Remembrance of CH. Clea Von Earnhardt
as told by Jeff Threadgill
My first meeting with Clea was at a local restaurant. Barbara brought her with her for security purposes. I asked if she would demo her obedience, and I was floored. I never really met a person with that much obedience on their dog. It truly inspired me to become a trainer with Barbara. Just a little while later I can remember doing bite work with Clea and my dog Cruella. They were awesome, and they loved every bit of it. One occurrence Barbara had said give her your best make her come off that sleeve. It was at a demo, and boy did I let her have it. Chatter slaps up into the 30's, swinging her around and just laying it onto her. Yeah she got the sleeve, after all of that I could not shake her.
This time I had gotten a dog name Shadow. Well I thought shadow was better than everyone. We had a A-frame in Barbara's front yard, and let me tell you, this thing was huge. Well me and Barbara got into this little "my dog can do better than yours type game". We would stack the A-frame higher and higher each turn. Finally when that thing was almost straight up in the air, and Clea just nailing everyone one of them, Barbara came up to me a said, man I respect your dogs ability, but you don't have to keep choking her over this A-frame. We both laughed, and admitted Clea definitely won the contest.
I remember the puppies Clea had through the years. No matter how many times you went to see them, or how well you knew Clea she would snarl and growl when you came in around her pups. Barbara would send her out to use the bathroom and she would be back at the door in about ten seconds. Barbara would yell back "I said go use the bathroom!" She told me that I was in the house so Clea was nervous to leave her pups. One hell of a mother!
I remember the the day Clea got her Championship in the show ring. Barbara was so proud, and I was to. The first champion of EK-9s. She looked awesome in her photos, she deserved every bit of it. Then there were other titles, CGC, TDI, RN, CD, CH.
I can't remember all of them, but Clea was piling them up as fast as I could remember. On the field or in the ring Clea was showing everyone that she was a sight to behold.
The biggest compliment to Clea that grabs my heart the most:
I have always fussed at Barbara to keep one of Clea's pups back. At the time Clea only had maybe one or two litters before retiring from the breeding program. I told Barbara, If you don't keep a puppy you will regret it. Clea's very last litter Barbara kept her female. We fussed over her, lol. I said under no circumstances will you get rid of this puppy. Barbara agreed. Her name was Z-Tana. She was gorgeous, everything you would hoped for. Well a little while later and much training, Tana was a natural at searching for narcotics, We improved her bite work and she was just and amazing dog. Actually one of those dogs that just seem to get it. You trainers know what I'm talking about. Barbara came up to me and said, Listen I know we agreed I would not never get rid of Tana, but I have a chance to place her on a police dept. At first I was heck no, then I was like wow that would be sweet for Clea's last pup to be a police K9. Let's fast forward to the present. Her name is "Tana" A Dual Purpose Police K9! She kicks every one's ass in drug finds, Her handler says she is a dream dog. Clea's last pup, her last legacy, her last attempt , put out one of the most productive police K9s in thier department.
Closing I want to say Thank you Barbara for letting me know Clea. And thank you Clea for letting me be apart of your extraordinary life. The bloodlines are thick and they are many out their. If you should happen to be lucky enough to have Clea's bloodline In your dog, you have one of the most Loyal bloodlines that I have ever known.
Clea I will always remember you girl. You were a champion in my heart long before on paper. I love you and I will miss you greatly, May you rest in peace and your memory stay alive and strong.
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