tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68357176005744948532024-03-19T03:29:03.868-04:00Mad About BCsLindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-15720081904510439622014-03-29T23:32:00.001-04:002014-03-29T23:32:05.731-04:00Where Did 2013 Go?<p>It’s been over a year since my last blog post. Most everything just goes on Facebook these days, so I have left quite a void here. But it’s time to do a 2013 Summary. It was a very full & busy year! It actually all started over Christmas 2012, when I drove up to Maine to breed Dandy to a lovely working bitch named Flo owned by Lynn Deschambeault. I have gotten several dogs from Lynn: Robin, Toss, Tripper and my dear Token who was Dandy’s dad. So this breeding was to bring me full circle, back to where it all started for me.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TrxzBJSlwVU/UzePGe-eLBI/AAAAAAAAeTE/GcHiQvrV6UU/s1600-h/Dandy%252520%252526%252520Flo%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Dandy & Flo" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Dandy & Flo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fzz8UROtXKw/UzePIuAgA8I/AAAAAAAAeTM/KXpHgtOtxHw/Dandy%252520%252526%252520Flo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="196" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I drove up to New Hampshire on December 22 with Dandy & Tempo, and drove home on Christmas Day after 3 successful breedings. This was the first litter for both the mom & dad, and with Flo being a smooth black & white, and Dandy a rough merle, we didn’t know what we’d get. And so the waiting game began, just hoping for a healthy litter with at least 2 males.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H2wfkXcTB_k/UzePJzbt4hI/AAAAAAAAeTU/Tw7CepjoN4w/s1600-h/IMG_7993-0013.jpg"><img title="IMG_7993-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7993-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--iyqFJ-qVgs/UzePKoAaX-I/AAAAAAAAeTc/L6cNDMP78Pg/IMG_7993-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>So welcome 2013!</p> <p>The first major event of the year was my retirement! After working for the County for nearly 37 years, and reaching my 55th birthday, I took the plunge and retired, while continuing to work 2-3 days a week (at the same job) as I still need to supplement the income from my pension. There are things I want to do that just can’t be done with 4 weeks of vacation time…one year later, I have no regrets, I have been able to have such great adventures that I could not have done without retiring.</p> <p>While waiting for puppies, we went to two USDAA agility trials in January & February. On February 17 at Keystone’s trial in Barto, PA, Dandy finished his LAA-Bronze award (Lifetime Achievement Award, 150 Q’s in Masters/Tournaments). This was a big milestone, I’m very proud of Dandy.</p> <p>On February 22, Flo delivered a huge healthy litter of 11 puppies! I was praying for at least 2 males, and we got 5, all smooth black and white. There were 6 females, all smooth with 3 being black/white and 3 blue merles. This was a very exciting day as finally my Dandy puppy was born, and one of his brothers would be going to Australia to live with my dear friend Natalie Kirkwood, who ran Dandy in 2012 at the World Agility Championship in Texas.</p> <p>I made two trips to Maine in March to visit the puppies at 3 weeks and 5 weeks of age. I had my eye on two in particular since day 1. At 5 weeks, I was able to make my decision which pup to take…his puppy name was “Lad” and he was the last one born (like Dandy & Tempo), and he was sporting one black front leg like Dandy. But besides those things, he just seemed to be “the one”. The other pup I really liked was named “Cap”, and he is the one that would be going to Australia as Natalie and I both favored these same two puppies. When the pups were 7 weeks old, I took one more drive to Maine to pick up our two boy puppies as well as two merle females who would be living in Pennsylvania.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RfW3AtQPs2Q/UzePNdLGKjI/AAAAAAAAeTk/os-67ugXnnY/s1600-h/IMG_14363.jpg"><img title="r" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="r" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TUqE7zOKbw8/UzePN9m4G5I/AAAAAAAAeTs/gzc-vF5lnpw/IMG_1436_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="162" /></a></p> <p>After the two girls went to their new homes, it was time to settle in briefly with the two boys. Natalie had already named her puppy “2B” with a registered name of Merlynn Ment2B. My pup did not get his name for at least another week, but I finally settled on “Dezi”, derived from “destiny”, with a registered name of MerlynNow&4Evr. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tR3opzX8Bc0/UzePPsQrChI/AAAAAAAAeT0/1q29iGDzWGk/s1600-h/IMG_1535-0013.jpg"><img title="IMG_1535-001" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1535-001" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bA372jyNUmE/UzePQWR3-0I/AAAAAAAAeT8/ToOSx4Igh_4/IMG_1535-001_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>Just a couple days later, we were on the road again, this time for 3 days as I headed for Fort Worth, TX, to meet Natalie for the  IFCS Continental Championship of the Americas. I loaded Tempo & Dandy and the 2 puppies into my Honda Element and off we went, leaving on Wednesday morning and arriving on Friday afternoon. Two 8 week old puppies in a hotel is a challenge for sure!