"DEAR HIGHTEST" What our customers, and
their dogs, have to say...
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Jared Daugherty 9/4/1978 - 11/27/2008
Jared and Gavin
Jared Working With a Customer Pup
Our head trainer and partner Jared Daugherty passed away suddenly in an
auto accident on Thanksgiving day. We became associated with Jared when
he attended elementary school with our son Tyson in the fourth grade.
The boys grew up together and worked at the retriever trials, as "bird
boys" throughout their teen age years. Jared loved animals and began
working at the kennel 11 years ago after graduating from high school.
Jared became a very skilled and talented retriever trainer. He was well
respected by his peers and loved by the animals he worked with, and
their owners. Jared's footprints are well etched in the retriever
business and Hightest Kennels. His influence and contribution to dog
training and the retriever sport is well respected by his co-workers and
friends. Jared competed dogs at the Master level in AKC hunting tests.
He was an avid outdoorsman and loved waterfowl hunting. Jared worked
hard and poured his heart into Hightest. He was also a very dedicated
and loving father to his son Gavin.
We are joyful God allowed our hearts to touch yours. Jared you will be forever missed.
John & Debra
Our son Tyson writes:
I'll always remember Jared as a good, honest and
responsible man. Over the years he and I worked field trials, burnt
down fields, honed our firewood stacking skills and shared too many
memories to count. At one time or another, I've had the distinct honor
of being his best man, his worst influence and his only backup. Jared
was always there for me, one hundred percent, no excuses. Today I
didn't lose a friend, I lost a brother. I'll miss you "bones."
Over the years we have come to know Jared as a young trainer who has grown to be a major participant in the dog training world.
He was a great asset to Hightest Kennels. Over the years we have taken many of our females to be bred at Hightest and we always felt comfortable leaving them with Jared. He would take the time to talk to us and answer any questions we might have. He always made us feel he was really interested in us and our dogs. Truly a kind and caring person. I sincerely hope there are dogs in heaven for Jared to train. He will not be forgotten.
Larry Melebeck & Beth Fosgate
Jared,
I will miss you. I will miss your welcoming, unassuming smile; the happy, mischievous sparkle in your eyes; the way you always greeted me with your "Hello" wave. You were always a gentleman, no matter what the circumstances. You always made me feel worth your respect ... and you certainly had mine. I admired you, and enjoyed your company. You never filled up the space with words; just standing next to you at hunt tests was enough for me to collect my scattered thoughts. Your presence was a calming force. I always felt that if I ever asked you for help, it would be offered with an entirely open heart.
That was more than intuition, as upon several occasions, you were my knight in rumbling pickup truck. After the first time you rescued me from a hot dry field and dead battery, I called you "my hero." It was not a joke ... though we both laughed when I introduced you as such ... I hope you knew I truly meant it. As, I truly mean it when I say, "Jared, I will miss you."
Nancy Murillo
Jared loved life, his son, the dogs and his work training retrievers. He was patient, skilled, compassionate and personable. His friendship, and assistance when needed, will always be remembered by those of us whose lives he touched during our years at Hightest. He has left us to soon, but will never be forgotten. With prayers and warm thoughts for his family....
Ann Pauls
Our family is saddened by the loss of Jared, who was such a great person. He was a skilled and natural dog trainer, and an inspiration to us. At the hunt tests, he would make sure to stick around and watch me run Max, even though he was running in a different test. He gave me good advice and I was always envious of his calm nature around Max who is wonderful but crazy dog.
He was always easy to talk to and I appreciated his positive attitude. In part to his inspiration, we now run dogs at the hunt test, and field trials too.
Loren Crannell
I became acquianted with Jared in 2005 when my husband and I purchased a hunting dog. Shortly after bringing Moon home, I became interested in learning more about hunt test training and wanted to further Moon's and my education. Well, to make a long dog story short, Jared was the first person to "help me and my dog learn some of the basics". I know now that it is not easy working with "new handlers", however, Jared always greeted me and Moon with a smile. As time passed, and I began to train with a group of handlers, I often would seek out Jared when I had a training/hunting "troubleshooting" question. He always had the time to answer my questions and I believe in my heart that he only wanted what was best for my dog.
I spend many, many hours a month at Hightest as I am fortunate to live only fifteen miles from the facility. Most mornings when I train I am the first person through the gate. As such, I have often been there before scheduled clients arrvied, and have had the wonderful privilege of watching not only Gavin grow up into a brave and curious 3 year old, but also to see Jared mature as a father and small business owner.
Jared was there at the beginning of my training journey. Moon and I have hopes of completing our Master Title within the next six months and if we can accomplish this milestone it will be in part because of the foundation skills and experiences that Jared so willingly shared with us. I know Jared will be there in spirit should Moon and I reach our goals. I cannot begin to imagine the loss that Gavin and Melissa must feel at the moment. I only know that I will miss Jared greatly.
