Sherri Farmer

Who or what influenced your interest in Dogs and Dog Events

So many people have touched my life in dogs. It all started in 2000 when we decided to get a golden and “do things” with him. We found an agility school and jumped right in. Then, like so many others, we decided we couldn’t have “just one.” So, we decided to get a show dog because I had dabbled in conformation with an Irish Setter in my younger years. Well, that show dog didn’t turn out to be one, but he was a great partner in everything I asked him to do – agility and field to begin with. It grew from there. We did own two conformation champion Goldens that we dearly loved, but they didn’t dearly love performance events. We switched from conformation to performance so we could actively train and show our own dogs. The more we got into dog training, the more we wanted. I have to give credit to great folks we met in the Dallas-Ft Worth Metro Golden Retriever Club. John and Janet Frick took us under their wing and led us down the hunt test path and we love it! One of the greatest influences in my dog world would be Barb Loree in Canada. She trusted us with our first truly performance-type goldens and we are so appreciative. She remains a dear friend and a constant in our lives. I have worked with several trainers who have been a huge influence – Elizabeth Evans and Patty Drom in agility, and Terry Thornton, Peggy McConnell, Pat and Dave Gannon and Lora Seale in obedience. In reality, everyone I have come in contact with at dog shows and classes has influenced my life in dogs. The way people treat me and share their experiences has truly influenced me on my dog journey.

How long have you been participating with your Dogs

I started training my first agility dog in 2002 and haven’t looked back.

What Breeds have you owned

I have Golden Retrievers now. I have owned a Lhasa Apso, a Sheltie and an Irish Setter. Except for the unsuccessful attempt at conformation with the Irish Setter, I haven’t competed with any dogs other than Goldens.

What are your Goals

Ideally one day I would love to have an OTCH/MACH. Right now, I just want my boy to heel and do his signals. LOL

What is your favorite Memory involving a Dog

My heart dog Z (“ZiegenBock”) went off to Illinois to train with professional field trainers when he was 7 months old. After he had been there for a few months, I went to Illinois and ran him in his first Junior Hunt test. He was amazing! I was so proud! In fact, Z was simply an amazing dog all the way around, but especially in field and agility. Every memory I have of him is very special.

What events they’ve attended

Z is the first dog I ever trained to get a CDX. He went on to earn his UDX2 and OM2 and had several OTCH points. He qualified for the NOC, but unfortunately, he died at 7 years old before he was able to attend. He actually had 9 UDX3 legs when he died. He earned that leg 4 days before cancer took him. Z qualified for the Rally Nationals a few years ago when it was first in Tulsa. He did great and ended up in 11th place. That was very memorable.

Contributions to LSDOC

I was the match secretary for the Sanctioned A Match to get the club sanctioned to host obedience trials. I was also instrumental in getting the Fast CAT trials off and running as a huge fundraiser and worked all 4 trials. I have also rolled out and re-rolled many mats taking inventory. I found the show site in Bonham where we will host our first obedience trial. I attend all club meetings. We also store all the brand new LSDOC equipment in our storage container.

Favorite Location where you have shown your Dog

This is hard. There are several places I really enjoy… Mesquite was a favorite, and I’m sad it is no longer available. Actually, I don’t remember showing at any trial that I didn’t like it.