Owner: Jenny Staton
Breed: Border Collie
Age: 14
Best time: 4.4
Titles: FMX, CGC, HRD IIs, HTD Is, STDs

Joey was turned into Southern California Border Collie Rescue when he was four years old because his family moved to England and didn't want to put him through the quarantining process. Up to this point in his life, Joey seemed to have spent his time digging, chewing on rocks and ripping limbs off of trees – you should see what he can do to a backyard in a day! Yikes! Due to Joey's aggressive "landscaping" techniques, his teeth were in terrible condition and he required extensive dental work to the tune of $1,100.

Joey was not a quick study at Flyball. It took about 8 months before he was fairly consistent. Joey was not a team player either. He wanted to be first in the line-up; otherwise he could be a little undependable. Joey loves Flyball above all other activities. This was graphically demonstrated when Jenny was watching "Breed All About It" on Animal Planet, when a program on Border Collies came on. Joey slept right through the herding segment with its baaing sheep, whistles and herding commands. However, when the segment on Flyball came on, the first triggered box on TV sent Joey flying through the house looking for the Flyball box! Jenny finally had to mute the TV to get Joey to calm down.

Joey was never the fastest Border Collie, his best time was 4.4 and he averaged about 4.8 until retirement. Joey will be remembered for all the dogs that he helped train. Joey ran with Rocket Paws, California; All Dogs Flyball, New Hampshire; AARF Flyball, Massachusetts; Blockade Runners, North Carolina; and Sirius Competition, South Carolina.

Joey retired in March 2002, at the age of 9, due to severe arthritis in his feet. Joey is enjoying retirement and is happy herding leaves, dryer sheets, dust bunnies, etc., and anticipating warmer weather so he can spend the summer swimming in the pond.