MEMORIAL FOR A SPECIAL DOG
Contributed by Margo Tsim

AJ vom Bogenstadt

Born: March 31, 2001
Passed: August 2, 2008

I write this memorial to AJ vom Bogenstadt not to mourn the passing of a great dog, but to celebrate the life of a great dog and his handler, Sherri Bednarczyk.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in July when as our team walked off the tracking field we saw Sherri crossing the field towards us.  We had not expected her as AJ had been ill and was recovering at home.  As we approached Tawny, Teri and I knew something was terribly wrong.  That day went from a beautiful summer day to one of utter sadness as Sherri told us that AJ had passed away a few hours earlier.

Many emotions go through one’s mind at such times – sadness, anger, despair until you reach a point of acceptance.  Now it is time to reflect back on the wonderful accomplishments of Sherri and AJ.  Great dogs become great dogs because they are part of a team.  They are given love, patience, and the best trainers.  AJ had all of these.  Sherri first trained AJ with Bonnie Barry.  Together Sherri and AJ learned the fine art of teamwork.  Sherri, AJ, Tawny Wagner and her dog Rocco trained for years with Bonnie learning the ‘3^rd Way’.  Tawny became Sherri and AJ’s second set of eyes watching every sit, every recall and every drop in motion.  Tawny was a valuable member of the Sherri and AJ team and she felt honored to help.

As AJ grew up Sherri began training him in Schutzhund with Ken White.  Ken’s advice and guidance over the years would help AJ reach goals most of us only dream about.  AJ’s career in Schutzhund included an FH with a perfect score and 13 Schutzhund 3 titles.  In 2005 Sherri and AJ were selected to represent her DVG club as a member of the U.S. team to compete in the Deutsche Meistershaft working dog championship.  And then in 2007 AJ earned the first AKC WDS level 3 title in Illinois.

AJ had a stellar working career in Schutzhund, but he was not quite finished competing.  Sherri had recently started training AJ at Lincolnwood to earn his CD, CDX and UD titles.  AJ loved the work; it was something new and fun for him.  He was a dog that always wanted to learn and he was a dog that loved a new challenge.

When people remember AJ they will most likely remember a brave and powerful competitor.  He knew his job and he did it well, but there was another side to AJ that few people were privileged to see let alone to experience.

In the fall of 2007 I acquired AJ’s granddaughter from Nick Choukas.  Sherri brought AJ out to Bur Oak’s field to let him play with my puppy.  It was such a joy to watch this big strong male dog run and play with a young pup.  AJ let go of his working side and became the playful and gentle dog he was.  We had many such occasions where our dogs just let loose and played, but it was never enough.

“We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached”
The Once Again Prince
Irving Townsend

“My beloved AJ I miss you so much, you gave so much to me.  I was lucky to have a dog like you.  I miss you and hurt for you.”
Sherri Bednarczyk

AJ vom Bogenstadt was a great dog who was loved and admired by many. We will meet again on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

Margo Tsim