A Tribute to Nick

Momentumm Argen v. Iro, SchH3, IPO3

June 15, 1995 to January 2008

Having just lost my dad and the only home I’d know for three years – though grateful to my humans “aunt” Judy and “uncle” Carl Bell for taking me in – occasionally I’d experience bouts of sadness. So it happened one night I heard the booming voice of “cousin” Taz.

“Young man,” this still magnificent specimen of a Rottweiler bellowed, “there will be none of this sniveling under my roof! Besides,” he continued, “it won’t be long before I see your father, and the last thing I want to hear is his disappointment in us both – you for your behavior and me for allowing it to continue!”

That caught my attention. “You knew my dad?” I squeaked, suddenly embarrassed at my lack of a voice.”

“I did,” he growled, “and it’s high time you heard the magnificent story of one of my best friends and your father, Nick….”

“Born Momentumm Argen v. Iro on June 15, 1995, your dad, ‘Nick’ as his human, Bill Webber, called him, achieved great success working with both of our humans as they and their friends founded Anacapa Working Dog Association – which, by the way, makes me and your dad among the group of founding canines. Together we shared countless hours training and forging a friendship that would last lifetimes.

I can remember the four of us traveling to Arizona for an AWDF trial in 2000. What were the odds that not only would we end up in the same flight, but that we’d be paired together in obedience? I imagine our humans were a tad concerned when with me on a long down and Carl ‘hiding’ in the blind, Bill and your dad had to do an OB routine knowing full well that my human, Nick’s training ‘helper,’ was just paces away! We all came out of that trial successful not only in earning our IPO3’s but with a good story to tell as well.

Throughout his career your dad with Bill earned multiple titles and awards – at various trials across the United States. In my opinion your father remains one of the finest working schnauzers in the United States: Ten times SchH3/IPO3, ‘V’ rated twice by PSK judges, 2000 SchnauzerFest Champion, in 2001 he tied for SchnauzerFest High Obedience, and attended several competitions in the DVG and AWDF Nationals. Do you know that Bill called Nick the best traveling companion and friend ever? Truly, the highest title a human can give his canine companion! Wherever they traveled, trained or trialed, they made good friends and acquaintances and in so doing became well known throughout the schnauzer world! In fact, because of Nick, Bill became quite the spokesman for the Working Schnauzer Federation. In June, 2003 after your dad earned his final IPO3 at SchnauzerFest, Bill, overwhelmed with emotion, thanked his fellow sportsmen for their years of support and encouragement during Nick’s long working career as he announced your dad’s retirement. Until he left us this year, Nick remained the roving ambassador of good will – a grand spokesman for his breed and our sport”.

“Now, young man,” Taz said, “you understand why the ‘woe is me whimpering’ must cease?”

“I do,” I whispered.

“Go out there, train hard and fast,” Taz ordered. “You have mighty big paws to fill. Be true to your breed, your humans and your heritage, and make us all proud to say, ‘Charlie is the son of Nick!’ ”

“I will, yes, I will!” I promised wondering if he heard me. “Taz,” I called. “Taz, TAZ,” I yelled a little louder, but he didn’t answer, just lay there…suddenly sleeping I wondered? So I nudged him ever so gently, and still he just wouldn’t respond. Eventually a few tears rolled down my face as I realized that with these last words to me he had just joined my dad at the bridge – forever watching our progress and awaiting our arrival at the grandest working dog trial of them all!

by “Charlie “

Charlie vom Eichenblatt