GATOR BOYS’ CHAMPION MICKEY
GATOR BOYS’ CHAMPION MICKEY
Mickey was born August 15th 1993. He was sired by CH Tonka Bear bred to a daughter of Hargrove’s six time winner, Rufus and Hargrove’s Queenie named St. Benedict’s Tramp. Hargrove had some personal problems after he made this breeding, so he sold the litter to Hardcore Kennels. Mickey was sold. By 16 months old, Mickey had been rolled twice and showed to be too shy. Virginia “O” owned him then and he offered the dog to Tony. Tony never went to pick him up. So we went down to see him rolled and we liked the little rednose that was too shy. We brought him home with us and he took to the city like a duck to water. He got over his shyness real quick. We schooled him out and then we started looking for something for him…
We called Millbuster Kennels, but Homie was “open only to a champion”. We called Second To None, but the four time winner CH Hugo was “open only to a champion”. We called Real Deal, High Energy, Swat Team with no luck. Then we heard that America’s Most Wanted Kennels had a two timer at 40 lbs. They also were having trouble getting hooked. We called A.M.W. and we agreed on a weight and a date. We go 40 lbs. into this two timer from A.M.W. they said nobody wanted any part of. We were set to meet half way but A.M.W. said if we gave him 1/2 lb. he would meet us in N.J. We agreed. On that night both dogs looked real good. Floyd weighted in at 40 1/2 lbsm Mickey tipped the scale 1 1/2 lbs. under Floyd’s weight at 39 lbs. Strickly Business was the ref. At “release your dogs” Floyd came in like a freight train but Mickey stayed with him. At about the 30 minute mark, a turn is called on Floyd to start the scratching. Both dogs scratched hard twice, but on Floyd’s 3rd time up at 50, “Floyd “doesn’t go”, making our once shy little red dog Gatorboys CH Mickey. The following month we opened CH Mickey to the world. We got no takers, so we’re looking again…
Millbuster Kennels tells us that “CH Homie is retired.” We called on CH Simba, but they won’t leave home. We called Second To None Kennels on CH Hugo and after some negotiations, the forfeits are up for a show at 39 1/2 pounds.On the night of the show Big Mike of Hardcore Kennels was chosen to ref. When Mike called out “release your dogs,” Hugo ran across and took Mickey by the mouth. Hugo’s corner, excited at seeing Hugo’s barnstorming started calling out big side bets. We covered all quickly, confident that it’s just a matter of time for Mickey to get his. By 30, it’s Hugo trying to hold Mickey out, no longer barnstorming. By 50, an out of hold count with the bottom dog (Hugo) to go. Hugo is up at the line and goes. At 1:05 we got a handle, Mickey to go, which he does hard and straight. At 1:20 another handle by us, Hugo to go. At the call from the ref. to “release your dog” Hugo took two steps and stopped, not wanting anymore of Mickey. Mickey was still screaming to go. Winner Champion Mickey at 1:20.
Two days later we called on CH Simba again, but they still won’t meet us halfway. No one wanted any part of Mickey. Midwest Express also were having trouble getting hooked so after back and forth, we hooked Mickey for his 5th into Midwest Express’ CH Shep, but the story took a sad twist…Champion Mickey died due to a kennel fight on March 1st, 1997, two weeks before his 5th. We and many of our friends will miss the little warrior with the big combative heart very much. Champion Mickey was an excellent example of the breed we all love so much. When we acquired Mickey, we were told he was too shy for the pit, but he proved his critics wrong by winning four in the fast lane into some of the top dog men in the East. Champion Mickey showed us what a true fastlane pit-dog should be, excelling in all areas. His opponents can attest to that. Always working hard and loving every bit of it. Mickey also left us some exceptional offspring, showing the same desire, drive, ability and gameness Mickey was known for. The legacy of Mickey will continue in his offspring.
GATOR BOYS’ CHAMPION MICKEY
