Perfect weather
conditions - blue skies, a light breeze, and gentle temperatures -- encouraged
this year's participants in the MS Walk on Sunday, April 14, 2002, in Elk Grove
Village, Illinois. Energy swiftly spread from walker to walker, influencing an
overall air of satisfaction to the event.
Leading the Tenacious Tiger's team was the team mascot, Hansha's Tiger, a Shiba
Inu. This bold and brave breed of dog from Japan exhibited the traits that are
so much a Shiba - aloofness, loyalty, and courage. Tiger was pleased to be part
of the group that showed support for those that have Multiple Sclerosis, like
his owner, Debbie Schaefer.
The team completed the 6-mile walk, acquiring walking sticks along the way. This
year the Tenacious Tigers! raised pledges and gifts from friends and
corporations in excess of $4,500.00. Because of this accomplishment services for
rural communities will be provided for those with MS and books about MS will be
purchased for the lending library. Gifts also fund research, research that has
resulted in developing significant advances in the treatment for MS and who
knows, maybe this year the research will be the catalyst that is the basis for
finding a cure! Wouldn’t that be an incredible feat? Every single dollar
donated is valuable and is put to use.
The April 14 Walk showed
that many sponsors were willing to step forward and provide generously in this
drive against MS. Multiple Sclerosis comes and goes unpredictably, but the fact
that more people are aware of the condition today shows that there is greater
understanding because of this event. Contributions fund programs and activities
that promote and support knowledge, health, and independence.
As hundreds of
participants passed each other, they cheerfully chatted and visited, making
comments and fun remarks. Many felt that our handsome, four-legged mascot was an
inspiration for other dogs to follow. We saw another Shiba on the walk, and
learned that another Shiba family was there walking to support their family
member that had MS.
Tiger's dignified manner and typical Shiba traits of poise, agility, and catlike
movements prompted additional comments from the crowd. At one point, Debbie's
nephew took Tiger on a sprint to use up some pent up energy. Both nephew and
canine were winded after this spurt, but neither was going to give in and stop
walking until the end of the trail!
As we walked, Tiger made sure he was not cornered or confronted by other canines
or humans. We noticed he was not successful 100 percent of the time. Every once
in while a walker "caught" his tail or patted his back. When this
happened, Tiger took it all in stride. He turned to look at the offending person
and sidled away so he would not experience additional expressions of affection.
His biggest challenge was at the very end of the walk when a young child had
hopes of giving Tiger a big bear hug. We rescued Tiger from this little one and
spirited Tiger out of her reach!
Once again in 2002 companies, friends, and communities joined together to
further this worthy cause. Each participant, walker, or sponsor returned home
with an understanding that they, as individuals, CAN make a difference. Family
members show their understanding and support for those struggling with the
disease and individuals with the condition have the knowledge they are taking an
active role in helping find a cure!
There is still time to be counted in this year's totals, if you are interested
in participating by sponsoring someone in this event. Please contact Debbie
Schaefer, team captain, at Shibamagic@aol.com,
or go to the National MS Society web site at www.msillinois.org.
The Tenacious Tigers! team code is W02044.
All contributions are gratefully accepted, with thanks! Your support does
make a difference!
I went up to Sheboygan to show
to Dr. Randy Weckman. Had never heard of him, couldn't find anyone who had LOL
What a pleasure he was to show to ... I talked to him while we were waiting for
pictures, and his background includes quite a few non-sporting dogs as well as
some terriers (altho no spitz breeds). He also said that he thought shibas were
a very neat breed (I concur!)
The winners were:
BOB, BW, WD (2 points and Best Puppy) Tammy Tzabo's Toby (Kori x Harlot) who
went on to be pulled in the regular group and won the puppy group under Edd
Bivin. Hung around to watch my grandpuppy in groups and puppy best in show and
he did a good job :) despite being a little exuberant a couple of times going
around with the whole group. This little guy has yet to be defeated in the
breed, but ... next week he goes up against GRANDPA!
Jimmy was RWD, but he showed about as well as he could (only one or two head
shakes that I can remember) and despite this being a very noisy building he
didn't freak out at anything, I think a light bulb is dimly lighting in that
little brain of his LOL plus I've found that he need a very tight collar because
he doesn't like the chain hanging ... so I bet I have to spend the bucks on
another collar for him in a few weeks lol
BOS,WB to finish was Karen Drentlaw's Mint, see her picture below, (another
champion for Runner!). This was nice since I have never lost when I've shown one
of Karen's bitches and so the pressure was on! However, hotly contesting her for
the win was the puppy bitch Hanako bred by Dorothy Warren that lives in Green
Bay and owned by the Vogt's that I was also showing. She did quite well for her
first show and the judge was very patient and nice with her on the table. He
allowed me to show her bite and then he went over her (then I restacked her) and
he just petted her for a while till she actually just stood for it, so he made
it a very positive experience which I definitely appreciated. She hasn't had a
lot of experience, and I've only had her for a week, so I was a little nervous
about how she would perform (especially with mom and dad watching and
videotaping LOL)
Heard via the grapevine that Pat Doescher did well. On Thursday she finished
Cam (Hi-Jinx MMM MMM Good) with a Breed over specials. She also showed Karen
Drentlaw's Mint to BOS for 2 points leaving her need just one point to finish.
Pat left before finishing the weekend but Jane Chapin and Catty represented
Hi-Jinx quite well winning a 4 point major on Saturday. She now needs only one
point to finish. She might have finished on Sunday except for the fact that the
show was CANCELLED due to rain!
