Following the Western Washington Cluster in Puyallup, WA in January 2013 Kuyu went on to Canada for two wins (4 pts) toward his Canadian Championship. He was on a roll so his stay with Don and Pat Rodgers and Emma Marshall was extended to include a 4 day show in Oregon in February before returning home. Unfortunately, the Rodgers and an assistant and truck full of show dogs, including Kuyu, were in a terrible collision with a semi-truck prior to the February Shows (see news story below). Linda was contacted by Kuyu’s breeder, Julie Eschilling later in the afternoon of the accident to assure her that she would locate Kuyu and make any necessary arrangements. While it was very reassuring to have Julie so near to Kuyu, it was hours before we knew where the dogs were and if any were injured. After a short stay at the local animal shelter all of the dogs were retrieved by another handler who volunteered transport and returned all of the dogs to Don and Pat’s kennel except for Don and Pat’s pet Whippet. Eventually even the whippet was found with the help of dog search and rescue teams. A few days later Emma accompanied Kuyu to the Oregon Shows in Albany, Oregon and Linda and Kuyu were reunited on February 22th, 2013. It was an emotional reunion.
Kuyu enjoyed his nights in the local LaQuinta with his human mom and friend Coby. He was indulged in several massages and chiropractic adjustments and he seemed to enjoy being pampered. He showed well and at the McKenzie Cascade Dog Fanciers show on February 25th Kuyu won Best of Winners for 2 points under Judge Lawrence J. Sinclair.

 
Click here to read more about the accident….