Katy was our second Mastiff, but she was the first purebred Mastiff I ever owned.

​

I grew up in the world of purebred dog sports, field trials, and gun dog work, but I had little exposure to show dogs or the dog show world. When I got my first purebred dog, I decided to dive into the world of dog shows, even though I had no real understanding of breed standards or how to properly train a dog for the ring. So, I started attending conformation classes, trying to figure out what I was doing. After entering my first dog show with Katy, it quickly became clear that she wasn’t a great representation of the breed. I knew then that our future in dog showing would be limited, but my desire to learn and experience the world of dog shows kept me going.

​

Katy was a bit aloof and didn't enjoy being examined by strangers. She’d shy away from being touched, and frankly, she hated the whole experience. I didn’t want to push her into something she clearly wasn’t comfortable with, so we decided to step away from the conformation ring.

​

Instead, we turned to Rally-O, where it would just be the two of us, and Katy wouldn’t have to worry about the scrutiny of strangers. Katy thrived in this environment. In our first three trials, we earned our Rally Novice title. She may not have placed in the top spots, but she was a Mastiff after all—slow and steady, but always full of heart.

​

Tragically, Katy passed away in 2021 following a traumatic spay. After the surgery, she was sent home, and I was told everything had gone well, though she was a bit cold and would warm up in time. What I didn’t know was that she was bleeding internally. Later that night, when I took her back to the vet in a desperate attempt to save her, she passed away in my arms.

​

Katy had an incredible bond with me—wherever I was, she was content. Her passing shattered me. She will always have a special place in my heart, and her memory is something I’ll carry with me forever.

​

Katy taught me more than I can ever express. She taught me how to train a dog, how to build a relationship with a dog, and how to succeed, even in the face of challenges. She was my gateway into the Mastiff world and the dog show world, and though she's gone, her influence and lessons will stay with me always. She is deeply missed.