OkcPets Magazine January 2024

18 OKC Pets • January / February 2024 Cline vividly recounts, “Chloe Ann stepped into the role of his mother, engaging in fake nursing and guiding him through the weaning process.” What followed was a spectacle of canine chaos, with the duo becoming inseparable, leav- ing a trail of 10 demolished dog beds and a cloud of pillow stuffing in their wake. While consciously missing adoption events, the family — Chloe Ann, Cline, and her husband — became increasingly enamored with Serge. What began as a simple act of fostering evolved into a decadelong saga of passion and partner- ship, etched with countless adventures. Theirs is a profound love story that could easily be the script of a blockbuster movie, proving that sometimes the most ex- traordinary tales unfold in the ordinary moments of fostering love. Sniffing Out Success The self-assured and confident Serge who is witnessed in competition these days belies the challenges he faced as a young and uncertain pup. Confidence was not a trait that came effortlessly to him, especially when confronted with the daunting agility ring. In his early days, Serge grappled with anxiety, a sentiment all too evident in the agility arena. The manifestation of dog anxiety is as varied as the personalities of our furry companions, and for Serge, it translated into a deaf ear to his name when called and an overwhelming fear of navi- gating the agility ring without the reassur- ing presence of his human companion. Recognizing the need for a transforma- tive approach, Cline temporarily withdrew Serge from agility competitions. During the hiatus, she delved into a different realm of training in the art of scent work, which became the pivotal moment in Serge’s journey. Scent work, which has consistently proved to immensely improve a dog’s confidence, was the antidote to Serge’s anxiety. Unlike agility training, in which the handler directs every move, Serge was in the driver’s seat. It was a dance of trust and cooperation in which he was the leader as he beautifully communicated with Cline through scent, building a confident bond that transcended the physical cues of the agility ring. Serge carried this newfound confidence back into his agility work, which was on full display at the International Agility Championships. With unwavering confi- dence and a seamless bond as a team, Serge clinched medals in all six rounds, secur- ing an impressive fourth-place national championship divisional placement among a competitive field of dozens of skilled competitors. Discovering the Power of Fostering Reflecting on Serge’s incredible achieve- ments, Cline passionately emphasizes her belief in the power of fostering. In her view, there’s no such thing as a foster failure, only foster successes. Little did she anticipate that Serge would not only capture her heart but also lead her on a journey filled with exceptional experiences and unparalleled joy. Cline says, “My life is enriched by having him in it. My heart overflows with love, admiration, and respect for our boy.” Ever the advocate for rescue dogs, Cline recognizes that some people have reserva- tions about fostering or adopting rescue dogs because of concerns about health, temperament, and breeding. Still, she im- plores skeptics to observe the many foster success stories, such as Serge’s, which serve as a testament to the fact that a loyal and capable companion can succeed in every aspect of life. The decision to foster changed Serge’s life and Cline’s, and she can’t fathom what life would have been like if she had not agreed to take him in. The return journey after the champi- onships, a 12-hour, 870-mile trek, was a testament to the enduring bond between Cline and Serge. As they arrived home, they were joyously greeted by Trixie, Finn, and Moe Bandy — the Boxer Pack, as Heather affectionately calls them. Embrac- ing his role as pack daddy, Serge snuggled with each member before demanding, “It’s time for a long walk.” With that, life resumed its normal rhythm, but enriched by the immeasurable love and experiences that Serge brought into Cline’s world — and a national championship. Serge masters the bar jump. Photo by Great Dane Photos. At Serge’s awards board, Serge and Heather Cline pause to reflect on his accomplishments in the middle of competition week at CHAMPS. Photo by Lori Lednick.