When I joined the Dog Training Club of Dallas County (www.dallasdogtraining.org), I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to take my dog out into the community to promote obedience training, much less introduce the public to the White Shepherd. Once the other members of the club learned that Komet had earned his CGC, a requirement for dogs in the club involved in community projects, we were invited to every event planned by the club. In the fall of 1999 we marched in three parades and attended a festival. This was so good for my dog. So many people petted him; I think it made him dizzy!

For a Christmas parade in the small town of Midlothian, Texas, just south of the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex, I hung bells around my dog's neck, attached a big red bow to his collar, donned a Santa hat, and off we went! We had a least a dozen dogs and handlers from the club, including my friend Ron Bird and his white GSD Major. Major wore saddlebags full of candy canes and Komet, Major, and others dogs in our group helped pass out candy to the kids along the parade route. I loved seeing the eyes of the kids, and their parents, light up as they got their candy canes and sweet doggy kisses. Komet loves kids who smell like candy!

We were rewarded in a big way. A photographer from the local newspaper captured us on film and published this photo, along with others taken that night, on the front page of the Midlothian Today – in color! It took some effort on my part to get a copy of this picture, but I did it, and it will always be one of my most prized possessions.

Komet and I marched in the 2000 Midlothian parade, too. The club has decided we can't pass out candy anymore due to possible liability, but Komet and I still mingled with the crowd. And to the nice folks in Midlothian, no, he's not a wolf! (smile!)

Chris and Komet