…and that’s a wrap
When Sue Verbocy and I were just starting to become friends and training partners, she’d just survived an unimaginable tragedy and was setting out to find her way through. Shed’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.
Then she built the building and Blazing Paws was born. People came to train with her, there were seminars, it was amazing.
We did so much good work there. We went to the Invitational 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. If you can’t overcome your fear, you just have to do it afraid. And she did! Blazing Paws served its purpose.
But now 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. 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 gave us that place.
And Sue? Seems like she’s in a good place in herself now. It’s time.
Blazing Paws. 2013-2025