Chet was a beloved friend and active club member in the early development of SPVHC.  His Belgian Malinois “Jammer” was the most titled Malinois in the country, achieving Advanced degrees in Obedience, Agility and Conformation; however, Chet’s love was Herding.  

He breezed through the levels of competition but struggled when it came to Championship points. He would come back from herding trials, cursing the Border Collies preventing him from getting the much needed first place or points.  

He competed in an AKC trial in Murrieta and I received an ecstatic phone call at the conclusion “We beat the F****** Border Collies” thereby attaining his Herding Championship!

Shortly thereafter, Chet was found dead in his home, an apparent heart attack.  The grief among his friends and club members was profound. I wanted an award that was special to him- so Chet Backus Memorial Perpetual Trophy was created.  It goes to the High Combined NON Border Collie, as Chet would have approved.

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 - Terry Parrish
 

Eligibility