Rocket

August 14, 1994 – November 24, 2007

Rocket was born on August 14, 1994 on a small ranch in Las Vegas. He was the Kaylors' first border collie and was without question the smartest BC that they have ever had.

As a puppy, he was obsessed with water and the tennis ball. He would drop tennis balls into the toilet to make it splash, and then dunk his head in to retrieve them. When the toilet lid was closed, he started dropping balls into the bathtub to watch them roll around. (Eventually all of the bathroom doors were closed!) Throughout his life, he loved water, biting the hose, and sprinklers. He was also obsessed with the hair dryer and the vacuum.

Rocket learned everything quickly. He would retrieve anything you asked and bring it straight to your hand. If it fell short, you would just say, "I can’t reach it," and before you could blink he would snatch it off the ground and put it in your hand. He earned his CDX in AKC obedience, with many all-breed high-in-trials to his name.

He debuted in flyball in July of 1995, and since that time, Touch N Go has never lost a NAFA tournament. He was a 4.0 dog when 4.0 dogs were not very common. He ran anchor for many years, but could run for anyone in any position. He retired with his FGDCh-40k in 2005.

Rocket performed in demos for the Harlem Globetrotters, Phoenix Suns, Petapaloozas, Earth Day festivals, private birthday parties, and more. He also toured with the Super Dogs, performing at the Calgary Stampede and the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver BC.

He taught Katy much of what she knows about flyball today. He was the dog that she tried everything new on, and no matter what was asked of him, he gave it. Rocket never said no to a new trick or adventure – he was always game.

A friend recently said, "Rocket was very special. He was such a joy to show in obedience, what an awesome dog! He really paved the way for the border collie in flyball in Vegas."

Rocket paved the way for TNG's legacy of excellence and success. He brought out a competitive side of Katy that she did not know she had. That competitive spirit has helped make our team what it is today.

Your work here is done, Rocket, and you did it very well. Touch N Go will never forget you.