</p> <p>Natalie and Dandy were reunited to again compete for Team Australia, who sent 3 handlers to the US to compete with borrowed dogs. Tempo got to play this time around also as he partnered with Simone Holt. The competition was a rush, the puppies were a blast, and it was a fantastic trip. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W4f0vT6zyso/UzePRXzJZsI/AAAAAAAAeUE/xjoc1lmJ0Lo/s1600-h/IMG_23032.jpg"><img title="IMG_2303" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2303" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jzb-j0Io2KI/UzePSX7zMZI/AAAAAAAAeUM/1tVGZ24pLEY/IMG_2303_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="193" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-flJKY4B8l8M/UzePUV64Q2I/AAAAAAAAeUU/A-nEWzwpmp0/s1600-h/Dandy--49532.jpg"><img title="Dandy--4953" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Dandy--4953" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-898TrRK58hI/UzePVO_6OEI/AAAAAAAAeUc/rAzRil0_zB4/Dandy--4953_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="191" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q2zu1aojMxg/UzePWysuE0I/AAAAAAAAeUk/WtHDa36oGPw/s1600-h/Tempo-CCoA-April-2013-102.jpg"><img title="Tempo CCoA April 2013 (10)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Tempo CCoA April 2013 (10)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YWY3Q86IJ-s/UzePXnDZUoI/AAAAAAAAeUs/fJVFa-mbhJ8/Tempo-CCoA-April-2013-10_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="172" /></a></p> <p>Tempo & Simone   <a href="http://vimeo.com/85409097" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/85409097</a></p> <p>Icing on the cake was a Bronze Medal in Biathlon for Nat & Dandy!</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/66080966" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/66080966</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nqCBvr89YOs/UzePZK6VB_I/AAAAAAAAeU0/neyYs1BgXqw/s1600-h/IMG_24282.jpg"><img title="IMG_2428" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2428" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-91QZLEomKJI/UzePZuk2mVI/AAAAAAAAeU8/zjsKg8E7Dr0/IMG_2428_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BfOLH-H8EKU/UzePbAIqmhI/AAAAAAAAeVE/eAQI3V7VUw4/s1600-h/IMG_24572.jpg"><img title="IMG_2457" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2457" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1070kqizKEQ/UzePb_4SHfI/AAAAAAAAeVM/4hLnwWZf4MY/IMG_2457_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="244" /></a></p> <p>And it was super cool that Nat got to spend a couple of weeks with her new puppy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W3hBHuJWkd4/UzePdDpBqxI/AAAAAAAAeVU/IvrWshZxTWg/s1600-h/IMG_28842.jpg"><img title="IMG_2884" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2884" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rKMhbcaVtXU/UzePdrY8olI/AAAAAAAAeVc/NYsEnF3q0b0/IMG_2884_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="181" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Nz2iOopMvSQ/UzePe238CXI/AAAAAAAAeVk/LsnU7tWV3Yw/s1600-h/IMG_2666%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2666" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2666" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0qPaMaeyJpg/UzePfUL7gdI/AAAAAAAAeVs/9HhF_GQEJ-4/IMG_2666_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="173" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Nat & her husband David kindly drove back to Pennsylvania to caravan with me and once we hit the Harrisburg area, we parted ways as they went on to visit with friends Heather & Jeremy for a couple of days with 2B in tow. </p> <p>That weekend, we met up again at a USDAA competition in Barto, PA, and Nat ran a few runs with both Dandy & Tempo. The highlight of the weekend was Master Pairs, where I ran Dandy and Nat ran Tempo, and we qualified!</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/Uhr2trMCtKg" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/Uhr2trMCtKg</a></p> <p>And a reunion with littermates of Dandy, Tempo & Dezi----</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--46P4j3sgpg/UzePgyP-8pI/AAAAAAAAeV0/EV0eIR-XoKE/s1600-h/Family%252520Reunion%252520May%2525202013%252520%2525282%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Family Reunion May 2013 (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Family Reunion May 2013 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l9UB-FqpCIE/UzePiH4OfxI/AAAAAAAAeV8/nMpKKyA73ag/Family%252520Reunion%252520May%2525202013%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="232" /></a></p> <p>On May 5, Nat & David headed back to Australia, leaving 2B with me so he could complete the quarantine requirements to be exported to Oz. Tough day for Natalie, saying goodbye to her new puppy that she just met. I could write a book about the months that followed, raising two puppies together and working out everything to make sure 2B’s transition to Australia would be successful. Microchip, rabies vaccine, rabies titer, government endorsements and then the 180 day