Sam, Patch and Quincy were special dogs owned and loved by dog agility competitor/judge Lynn Sigman. They each played a role in introducing her, not only to agility, but to many wonderful people who shared in the same passion for their dogs and the sport.
When the last of these three dogs passed on, Lynn’s friends placed a “Memorial Tribute” in the Clean Run Magazine (Aug 2009, page …). After submitting the ad there was still $820 leftover so it was given to Lynn to donate to her charity of choice. Here, Lynn shares part of her message to her friends on why she chose Live To Run Again…
…many worthy causes (were) raising paws at me, but I keep coming back to the same one; Live To Run Again. Please send the money everyone raised in honor of my lost pals to this organization. I look at the (3 dog’s) pictures, and imagine that they are all with Janey right now, being looked after properly and loved in heaven as they were here with me. And she would be so glad to know that you guys are looking after me as well...
… (LTRA) was started in memory of my friend, Jane Callaghy who was killed in a car accident when the driver of her vehicle fell asleep at the wheel when driving home to PA from a USDAA trial in Norfolk VA. We had planned that trip together; she and her sheltie and I and my mix-breed each had one leg left to earn to complete the elusive ADCH. We sent back and forth several emails about the trip, which Jane called "The Last Gamble" in the subject line... She only needed one Gamble leg to finish her goal, while I needed a Standard leg for mine...
Saturday came and went with both of us unsuccessful. Then on Sunday, her gamble run was first and she was again unsuccessful. She did not show her disappointment; instead she came to me and gave me a super pep-talk, and rubbed my shoulders to relax me before I got up to warm up Sam for our run.
It was April 1, 2001. The Best and Worst day of my life. Sam and I completed our run without fault, and Janey was the first to rush into my arms with a congratulatory hug…(she) joyfully joined in my celebration. Before we were done, however, she said the last words I ever heard from her... "Lynn, we are going to leave; Tom and I are tired and want to get home..."
Live To Run Again is about educating folks about the dangers of driving when drowsy. Not just for folks to be aware of their own abilities, but to pick up on the condition of friends before seeing them off on a long road trip. I know now that the last words I heard from Jane that day were a big red flag.
Live To Run Again exists to educate the public, and Agility Folk in particular, about the dangers of driving when drowsy. We all push the limits when it comes to playing our favorite game with our dogs, and making the weekend last as long as possible before driving (sometimes many, many hours) back to our homes.
~lynn, and Sam, and Patch, and Quincy
