BOcephus
09-04-2007, 05:04 AM
The Diamond Lake visit this year had a very emotional side to it .
Tamie and OZ had lost their Black Lab Thunder a few years back. They are two of the most wonderful people I have ever had the privilege of getting to know.
BOcephus and Thunder always ended up side by side during finals when they were jumping and pretty much split on the outcomes. Oz got to know BOcephus and as he does to allot of folks BO touched a special part of Oz. I had offered Oz my pick when BOcephus was bred next, he was hesitant at first, Thunders painful loss was still hard and heavy on them. Then, after awhile I got a call from Oz stating they were ready for a pup. Just so happened the litter came right at X-mas time. The Ozwald clan drove down and picked the little boy up. He received his chosen name of "DRAKE" before they left for home with happy faces. and I had the honor of leaving them with that warm feeling inside of my heart I love the most.
When we met up in Lane county last year ol Drake had become as big as his Pa at only 11 months old, and we got to relive the old days as Drake was now jumping. Now just like back with Thunder; Except this time it was Drake and BOcephus 1 and 2. Finishing side by side just the same as if Thunder had been there. (Drake taking the lead) Was it a coincidence?? Some may say it was, or you could say Thunder was there somewhere and put his big paw in there also!!
(I'll take the second). What a swell time!!
Unfortunately it would be their last jump together
Now it gets a little sad
A while back I got word from the Oswald's that Drake had developed hind leg problems. "Could be a few things", Oz stated, "maybe an infection in his joint". Well that's was what I was hoping for. I got to visit awhile with the BIG BOY in Coburg OR. Such a Big Stud .and A handsome man. But he wasn't good at hiding the fact he wasn't feeling to well.
Then after his tests came back I received the call from Tamie. I can't tell you how I felt when she told me Drake had Bone cancer. To try and talk with Oz was impossible for me.
(The best feeling turned into the worst in just one second)
I could not get the guilt feeling out of my gut! I felt so horrible for putting this family through the hurt they just went through a few years ago all over again. I couldn't make it go away!! I know where every pup is that came from BOcephus. I checked with every family (only 1 I couldn't locate) and out of all pups only one had a problem and it happened to be Drake . How in world did that happen? and why? I ask myself that over and over daily never getting an answer. I truly wished that Oz and Tamie knew how sorry I was for putting them back in that hurtful position they not long ago had gotten themselves out of.
Heading up to Diamond Lake this year I found myself thinking of what I was going to say and how I was going to approach my friends Tamie and Oz. Even though we had just visited them less than two weeks ago. (Small detour on our way to California. No way I could not stop by when I would be traveling within 200 miles of them). All of that nervous thinking on the way up was for Nothing. Because, when we arrived and I found Oz and his wife Tamie I once again was filled with that warm feeling! It was as if we were arriving at a family reunion! Brother Oz was there with a smile. We said our hello's exchanged a hug (Yep those Dark glasses I was wearing came in handy,as did Big Oz's!
Let me share a picture of Drake with you now!
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bigbadbocephus/Fish2007.jpg
Now ofcourse I had to have something planned for Drake, Oz and Tamie while we were there. Heck they were the main reason for us being there. G-Loomis one of NorthWest AirDogs sponsors. They gave us a nice gift to raffle off as a fundraiser. Gary(owner of G-Loomis) is one honorable and unselfish man. So it was decided to have $10 raffle tickets for the GL-2 one piece Salmon/Steelhead rod. Beth Nicohlson ran the collection booth(Thankyou SOOO much Beth you are a sweetheart)!! and I proceeded to work all the competitors and spectators. Didn't take much convincing on my part getting people to purchase the tickets. What a group of people at these events.
I then learned the impact Oz and Tamie had on the folks they work around. (You see everyone was aware that all the proceeds were to be given to Drake. EXCEPT Oz and Tamie). The Marina threw in Two guided fishing trips, and Bumper boat rides! Everyone that worked in the Lodge wether behind the desk or in housekeeping came out to support them. Everyone seemed to get a sort of glow about them as they had the chance to help out the Oswald family. Telling me bits and pieces of the memories they have with Oz and Tamie. Oz and Tamie have touched everyone in the Diamond lake area more than they know!! The drawing was to be right after the Finals. I asked Oz if he would pick the winning tickets out of the jar. (I needed him close).
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bigbadbocephus/DSCF4477.jpg
I had a feeling he was on to me about my intentions by the looks I got. After the last name was called I pulled the envelope from behind my back.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bigbadbocephus/DSCF4478.jpg
He knew then as the Dark glasses may hide the eyes but they don't help with the speech. As I opened the envelope and pulled out a check I choked up. We had been saving this (our first ever dock jumping check) for a month.
