Gloria Reynolds

*Who or what influenced your interest in Dogs and Dog Events

I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love dogs. At my urging, I/my family got my first Golden Retriever when I was ten – 57 years later, I have my seventh, Bader. I was influenced by the movie Big Red, & yes, I know Red was an Irish Setter. I didn’t know that at the time – I just knew he was beautiful & retrieved things! In the paper (yes, want adds in an actual newspaper), Golden Retrievers came before Setters. Back then, Goldens were red so when I saw Bear, he matched the dog in the movie. Best mistake I ever made!

*How long have you been participating with your Dogs

I started training in obedience in 1980 with my second Golden, Boo. He was one of the smartest dogs I ever had. Due to injury, I had to retire him with one leg on his UD. Ballad came next – he was a lovely dog. I showed him to his breed Championship & together we earned a UD. Bounder, Ballad’s son, could have cared less about Obedience. I put a CD on him & took him to the field where he excelled – play to their strengths! Late ‘90s I had my son who got into hockey at age 4. Twenty plus years later, I’ve returned to Obedience with Bader – two-year old dynamo/nut case!

*What Breeds have you owned

My family had a variety of breeds: Norwegian Elkhound, German Shepherd, Boxer, Poodle, West Highland White Terrier. But me? Once I had a Golden, that was it.

*What are your Goals

I love running hunt tests & a well-behaved dog is an absolute must if you want to make progress in the field. Bader has earned his Started & Seasoned titles in HRC. We are working toward his Senior Hunter (Senior requires an Honor, which, for a driven dog, is a challenge!).

On a whim, I entered him in Rally Novice at the LSDOC spring show. The whim part comes from the fact that although we have done general obedience training, we have done no training for Rally & I was not familiar with the signs. Bader did me proud though, earning his RN in three for three. There will be more Rally & possibly Obedience in our future. 

*What is your favorite Memory involving a Dog

I’m not sure a favorite is even possible. Time with my dogs is my favorite time. That said, Joe & I went grouse hunting in Montana. As our dogs fanned in front of us, Joe & Emma were to the right of Bounder & me. Somehow, in the nooks & crannies of the mountain, we got separated. I called for Joe but heard nothing – not so Bounder. I told Bounder to find Joe & off he went, leading me straight back to Joe – amazing.

*What events they’ve Attended

To many obedience & breed shows to mention – ditto AKC, HRC & NAHRA hunt tests. Ballad & I were able to show at the Golden Retriever National when it was here in Dallas. That was really special.

*Contributions to LSDOC

So far, I have demonstrated my excellence in mat sweeping, dog hair blowing & carrying stuff thither & yon as directed. At our spring trial, I added floor taping to my resume as well as a bit of ring stewarding. 

*Favorite Location where you have shown your Dog

Any field, anywhere.