Region 9
Dog's name: Apollo
Owner/Handler: Terry Reed
Prince Apollo was brought to the Reed home as an 8 week old puppy. He actually came to live with his dad, Sir Samson.
Apollo began pulling in competition as soon as he was eligible. He had already been training with his father and Terry's other dog, Miss Sheeba.
Being a Boxer, Apollo had a natural stubbornness and tested any training method Terry tried. Terry finally figured out "ya get more flies with sugar than vinegar" a lot of praise goes a long way.
Prince Apollo began competing midway through the 1996-1997 Season and only missed a Regional Snow medal by 3 points. He did serve notice though to watch for him in the coming seasons.
For the next 4 seasons he was always near or at the top of his class. He was affectionately known as "Chewbacca" in Region 9. He had to talk about his pulling the entire way down the track; making deafening vibrant Wookie sounds. Prince Apollo also played for the crowd; the more applause he was given the harder and louder he worked! At the end of each pull, not only did he wag that short stubby tail but his entire butt would wiggle, back and forth and he pranced back to the holding area as if each round he had won…
Apollo was also our handler trainer. He knew what to do, he just needed someone to take him to the track. He was handled not only by the Reed's but also by several other IWPA member's children during his career, teaching them what to do.
Prince Apollo earned:
1997-98 Region 9 Bronze on Snow
1998-99 Region 9 Gold on Snow, Bronze on Wheels and Championship Bronze on Snow
1999-2000 Region 9 Gold on Snow, Bronze on Wheels and Championship Silver on Snow
2000-2001 Region 9 Silver on Snow and Championship Bronze on Snow
After taking a season off Prince Apollo came back for one more season in 2002-2003 but did not attain the success he once had. He retired after that season but still traveled with the Reeds dogs in competition.
Samson's Pride Prince Apollo was laid to rest and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on February 8th, 2006.
