Bruno and the Chickenman

When Boston Terrier Bruno, more formally known as GCh Danicrest Bullet’s Brunello’s Rare Essence took an AOM on Monday, he was cheered on by his best buddy, 5-year old Boxer “Chickenman.” “He’s here to support his Boston,” breeder/owner/handler Dr. Jacqueline Royce of Sarasota, Fla. laughs. Chickenman, so named for his great love of rotisserie chicken, has a couple of titles of his own—he’s GCh Bullet Vancroft’s You Must Remember This CA. She’s thrilled with Bruno’s award, pointing out that there were 31 Bostons entered. “It’s pretty competitive, but it’s still possible for an owner/handler to be successful.”

At only 2½, Bruno still has a long career in front of him. He’s co-owned by Dr. Royce with cobreeder Danielle Butler and Dr. Mark and Nancy Brown of St. Petersburg, Fla. Dr. Mark Brown is a veterinarian, and his wife manages his practice. They’d owned a collie and a lab before getting their first Boston, who came to them quite literally as the result of an accident. “Sister” had been hit by a car in front of the vet hospital. Dr. Brown stabilized her, and when the owner could not afford her care, the Browns agreed to adopt the 4-year old bitch. “She lived to be nearly 15,” Nancy Brown says. “Sister was the beginning, but we now have five Bostons at home and just love the breed.”

Brown sums the breed up with a series of descriptive terms—“fun, smart, entertaining, sturdy, and athletic.” She says that they are the perfect breed for a family that wants a sturdy companion small enough to travel easily. Bruno lives with Brown and her husband, but enjoys traveling to shows with Dr. Royce and Chickenman.

Back in the benching area, Bruno (“Mr. Chill” as he is known) relaxes in his crate while Chickenman greets child after child (and more than a few adults) who need a hug. Back in Florida, Chickenman accompanies Dr. Royce to work, where he has an important job. “I’m a plastic and reconstructive surgeon,” Dr. Royce explains. “I use Chickenman to help me teach children who have been bitten by dogs how to approach them properly.” Chickenman’s calm, gentle nature also helps children to overcome any fear of dogs that might have resulted from their injuries.

The two dogs—large and small—are excellent ambassadors for their breeds, as well as reminders that most show dogs spend only a small fraction of their lives in the ring. Most of the time, they are pets and companions for the breeders and owners who love them. The time put into training them to tolerate and even enjoy the stimulating show environment pays dividends in their “regular lives” as well—as pals Bruno and Chickenman certainly demonstrate.

Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=71452

Posted by ralbee on Feb 16 2015. Filed under Current Articles, Editorial. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.