Let me back up for a minute and tell ya about the check......
To Rrrufus and I this $75.00 check was the BIGGEST gift in the world!! At the Clark county DD event Mr. Rrrufus was jumping in honor of his Brother Drake! Rufus has hit a 19 footer before but never has he jumped like he was about to!
On the dock I reminded him were doing this for Brother Drake.
That kid flew off the Dock hitting a 20'6" jump!!!!!! (personal best) Then he followed it up with a 21 footer!! (another personal best) If you could have seen me then!! Qualified him for the Top 4.
In our 5 years of Dock jumping never have I been in the top 4.(thankyou Drake) Rrrufus heads for his first jump in the top 4 and smacks a 21'4" (another personal best) jump and is now in the lead!!! I am in total shock with the Air this boy is getting. Second attempt and he is still in the lead. Can you believe Rrrufus smacks a 21' 8" jump!!(Personal best yet again!!) What a proud Pappa I was! Only one jumper left and it is a yellow lab and JR. handler. ( I had the privilege of introducing this young team to dock jumping for the first time only one week prior to this at our NW AirDogs jump at the Cowlitz county fair!) Pure naturals they are as they hit 21' 10" (I believe) to take first place! Just as happy I was, (maybe more) , for them as I was for Rrrufus. Rrrufus did back to back Personal bests. Each one got bigger and bigger!!
Love ya Rrrufus
Yes indeed we touched Oz and Tamie right where it counts,
BUT
I believe the impact that I saw was in EVERYONE that was there!!!!! Looking at the joy in the faces of each and everyone as they gave their hard earned money to Drake was simply priceless!
As they clapped and cheered letting Oz and Tamie know how much they really care.
BUT MOST OF ALL,
My friends Oz and Tamie I pray that you understand how I feel towards You,Drake and our friendship . I hope to bless you with the awesome gift that you have given to me!!!
YOUR FRIENDSHIP!!!
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bigbadbocephus/DSCF4483.jpg
Thank-You to these forums that have allowed me to post this. If we can ALL play together , ALL talk together , ALL share together we can then create a bigger happier undivided family!!!
Also a BIG thankyou to all that were there!! You all ROCK!!!
Tamie and OZ had lost their Black Lab Thunder a few years back. They are two of the most wonderful people I have ever had the privilege of getting to know.
BOcephus and Thunder always ended up side by side during finals when they were jumping and pretty much split on the outcomes. Oz got to know BOcephus and as he does to allot of folks BO touched a special part of Oz. I had offered Oz my pick when BOcephus was bred next, he was hesitant at first, Thunders painful loss was still hard and heavy on them. Then, after awhile I got a call from Oz stating they were ready for a pup. Just so happened the litter came right at X-mas time. The Ozwald clan drove down and picked the little boy up. He received his chosen name of "DRAKE" before they left for home with happy faces. and I had the honor of leaving them with that warm feeling inside of my heart I love the most.
When we met up in Lane county last year ol Drake had become as big as his Pa at only 11 months old, and we got to relive the old days as Drake was now jumping. Now just like back with Thunder; Except this time it was Drake and BOcephus 1 and 2. Finishing side by side just the same as if Thunder had been there. (Drake taking the lead) Was it a coincidence?? Some may say it was, or you could say Thunder was there somewhere and put his big paw in there also!!
(I'll take the second). What a swell time!!
Unfortunately it would be their last jump together
Now it gets a little sad
A while back I got word from the Oswald's that Drake had developed hind leg problems. "Could be a few things", Oz stated, "maybe an infection in his joint". Well that's was what I was hoping for. I got to visit awhile with the BIG BOY in Coburg OR. Such a Big Stud .and A handsome man. But he wasn't good at hiding the fact he wasn't feeling to well.
Then after his tests came back I received the call from Tamie. I can't tell you how I felt when she told me Drake had Bone cancer. To try and talk with Oz was impossible for me.
(The best feeling turned into the worst in just one second)
I could not get the guilt feeling out of my gut! I felt so horrible for putting this family through the hurt they just went through a few years ago all over again. I couldn't make it go away!! I know where every pup is that came from BOcephus. I checked with every family (only 1 I couldn't locate) and out of all pups only one had a problem and it happened to be Drake . How in world did that happen? and why? I ask myself that over and over daily never getting an answer. I truly wished that Oz and Tamie knew how sorry I was for putting them back in that hurtful position they not long ago had gotten themselves out of.
