decided we wanted to have him as our calf for this year. As for Brandon, Todd, and Ernie no one won the bet. My dad and I were excited and couldn’t wait to start the show season. The first week I brought my steer “Snoop” home he wasn’t quite the tamest animal. My dad and I were drying him and he did not like anything touching his back feet without him knowing. That’s when the blower hose was behind his feet and all of a sudden, he starts to flip out. He kicks me in the forehead, I roll over, get kicked again in the knee. The blower hose was flying all over the place, while “Snoop” is standing on two feet in the wash rack. Right then and there I wanted to bring him back and get a new steer, because I did not want to deal with his attitude all year. My dad and I knew he was too good to bring back and trying to find another one in so little time would not be ideal, so if we had to deal with his attitude so be it. After we had him for a few more weeks “Snoop” started to trust us and knew that he was in good hands. I started to develop a bond that turned out to be unbreakable. I spent more and more time on him I realized it was going to be hard to say goodbye. Once we got to State fair it all started to sink in. I knew “Snoop” had a chance but I never knew how he was going to do. When we were walking
up to class I couldn’t help, but think the worst. I knew “Snoop” was good, but I knew it was going to be tough to win my class. As I was in class the judge was selecting the top three calves left, and I thought I was going to be 3rd. I was nothing but relieved when he used “Snoop” to win the class. As I was in for breed champion, I knew I had a good chance to win my breed. As soon as I was selected for champion crossbred, I was speechless and beyond happy. I couldn’t help but look at my dad and smile. We then had to get prepared for champion drive. As the drive approached tensions were starting to build. As I was in the champion drive, I was excited, nervous, and also felt a rush of adrenaline. The judge was giving his final remarks on the mic and was ready to pick his champion. He came over by my steer and he said “YOU GOT HIM”? I instantly started to cry and was so happy as he gave “Snoop” the slap. I walked over to my dad and started crying into his arms. We had worked so hard and I wouldn’t want it to end any other way. I was then gathered by my family and friends and I couldn’t help, but cry for joy. “Snoop” has come a long way and I couldn’t be prouder of him. I can’t thank my friends and family enough for all the support. First off, I want to thank my mom and dad. Mom, thank you for being my biggest cheerleader and also supporting me
whenever you can. Dad, thank you for being my coach, mentor, and biggest supporter. You are always doing whatever you can to make my cattle better. I appreciate everything that you do for me. To Brandon, Ernie, Todd and John Choate thank you for being the backbone, and finding us the perfect calf every year. Without you guys none of this would be possible. We appreciate you guys more than you will ever know. To my Uncle Steve and Uncle Kurt thank you for all you do I am forever grateful. My cooler guy, Craig thanks for always coming on short notice when our cooler blows out you understand this is like a 911 call. To all my behind-the-scenes people, you know who you are THANK YOU for your advice and knowledge. To all my friends, thank you for supporting me ring side, cheering me on, and always being there. I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life who will always be there for me no matter what. Last, but not least I would like to thank my grandpa. I know he is no longer with me, but without him none of this would be possible as I would not have a barn. I know that you are looking down and are smiling. I wish you were here more than ever. If I have missed anyone else know that I am thankful and grateful without you it would not have been possible. •
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