Kimberly and John Dryden
Hightest Full Moon
I'm so sorry to hear about Jared's sudden passing. I really appreciate having had the opportunity to have known and worked with him. He was an incredibly skilled dog trainer and I was fortunate to learn from the best. I could always tell that he loved his job and he passed that enthusiasm on when training me. I know this loss must be hard for everyone because the Hightest staff is exceptionally close. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Nicole Peretti
I've been hanging out with the Hightest Gang since before they were the Hightest Gang. Seems like as far back as I can remember Jared was in the field with the retrievers. Jared was a skilled trainer and handler, so much so that we
usually stood around and admired the way the retrievers responded to his hand
and manner. I had the pleasure of hunting with Jared on a couple of
occasions. He was just about as skillful at wingshooting as he was with the
retrievers. I was completely shocked to learn of Jared's passing it was so
sudden, senseless and without warning. Jared has answered his heavenly call
and maybe in these strange times a message left behind is for us not to
take our time for granted. Jared, we thank you and are truly blessed for
the memories and legacies you leave with us. Until we meet again, calm seas and smooth sailing my friend.
John Gipson and Doreen
I first met Jared about two years after he started working at Hightest. My dog Hawk had completed his training and it was time to train his new owner. Jared and John did their best considering what they had to work with (me); however they turned Hawk into not only the bet Lab I have ever owned but one who absolutely impresses everyone who has hunted over him. Thank you Jared for your part in providing me with such a wonderful hunting companion and friend.
Several years ago John and Debra were desiring to find someone to bring into ownership at Hightest so they could enjoy more free time. After a lot of discussion of where and how they could find just the right person we all realized that the right person was all ready there in the form of Jared. I know from discussions with John and Debra that they were very pleased with their choice of a business partner and came to see Jared as a part of their family.
As I think about John and Debra identifying Jared as the person they wanted to be their business partner, it made me realize how often we fail to take the time to sit back, relax and see the trees. If we took the time to do this as John and Debra did, quite often we would find that the solution we are looking for is right under our noses, we just hadn’t taken the time to slow down and see it.
I really appreciate having had the opportunity to have known and worked with Jared.
Dennis D. Diver
CPA for Hightest
Ron and I would always visit the kennels, when we would come and visit my dad. Jared was kind and caring. He would help us with any questions that we may need answered with great wisdom and knowledge. Even though he had so much on his plate at the kennels, he was never too busy to at least stop and talk for a few minutes. His training was impeccable and who ever received a retriever that had been trained by Jared was receiving a real treasure. Jared our hearts are broken with this tragic news, you will forever be with us and will never be forgotten. We will miss you. Rest in Peace
Ron and Virginia Erickson
Grantsville, Utah
It is with a heavy heart I write to you regarding the sudden loss of Jared. We became involved with the Hightest Family two years ago when we were starting up our own small kennel. Jared was the first person we met, and answered all of our novice questions with such friendliness and warmness, we knew we had found the kennel we wanted to be associated with. Over the years, we asked Jared many questions, and he consistently (and patiently) answered them all in the same manner as he did that first day. We always looked forward to seeing Jared when we dropped off one of our "girls" to be bred, and it will be strange not seeing Jared driving up on the four wheeler to greet us. To us, Jared was Hightest, and he will be sorely missed.
Barbie and Gary Brummet
The passing of Jared will leave a great hole not only in my heart, but the hearts of my family. Jared was not only my boss and confidant, but one of my truly great friends. We will miss you.
Till we meet again my brother.
Ole
Jared we always thought you would be there. Your kind smile always made everyone feel welcome. John and Debra were so blessed to have you in their world. Your honesty, integrity and hard work ethics were something to be admired. Mike and I are grateful for the time we spent in Mexico with you. You became a wonderful man, father and business partner, yet so sad you are gone too soon.
May God Bless Gavin.
With blessings Mike and Julie Cole
It brings sorrow to are hearts to hear about the tragic accident involving Jared. About five years ago my wife and I had the pleasure to meet Jared, we were in the process of finding a stud for then a female we owned. With the first hand shake we felt the warmth and passion this young gentleman had for retrievers. After talking for a bit, Jared pulled Groovy from the kennel running him thru drills and giving us the all the time we needed to make a decision, of course he sold my wife right off the bat. With the coming years Jared helped a brain dead novice training myself train what would be a fine retriever for the family and occasionally running hunt test. Jared always had the time to answer my every questions I might have and sharing training tips you would never learn from a book. In this day in age it is very difficult to find people in any line of work with qualities and passion Jared had. Our prayers to his family and the Folsom’s in this difficult time and wish you all the best. If there is anything the Edwards family can do to help please let us know. God speed Jared.
John Edwards
Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
Our hearts are so broken about the loss of Jared. He was such a great trainer for not only our Raider, but for us too. He had to show Blaine how to do the signals for Raider, which was so funny. Poor Jared, he just laughed!! We knew that Raider was getting the best training there was, and we really respected Jared’s advice.
Our hearts and prayers are with you and all of Jared’s family.
Love, Blaine and Colleen Hudson, and Raider, too
We were truly sorry to hear of the passing of Jared. Jared spent countless hours of his spare time helping the young athletes of our organization achieve their dreams. Jared would do whatever was needed, whether it be working bulls, pulling latch or just hauling hay. He was a true asset. Our hearts and condolences go out to his son and his family.
Henry M Stueve, Pres.
Pac West Xtreme Bull Riding Team
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of Jared. He worked on my dog Dusti and I really enjoyed his help with her. I also learned alot from him and will never forget it. Again I am so sorry for you.
