Oh Yeah, You Blend

When Sue Verbocy and I were just starting to become friends and training partners, she’d recently survived an unimaginable tragedy and was setting out to figure out how to find her way through. She’d just moved into her new home on Meahl Road in Lockport.

We’d train in the big field out back with Nina and Blaze. Our dogs became best friends. And so did we!

Then she built the building and Blazing Paws was born. People came from all over to train with her, there were seminars, it was amazing. We’d train in the winter, in the summer, in the morning, at night. So many good times and SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE. I am a much better trainer, handler, and coach because of Sue.

We did so much good work there. We went to the Invitational more than once AND BOTH NEARLY MADE THE FINALS, in part because she gave us that building to train in. So many people and their dogs became better teams because of Sue and Blazing Paws. And I think Sue learned a lot about Sue because of what she built there. She learned how strong she is and how resilient, and how she can stand on her own feet and get it done. If you can’t overcome your fear, you just have to do it afraid. And she did!

And now Blazing Paws has served its purpose.

It’s time for Sue to find the next chapter. So yesterday I loaded the dogs into the car and drove up there to train for the last time. Sue scattered some of Blaze’s ashes (and those of her Cocker Spaniel: Glimmer), the dogs ran and played and didn’t know or care that it was their last time at Blazing Paws (but I sure cared). We took videos and pictures and hugged and cried like you do. I thought about how so many of Nina’s molecules are there, and will always be there.

I’m so thankful for the time I spent there. because Sue built that wonderful place and shared it with us.

And Sue? Seems like she’s in a good place in herself now. It’s time.

Blazing Paws. 2013-2025