NOC OTCH First String’s Cubby Bear UDX26,
RE, AX, AXJ, CGC, Can CDX
"Wrigley"
April 14, 1995 – May 11, 2010
  • Wrigley Won the National Obedience Championship, Tampa, FL Jan 2005
  • Wrigley won his last HIT/HC April 2006
  • Wrigley retired at the age of 11-1/2.  His last score in Utility was a 198.5
In Memory
We never know a puppy’s potential when picking him at 8 weeks of age, but somehow I knew Wrigley was the one for me. The way he looked at me with those big brown eyes, it was as if he was picking me. He was naturally attentive, and his focus while heeling came naturally. He was a love sponge and leaned on anyone that would give him more physical affection. He didn’t question what I asked of him. Wrigley watched me so intently that when I told him to jump, he would crash the jump. I soon learned to zip my lip and just run with him. He floated in the ring with a lovely prance. Sometimes I would find myself lost in the moment thinking how cute he was dancing by my side. He was beautiful. As he executed the finish he jumped so high that we were nose to nose. At that highest point he had a habit of sneezing. He loved our daily walks on our property. He especially liked holding something in his mouth like my mitten or the daily newspaper.

At age 15 Wrigley was still enjoying dumbbell retrieves in the yard. Wrigley was my first agility dog and Obedience Trial Champion. He earned 3,641 OTCH points in his career and was ranked somewhere in the top 10 in obedience ranking systems from 2001 to 2006. He won High Combined at his first Golden Retriever National in 2000. He earned 84 High in Trials and 101 High Combined awards. He was on the 2005 USA/AKC World Obedience team and traveled to Birmingham, England. At the age of 9, Wrigley won the prestigious National Obedience Championship (2005) in Tampa, Fl. It was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life. At 11-1/2 he was official retired from obedience. He earned a 198.5 on his final Utility run, resulting in a runoff with his brother Shale for a placement.

Retiring Wrigley was not easy. I missed showing my sole mate. He was my own personal therapy dog and relaxed me before I showed Shale. I was so fortunate to have this wonderful dog in my life for 15 years. Wrigley introduced me to the world of exhibiting in the ‘B’ classes. Showing Wrigley also allowed me to meet so many wonderful people throughout the country including my husband Gary.

You will be forever in my heart and I am so blessed that you were in my life. Our time together was too short. Until we meet again, I love you my sweet Wrigley. A special thank you to Joanne Gaulke for this wonderful dog. Joanne introduced me to loving and owning a Golden Retriever, as well as showing in obedience and flyball. Thanks to my husband Gary, my parents, DMOTC, DMGRC, NKC, Shirlee Jacobson (who convinced me that Wrigley was ready to show) and our students and friends for their support. All have influenced my life in so many ways.

Memorial donations can go to the Morris Foundation in Wrigley’s name.
http://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/ Kathy Rasinowich-Platt, Gary Platt, Shale, Buoy, Bubba and Olive Breeder: Joanne Gaulke - First String Golden Retriever: http://www.firststringgoldens.com