Dear ASCA Board of Directors,

           

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt. It is my great honor to nominate the future of our sport, Erica Escalada for the “Above and Beyond Junior Service Award 2005”. In the past year I have seen Erica bound forward two steps at a time from a complete novice to a poised handler in multiple venues all in the pursuit of a dream.

 I first met Erica at a local ASCA show held by the Sunshine State Australian Shepherd Club. She had come to the show with her mom and younger sister Lauren as a spectator. At the time Erica had only watched dog shows on television and was thrilled that she was finally watching in person. However her position of spectator on the outside of the ring would prove to be short lived. Once arriving home she began working with her young dog Odie, Soundtrack’s No Doubt. She had found a local club that taught handling lessons and set out to learn as much as possible about Juniors. The club that Erica joined happened to be the same one that I was attending with my dogs so I was truly able to watch the learning process she underwent. With each passing class she gained greater ring presence, Odie and Erica were becoming a team! At classes Erica also would help her younger sister Lauren with tips and encouragement.

            Erica has had many exciting moments over the past year in both ASCA and AKC rings. She has garnered numerous Best Junior Handler awards and Reserve Junior Awards, accumulating 321 handling points, not bad for a rookie! But one of the most striking qualities Erica exhibits is losing graciously; though she may not take the winners ribbon home each and every show she is always there to cheer her fellow juniors on enjoying their success as well. And she has told me that, “as long as she and Odie give it their best on that particular show, then there is nothing more she could ask for, win or lose.” Her goal for the upcoming year is to make it to the 500 Club and I believe with her sincere determination she will achieve her goal.

            With all of her success in the junior showmanship rings, Erica has sought out new challenges. Less than six months ago, Erica and Odie began training for rally, obedience, and agility. So far this team has achieved 2 legs towards their Rally Novice title and 2 legs with a High in Trial towards their ASCA CD. This year she will achieve a major milestone in her dream, that is to compete at this years’ ASCA Nationals, which will be her first, for Most Versatile Junior. It will be Odie’s first time in agility but as she has proven in the past you cannot know if you are ready unless you give it your best shot! Erica is always willing to lend a helping hand at a show, she is often called upon by fellow exhibitors to take their dogs into the breed ring, a responsibility and honor that she does not take lightly. Erica has finished her second Aussie, Gabby ASCA Ch. Soundtracks Hottest Release with all majors. She also put the final points on my Jake, ASCA/UKC Ch. Mandolyn’s Shake and Jake CD, CGC, RN, FDCH, HCT-1. And this is just the start of great things from Erica.

 In addition to her dedication to Aussies, Erica is a loyal volunteer at a therapeutic riding center – Vinceramos in Florida. She spends her summers and Saturdays volunteering her time to help children with disabilities. She adores helping the kids gain confidence through motivation and riding and loves being around the horses.  Her hope is to go to vet school and would like to become either a small animal or equine vet. Erica is proving to be a great ambassador for this breed and for responsible dog ownership. As someone who started in the juniors ring, I can think of no better person to honor with this award than Erica.

 

Sincerely,  Ami Boxer

Mercury Australian Shepherds

 The following people and organizations would also like to acknowledge their support of

Erica Escalada for the 2005 Above and Beyond ASCA Junior Service Award:

 Sunshine State Australian Shepherd Club                 Glenda Stephenson, Treasurer

Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center                    Ruth Menor, Executive Director

Diane Keedy                                                               Quail Run Australian Shepherds

Jill Brass                                                                     Velocity Australian Shepherds

Obedience Training Club of Palm Beach County      Betty Gansky

Palm Beach County Handling Classes                       Joyce Dowling

Janet White                                                                After All Australian Shepherds

Robert & Catherine Pirtle                                         Swiss Oak Australian She