Memory Lane...

mhstuart · #1 04-20-2009, 08:42 AM

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 · #2 04-20-2009, 08:47 AM

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

mhstuart · #3 04-20-2009, 02:51 PM

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 · #4 04-20-2009, 02:56 PM

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

mhstuart · #5 04-20-2009, 03:09 PM

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 · #6 04-20-2009, 03:21 PM

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 · #7 04-20-2009, 03:40 PM

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

mhstuart · #8 04-20-2009, 03:48 PM

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 · #9 04-20-2009, 04:57 PM

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

Docker Mom · #10 04-20-2009, 07:42 PM

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