Accolade Overdue

And I mean WAAYYYYY overdue!  I think I may have set a personal record for procrastination this time - at least regarding dog stuff.  LOL  In my defense, I really was busy and it does take a bit of time to gather all the materials needed for this...

The Poodle is the consummate versatile dog, beloved for centuries for beauty, unique sensitivity to people, and brilliant performance in widely diverse activities. In support of the Versatile Poodle, the Versatility In Poodles, Inc. established on August 5, 1994, the Versatility Award to give special recognition to Poodles who have excelled in multiple areas of achievement. The Award has two levels: VC (Versatility Certificate) and VCX (Versatility Certificate Excellent).

~ Versatility In Poodles,  www.vipoodle.org

As of Sept. 2012 (yes, 1.5 years ago!) and the completion of his ATD title, Tripp had earned enough points in various categories to qualify for VIP's Versatility Certificate Excellent.  This is their highest award.  Requirements for this more demanding level include 15 points in at least 4 categories, with only 6 points max allowed in each, therefore promoting true versatility.  Points are earned with official titles & certificates through recognized organizations.

Since I postponed (understatement of the year? LOL) submission of his VCX application, Tripp of course continued earning points beyond VIP's requirements.  His accomplishments include titles in Obedience, Rally, Freestyle, Tricks, Weight Pull, Agility, Conformation, and temperament tests, plus health testing, totaling 33 points by my count (at least 27 of which were "usable" according to the rules/limits) at the time of VIP's recognition of versatility.  With no end to competing in sight, that number will continue to rise as Tripp continues to prove just how amazing Poodles can be!  (Hmm... perhaps VIP should consider adding a "master" level certificate... ;-)