I am often asked how I came up with the name of "Tye-Dyed" for my kennel name.  Here is how it happened.

In 1972 I saw my first Aussie which was owned by a co-worker.  I told her that the little black and grey dog looked like it had been tie-dyed, which was in fashion at that time.  Well, she laughed and said no one had ever mentioned that to her.  In 1975, she gave me a puppy from the breeding of that dog and a female she later acquired. And I named her "Bandit's Tye-Dyed Surprise", affectionately called "Tairi"

"Tairi" was actually my 2nd Aussie, since my first one had to be euthanized due to severe Epileptic Gran Mal seizures, at the age of 15 months.  "Tairi" and me went to obedience classes, where she won 1st place at the graduation.  I found out about fun matches (Aussies weren't AKC recognized back then), so I attended one.  I had been practicing the obedience lessons at home, so I felt we were "pretty good".  Well, we got a perfect score out of the "Novice Y" class and a big trophy!  I was hooked.  The judge thought we were the best she had seen in a long time, and encouraged me to go on with my training. 

I was unable to find anyone to train at the Open obedience level, so I bought a book, had a friend make me a dumb bell, and off we went.   Tairi learned the retrieve on flat, broad jump and all the other exercises in quick time, and achieved her Novice (Companion Dog - CD), and Open (Companion Dog Excellent - CDX) titles through the International Australian Shepherd Association within a year or so.  We never were able to continue on with the Utility lessons, though, due to my job and the lack of training facilities teaching at that level.

After that I became involved with IASA, AKC, and USASA.  I'm presently the Secretary for a USASA Member Club, Sierra View Australian Shepherd Club and a Director for the United States Australian Shepherd Association - www.australianshepherds.org

 

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