Jim & I first saw Bess at Lena Bailey’s Farm in Shipman, VA in February 2003.  Lena was planning to travel to Florida for their triple crown and asked us to transport a dog, as she was short on room.  It was Gita’s bitch, Bess, who she ran a few times.  We brought her in the trailer and she was just so easy to get along with.  After we arrived, Lena called, said she couldn’t get away and would one of us run Bess.  Jim ran her, but only knew one whistle, so Bess could do the away but not the come bye.  I immediately fell in love with her, as she was so calm and collected.  When we got back I asked if we could buy her. However she belonged to Gita and wasn’t for sale.  They promised to keep me in mind if they decided to sell her. Bess had come over from Wales in 1999  and is from Glyn Jones breeding.  

In February 04, Lena called me and said Gita had a new job and was spending long hours at work, so Bess was for sale.  I was overjoyed and we went for her.  We had her spayed and brought her in our center part of the trailer to bond with me while she healed.  Since Bess was on whistles and  had no verbal commands, I listened to a tape for 2 weeks that Lena had made.  After she healed,  we went out and started practicing.  At first she’d look at me and say, “What are you asking for”?

Within no time my whistles got better & she was taking them.  We headed off for the Florida Triple Crown and we managed to place.  I was thrilled.  I have run her since February 2004 and she placed in almost every trial we entered.  Now she gives me everything I ask and more.  We are planning to move to Pro-Novice later this fall.