Heading up to Diamond Lake this year I found myself thinking of what I was going to say and how I was going to approach my friends Tamie and Oz. Even though we had just visited them less than two weeks ago. (Small detour on our way to California. No way I could not stop by when I would be traveling within 200 miles of them). All of that nervous thinking on the way up was for Nothing. Because, when we arrived and I found Oz and his wife Tamie I once again was filled with that warm feeling! It was as if we were arriving at a family reunion! Brother Oz was there with a smile. We said our hello's exchanged a hug (Yep those Dark glasses I was wearing came in handy,as did Big Oz's!
Let me share a picture of Drake with you now!
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bigbadbocephus/Fish2007.jpg
Now ofcourse I had to have something planned for Drake, Oz and Tamie while we were there. Heck they were the main reason for us being there. G-Loomis one of NorthWest AirDogs sponsors. They gave us a nice gift to raffle off as a fundraiser. Gary(owner of G-Loomis) is one honorable and unselfish man. So it was decided to have $10 raffle tickets for the GL-2 one piece Salmon/Steelhead rod. Beth Nicohlson ran the collection booth(Thankyou SOOO much Beth you are a sweetheart)!! and I proceeded to work all the competitors and spectators. Didn't take much convincing on my part getting people to purchase the tickets. What a group of people at these events.
I then learned the impact Oz and Tamie had on the folks they work around. (You see everyone was aware that all the proceeds were to be given to Drake. EXCEPT Oz and Tamie). The Marina threw in Two guided fishing trips, and Bumper boat rides! Everyone that worked in the Lodge wether behind the desk or in housekeeping came out to support them. Everyone seemed to get a sort of glow about them as they had the chance to help out the Oswald family. Telling me bits and pieces of the memories they have with Oz and Tamie. Oz and Tamie have touched everyone in the Diamond lake area more than they know!! The drawing was to be right after the Finals. I asked Oz if he would pick the winning tickets out of the jar. (I needed him close).
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bigbadbocephus/DSCF4477.jpg
I had a feeling he was on to me about my intentions by the looks I got. After the last name was called I pulled the envelope from behind my back.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bigbadbocephus/DSCF4478.jpg
He knew then as the Dark glasses may hide the eyes but they don't help with the speech. As I opened the envelope and pulled out a check I choked up. We had been saving this (our first ever dock jumping check) for a month.
Let me back up for a minute and tell ya about the check......
To Rrrufus and I this $75.00 check was the BIGGEST gift in the world!! At the Clark county DD event Mr. Rrrufus was jumping in honor of his Brother Drake! Rufus has hit a 19 footer before but never has he jumped like he was about to!
On the dock I reminded him were doing this for Brother Drake.
That kid flew off the Dock hitting a 20'6" jump!!!!!! (personal best) Then he followed it up with a 21 footer!! (another personal best) If you could have seen me then!! Qualified him for the Top 4.
In our 5 years of Dock jumping never have I been in the top 4.(thankyou Drake) Rrrufus heads for his first jump in the top 4 and smacks a 21'4" (another personal best) jump and is now in the lead!!! I am in total shock with the Air this boy is getting. Second attempt and he is still in the lead. Can you believe Rrrufus smacks a 21' 8" jump!!(Personal best yet again!!) What a proud Pappa I was! Only one jumper left and it is a yellow lab and JR. handler. ( I had the privilege of introducing this young team to dock jumping for the first time only one week prior to this at our NW AirDogs jump at the Cowlitz county fair!) Pure naturals they are as they hit 21' 10" (I believe) to take first place! Just as happy I was, (maybe more) , for them as I was for Rrrufus. Rrrufus did back to back Personal bests. Each one got bigger and bigger!!
Love ya Rrrufus
Yes indeed we touched Oz and Tamie right where it counts,
BUT
I believe the impact that I saw was in EVERYONE that was there!!!!! Looking at the joy in the faces of each and everyone as they gave their hard earned money to Drake was simply priceless!
As they clapped and cheered letting Oz and Tamie know how much they really care.
BUT MOST OF ALL,
My friends Oz and Tamie I pray that you understand how I feel towards You,Drake and our friendship . I hope to bless you with the awesome gift that you have given to me!!!
YOUR FRIENDSHIP!!!
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/bigbadbocephus/DSCF4483.jpg
Thank-You to these forums that have allowed me to post this. If we can ALL play together , ALL talk together , ALL share together we can then create a bigger happier undivided family!!!
Also a BIG thankyou to all that were there!! You all ROCK!!!