jump our dogs, while raising money for a worthwhile charity.

To date, with everyone's help, Wags for Wishes has raised over $500,000 for San Diego area children with a life threatening illness.

This event would not be possible without all of the selfless giving everyone brings to the dock each year.

Attached are:

Marilyn and Dunkin from 2006, before he was a high-flyer, and just wanted his chicken. (2007)

Shari and Nevada, sharing a special moment. (2007)

Brook and Chase, and her oh so sexy jazz pants! (2006)

[MickeyD'sMom]

I Love those pants of Brooke!!! Great pictures Mark...keep um coming!

[Docker Mom]

Those pictures are awesome- what memories & I love the 'old' stories BMT(before my time).
Mark & Lisa, you are the foundation for all of us! You guys helped me so much get started with Phoebe. And, I'm so happy that we can give back a little with Wags for Wishes. I love seeing the kids faces!
Also, I love the one of Dunkin.:) That was the first event we could get him to jump into the water- he made it a whopping 2' 10" After trying for 3 events, I wasn't sure he'd ever go in- now I can't keep him out!

:)

Marilyn

[mhstuart]

Another fantastic shot that tells a wonderful story about Wags and our dock jumping community.

Notice the unmistakable generosity on Jim's face with MickeyD as they hosted their Wish Kid. (notice that MickeyD was sitting too!)

In the background, look at Melissa Ness (No doubt up there with Bubbles!) and Randy Woods as they find pleasure giving back to the Wish Kid they were hosting.

[PJ Meyer]

man oh man. I just came to the page tonight to post some info on some pending California legislation(very important to check it out) and saw this post and felt that hole in my heart open up again. It brought back some of the best memories of my life. I was at the Big K guest ranch. I fell off the dock in the finals and was dq'd. I went to the ESPN Great Outdoor Games in 05 with Sisko and Rob. It was awesome. I wish they would bring it back. I was at Washington and watched everyone in EV qualify for the GOG. I was in Dubuque Iowa with Todd and Gabe along the Mississippi River. Chief and I jumped with Jim and Sandra and Cash at the beginning of our wild ride in the dog jumping world. I really remember our sudden death jump off with Josh and Ace at Long Beach in 05. I felt like a rock star on the dock. I remember the SHOT show in Vegas. 15000 international arms dealers, Ted Nugent and dog jumping. I remember the Dock Dogs staff ditching Tony during teardown and hanging out and helping fold the pool in Vegas and that's all I really remember from Vegas. I finally started looking a rescuing a yellow lab and getting back to the sport I love. Hopefully I'll see all of my friends in Auburn, I wouldn't miss it for anything. Pete

[MickeyD'sMom]

As far as we are concerned you are a Rock Star!!!!

[olandermc]

once you are in the dock diving family you were there forever.Family is soooooo important..........

[Tinka's mom]

Pete, It's just not the same without you and Lorre. Can't wait to see you guy's at Auburn or anywhere!!! See you soon..
Suzy & Tinka (and yes Joe too!)

[daftershock]

Some of my most favorite times..... Watching Trevor handle Bubbles... He was all in... Plus she jumped a huge 16'3..

Thank you Mark..
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r49/daftershock/IMG_0606.jpg

[Linda Hettich]

I don't think there has ever been a bigger smile at an event! From the 2005 Fred Hall event in San Diego.

Gosh, that's when I showed up with just Kadin....no water bowl, no water, no towel, no chair, no food, no nothing. Just me and my dog. I went home with soaking wet jeans, a soaking wet dog, and a first place ribbon.

I remember Randy was deathly ill that weekend, but I told him he absolutely HAD to come on Saturday . . . because it was AMAZING.

[Kruml's Rudy]

I think we did the same thing went our first event with no chairs,shade or crates. But we had a blast! Rudy's furthest jump that weekend was 13'10" we were so proud. Now we can't wait for the next one. And we've made some new friends along the way.