Starr and I have traveled Brevard County doing flyball demos with Wendy and her Border Collie, Manheim pro-
moting the sport of Flyball. We were even featured on a segment at Animal Planet. We received our CD title in obedience when she was one year of age but did not
start her training for the CDX title until her hips were
x-rayed at two years of age. They were rated "Moderate
Hip Dysplasia" so I had to find other avenues for Starr. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not participate in sports where there is a lot of jumping or twisting of the body. This will only cause more harm in the long run.
So we changed gears and started herding sheep. This
has built up the muscles around her hips which has
helped her considerably. I was hoping she would be
able to get at least a couple of flyball titles before retir-
ing but decided it was time to retire her from flyball the beginning of 2001 before she hurt herself.She is happy herding which keeps her physically and mentally chal-
lenged. Manheim and Starr started flyball in Brevard County and will always be there in spirit to cheer their former teammates to victory and their teammates will always thank them for showing them what flyball is all about.
I lost Starr September 17,2007 to what we suspect was
a large tumor in her stomack. She struggled for three weeks and finally as I held her that morning, she gave
me the look to say it was time. She went peacefully in
my arms that afternoon. She was a part of me that I
will never go without a day without her over my shoulder
guiding me and watching over me. My Star, my Staru,
my Starbucks. I love you.
