We have just finished the Bryan Higgins Memorial Tracking Challenge. This year we taped some of the exercises and the tapes will be offered for sale. In keeping with the theme, all proceeds from those tapes will be given to charity. This year the weather was very hot, but as always, we tracked and did scent work. There was a clear path to learning and I think that we all learned very much.

Bryan loved to track; he was always more than willing to help anyone who may have had questions or difficulty in handling. I was very pleased at the turn out but I am using this forum this year to make a very clear statement. There are some people who Bryan helped very much during his lifetime. He traveled to assist when there was trouble on more than one occasion. He never once made excuses or sat in judgment during those times. He was always there when he was needed, even though he may not have agreed with things. He was still there to give support. Those people were not there at the funeral or during last year or this year's track. They have never offered to even donate a dime in his memory. Up until now they have however continued to come and train and take whatever was given freely in advice and assistance. Well boys, it's over now. I know that you read my page because you recite it often. Read this closely. Bryan was not only my friend but he was unique in a world of takers. He was a giver. To attend his funeral would have been a very short drive for you to make. A drive which Bryan made on several occasions when you needed help.

We had our guys come from as far away as Virginia just to be there for this last show of comradeship. You know who you are. You have made money from what you have learned and received from trainers at Baden and from Bryan. Your welcome here is over.

On a brighter note to those who missed this year because of work or other problems, you were missed, but I am sure that we will track again soon. Life gives the opportunity not only to honor our friendships in words but also in deeds. It is up to us as individuals to carry out that responsibility. Until next year!

©Mike McConnery/Baden K9 Incorporated, August 01,2006

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