(Brett Maverick [major pointed; ASC of Ohio Conformation Dog of the Year, 1991]
X ASCA/AKC CH. Sugarbush's Head of the Class)
Bred by Lorna Luce, Sugarbush
12-3-93 to 10-25-99
Reno
Reno's Vital Statistics
12-3-93 to 10-25-99
Color: Black tri
Sire: Brett Maverick [major pointed; ASC of Ohio Conformation Dog of the Year, 1991
Dam: ASCA/AKC CH. Sugarbush's Head of the Class
Owner: Sheila Boneham, Perennial
Breeder: Lorna Luce, Sugarbush
Titles earned
Therapy Dogs International
TDInc (Certified Therapy Dog)
Reno at Perennial
Reno joined the Perennial pack in November 1997, and quickly became an important member of the family. Reno was pointed toward his AKC championship, handled by Sheila to all his points, and was training for his obedience and herding tested titles.
Reno became a certified therapy dog in December 1997. He worked every week with handicapped children as well as in a hospital rehabilitation ward. Reno also visited elementary school classes as a Canine Ambassador with the AKC Good Friends Program, helping to teach safety with dogs and responsible pet care. We couldn't ask for a better temperament ~ Reno was gentle, reliable, and compassionate with his friends, whatever their species.
This page was last updated on: 9/2/2009
Reno, Sheila and some friends during a bite safety workshop at an elementary school.
Reno and Sheila in Indianapolis
Reno's History
Reno's kindness and trust were all the more remarkable in light of his history. Reno and his sister Jasmine were purchased as babies, ostensibly to be shown, loved, and well cared for. Their new owner, who lived in Texas, betrayed both Reno's breeder and the two puppies, who were subjected to severe neglect, and we suspect some physical abuse as well. Indeed, the veterinarians who examined Reno when he developed symptoms of severe, excruciating back problems during the final month of his life said that the injuries he had were typical of a dog that had been kicked and beaten.
Lorna Luce, the puppies' breeder, tried to recover the two, who were by that time young adults ~ not easy since she lives in Ohio. She enlisted the help of Heidi Mobley, Western Hills Aussies. When the dogs were finally handed over to Heidi, they were in very bad condition. Jasmine had a broken leg that had gone unset, and the pain and fear of her ordeal had turned her into a fear biter. Heidi and Lorna made the difficult decision to release her from her pain.
This is my favorite picture of Reno. I took it the day he arrived at Perennial, and it shows his calm dignity in spite of his past.
Reno's coat was matted to the skin from lack of care, and bleached red from the Texas sun ~ apparently they had little if any shelter. He had no hair on his ears or cheeks because of the fleas and flies that bit him and made him scratch himself raw. He was way too thin.
Shelly Seybold, Darwin Aussies, agreed to work with Reno, and after an isolation stay at a veterinary boarding facility, he went home with her. Shelly had to shave Reno's coat off ~ it was impossible to brush out the mats. But good food, proper care, and lots of love set Reno on the road to recovery, and soon he was a different dog. We were delighted when Shelly agreed to let Reno come to Indiana.
Winter fun!
Reno started his show career in 1998 at 4 years of age. He was with a professional handler for a while, but we brought him home with a stack of reserves and no points. Sheila then showed him, and he quickly earned 5 points toward his championship before his past caught up with him. Finished or not, Reno was a true champion in our eyes.
Reno's final month was filled with pain as the old back injuries took over his life. We tried accupuncture, chiropractic, and surgery, but Reno was rapidly looking worse. On October 25, 1999, Reno died in our arms.
He's running again now, healthy and joyful. May he be forever young.
Hangin' out with the guys at the SEMASA show, May 1999. From left to right...
