Bazley’s Bobbit rises to the top

Everybody knows that dogs are meant to be man’s best friend, but Michelle Howard proves they are pretty good pals to women too.

And she should know, sharing her Bazley home with not one or two, but more than a dozen dogs.

Thirteen of these pooches are Chinese cresteds, a hairless breed which generally sports hair only on the head, tail and paws.

Michelle got her first crested in 2010 – a female named Kieta. A year later she took delivery of a male named Po, all the way from Michigan, USA. Michelle said when she hit a rough patch in her life a few years ago, a friend suggested that she take Po along to an agility class to get her mind off things. Little did she know where this would lead.

Michelle had always been interested in animal agility training and, having previously worked with horses in this field, it was easy enough for her to transition to training dogs.

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“My agility journey has been a short one, but it’s been a lifeline through the most difficult six years of my life,” she said. “My dogs have been just fabulous.”

Shortly after getting Po involved in agility, Bobbit arrived from the USA. Unlike most of her other dogs , she said, training Bobbit was ‘a bit more challenging’.

“He had a peculiar jumping style. He loved to do an entire course by taking giant leaps over thin air NEXT to the jumps,” explained Michelle.

Persevering through meltdowns and run-aways (both hers and Bobbit’s!), the pair eventually found themselves on the same page and became quite a strong team. Bobbit’s focus improved and his growth and star potential began to shine through.

Bobbit began taking part in agility competitions and proved time and time again that he really is a top dog. Two years ago he won the KZN novice champs and qualified for the SA champs.

He also qualified as one of the Top 60 dogs in South Africa. The entrants are all of differing sizes and breeds and despite his diminutive stature, little Bobbit still made a big impression.

Michelle trains all her dogs every day and has set up an agility course, including tunnels, see-saws, and assorted other equipment, at her home.

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Michelle explained how trainers in this field require patience and understanding, adding that she had certainly cultivated those traits as Bobbit, she admits, can be a bit of handful at times.

“He is a working stud dog, which has proved to be hilarious for everyone else – not for me, as he disappeared off-course once in search of poodles. Not just females, I might add, but male poodles too!”

Michelle and Bobbit recently qualified for the 2019 South African agility team which will take part at the FCI Agility World Championships.

The duo have never been to an international competition and are super excited to be heading to Turku, Finland in September for the competition, along with nine other handlers and their dogs. Unfortunately, this comes at great cost, with the team having to pay for their own flights and other expenses.

Michelle is looking for sponsors to contribute. Should you be able to help, contact Michelle at 073-5260903. Michelle thanks her friends, family and sponsors who have already helped her come this far on her agility journey.

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