A beautiful AKC Greyhound dog (CH Aroi Blue Tiger Blues x CH Colonial Acres Lady Luck), Blaze was a devoted pet and competitor in AKC and 4-H events. He and his young owner learned the fine points of training and exhibiting a sighthound together. Blaze was a sweet dog who never even growled at any other animal, loved to snuggle little kittens, and learned (perfectly) a variety of tricks. In AKC conformation, junior showmanship, and obedience competitions, he exemplified a well-trained dog. In his early training, he disproved the advice so many adults gave his owner: You cannot train a Greyhound to do anything. So wrong! In the final exam of his obedience club class, he finished at the top over several dogs being raised for guide work, as well as other breeds usually associated with obedience. In 4-H, he and his person were selected to represent the county at the State Fair, at a time when only one child/dog team a year did this. One of the best moments of his person's life was when the 4-H club gave a demonstration with their dogs to a group of hospitalized Vietnam vets who were having a day outdoors at a park. After the group demo, Blaze's person ran him through his little trick show. The 95 lb. dog had the men smiling and laughing with the routine that included jumping through a hoop, dancing, bowing, picking which cup had a pebble under it, and more. His finale was to play dead after being "shot," then jumping up when told he was OK. During this little show, the owner observed one man who had been very quiet and was sticking close to a second man. The silent man signaled to his friend at the end of the show, and the friend approached Blaze and owner. "My buddy wants to know if he may pet the dog." Permission was granted, and the other man approached, petted, then hugged the dog, calling him a very good dog. The buddy's eyes dampened. A nurse approached and told Blaze's person, "That's the first time he's said anything since he came to the hospital." The buddy, who had served with the other man, nodded. (Note that writing this story 40 years later still brings tears to Blaze's person's eyes.)
When Blaze's person was no longer young enough to be in a 4-H club, she became an advisor, and Blaze became the demo dog for training and care. He patiently helped his person show the youngsters not only obedience training, but also how to medicate, trim nails, check vital signs, and other basics. Another big "Blaze moment" followed, a few years later, when Blaze's person met one of the members of that club. As a young adult, she was now serving in the USAF as a dog trainer, inspired by Blaze.
Blaze was a wonderful pal as his owner went from student to working adult. When his person was dating a particular individual, Blaze bonded quickly with that human (now his person's spouse of many years). At almost 12, he died of a stroke.
Additional note: Blaze's owner observed that Blaze and only one person she dated bonded in friendship. With Blaze's excellent insight helping them see they were meant to be together, they were married until death did them part.
When Blaze's person was no longer young enough to be in a 4-H club, she became an advisor, and Blaze became the demo dog for training and care. He patiently helped his person show the youngsters not only obedience training, but also how to medicate, trim nails, check vital signs, and other basics. Another big "Blaze moment" followed, a few years later, when Blaze's person met one of the members of that club. As a young adult, she was now serving in the USAF as a dog trainer, inspired by Blaze.
Blaze was a wonderful pal as his owner went from student to working adult. When his person was dating a particular individual, Blaze bonded quickly with that human (now his person's spouse of many years). At almost 12, he died of a stroke.
Additional note: Blaze's owner observed that Blaze and only one person she dated bonded in friendship. With Blaze's excellent insight helping them see they were meant to be together, they were married until death did them part.
A beautiful AKC Greyhound dog (CH Aroi Blue Tiger Blues x CH Colonial Acres Lady Luck), Blaze was a devoted pet and competitor in AKC and 4-H events. He and his young owner learned the fine points of training and exhibiting a sighthound together. Blaze was a sweet dog who never even growled at any other animal, loved to snuggle little kittens, and learned (perfectly) a variety of tricks. In AKC conformation, junior showmanship, and obedience competitions, he exemplified a well-trained dog. In his early training, he disproved the advice so many adults gave his owner: You cannot train a Greyhound to do anything. So wrong! In the final exam of his obedience club class, he finished at the top over several dogs being raised for guide work, as well as other breeds usually associated with obedience. In 4-H, he and his person were selected to represent the county at the State Fair, at a time when only one child/dog team a year did this. One of the best moments of his person's life was when the 4-H club gave a demonstration with their dogs to a group of hospitalized Vietnam vets who were having a day outdoors at a park. After the group demo, Blaze's person ran him through his little trick show. The 95 lb. dog had the men smiling and laughing with the routine that included jumping through a hoop, dancing, bowing, picking which cup had a pebble under it, and more. His finale was to play dead after being "shot," then jumping up when told he was OK. During this little show, the owner observed one man who had been very quiet and was sticking close to a second man. The silent man signaled to his friend at the end of the show, and the friend approached Blaze and owner. "My buddy wants to know if he may pet the dog." Permission was granted, and the other man approached, petted, then hugged the dog, calling him a very good dog. The buddy's eyes dampened. A nurse approached and told Blaze's person, "That's the first time he's said anything since he came to the hospital." The buddy, who had served with the other man, nodded. (Note that writing this story 40 years later still brings tears to Blaze's person's eyes.)
When Blaze's person was no longer young enough to be in a 4-H club, she became an advisor, and Blaze became the demo dog for training and care. He patiently helped his person show the youngsters not only obedience training, but also how to medicate, trim nails, check vital signs, and other basics. Another big "Blaze moment" followed, a few years later, when Blaze's person met one of the members of that club. As a young adult, she was now serving in the USAF as a dog trainer, inspired by Blaze.
Blaze was a wonderful pal as his owner went from student to working adult. When his person was dating a particular individual, Blaze bonded quickly with that human (now his person's spouse of many years). At almost 12, he died of a stroke.
Additional note: Blaze's owner observed that Blaze and only one person she dated bonded in friendship. With Blaze's excellent insight helping them see they were meant to be together, they were married until death did them part.
When Blaze's person was no longer young enough to be in a 4-H club, she became an advisor, and Blaze became the demo dog for training and care. He patiently helped his person show the youngsters not only obedience training, but also how to medicate, trim nails, check vital signs, and other basics. Another big "Blaze moment" followed, a few years later, when Blaze's person met one of the members of that club. As a young adult, she was now serving in the USAF as a dog trainer, inspired by Blaze.
Blaze was a wonderful pal as his owner went from student to working adult. When his person was dating a particular individual, Blaze bonded quickly with that human (now his person's spouse of many years). At almost 12, he died of a stroke.
Additional note: Blaze's owner observed that Blaze and only one person she dated bonded in friendship. With Blaze's excellent insight helping them see they were meant to be together, they were married until death did them part.
Gravesite Details
Cremated in Columbus, ashes buried