countdown began. In the months ahead, I would be socializing and training both puppies while working very hard NOT to get too attached to 2B. Dezi & 2B attended Puppy Kindergarten class and I had my friend Valerie handle 2B for me. It was great to see both pups able to focus with that level of distraction. Their littersister Vilya, with Barb Miller, was also in this class. I had some more help when 2B spent the month of July with Heather and Jeremy, lovingly referred to as Beardie Boot Camp! 2B not only learned about living with Beardies but he continued to get exposed to new people and new situations. The new environment was good for him, and the break was good for me and Dezi as it gave me a chance to spend one-on-one time with him. When August arrived, Dezi and I attended Puppy Agility Camp along with Heather and 2B. At the end of Camp, 2B was returned to me. More vet visits and more life lessons to come.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aOd_OdD5jIQ/UzePjExQR0I/AAAAAAAAeWE/NpzHA7CTaJM/s1600-h/photos%252520day%25252013%252520016%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="photos day 13 016" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="photos day 13 016" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--SJokMM__t8/UzePj8xHC1I/AAAAAAAAeWM/VdDeFJws8Rs/photos%252520day%25252013%252520016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>In June I attended the Mid-Atlantic Regional where Dandy ran clean in two rounds of Grand Prix, earning a Bye into Semi-Finals at Nationals. So the trip to Tennessee in October was put on our calendar.</p> <p>In June I made another huge decision and investment: I bought a small RV. This was a dream of mine for many years and with the retirement it seemed like the right time to just do it! I bought a 2009 Winnebago View, 24’ on a diesel Sprinter chassis. Just the right size for me and my dogs, and manageable for me to drive. The dogs LOVE having their own “home” on the road, such a pleasure to not have to stay in motels, and staying on site at select agility trials is a real luxury.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tjBUL5Kjz_U/UzePlkoF3gI/AAAAAAAAeWU/fyrkUR1tq2A/s1600-h/20130716_175948%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20130716_175948" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20130716_175948" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Jscg7Ib8uO4/UzePmYzPjJI/AAAAAAAAeWc/k2oZohrvujA/20130716_175948_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mbaBdelhOYw/UzePofUMksI/AAAAAAAAeWk/v8REWMUuYRg/s1600-h/20130716_175926%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20130716_175926" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20130716_175926" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J2fiNha4jXg/UzePo4aCL-I/AAAAAAAAeWs/lu8C7WKD28Y/20130716_175926_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>My first trip in the RV was in mid-July when I went to Rhode Island for the New England Regional (USDAA). Everything went fine and I found I can sleep really well in it, much better than motels. Dogs also rested well. While in RI, I met Donalee for a little family reunion as she has Tempo’s littermate Maze and Dezi’s littermate Moss.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cZ00LV9ImXU/UzePrwnXodI/AAAAAAAAeW0/hbmGGsQFBJ4/s1600-h/IMG_5192%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5192" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5192" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aT5aMig0v_g/UzePsZy4U2I/AAAAAAAAeW8/__Vv89LQTFw/IMG_5192_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="117" /></a></p> <p>2B had lots of swimming lessons at the lake. He presented me with a challenge as he is the first Border Collie I’ve had who did not just dive in and figure it out. He was cautious of the water itself, then worried as the ground kept dropping away. I went in with him to try to trigger his paddling mechanism. I deposited him off the side of the dock. I threw food and toys that floated to entice him. It was a slow process, and I was not about to send him off to Australia not knowing how to swim! So I broke down and bought him a life jacket. I went in the water with him, deep enough for him to paddle and he suddenly found his sea legs, the jacket gave him that boost of security. He had one session with the life jacket and after that, he was swimming naked and joining the other three in the lake with confidence.</p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XCFX_qI2l6I/UzePujdSaPI/AAAAAAAAeXE/zVKbSW1fszc/s1600-h/IMG_6017%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6017" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6017" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bg2yK9JZipk/UzePve65C7I/AAAAAAAAeXM/s3PhgEWjhg8/IMG_6017_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="156" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R3FFezyLqgQ/UzePxOU3ykI/AAAAAAAAeXU/zGzJgEDGqlQ/s1600-h/IMG_6379%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6379" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6379" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nu3V66VYBU4/UzePx4WwYpI/AAAAAAAAeXc/Ko2y3BJUtFE/IMG_6379_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="166" /></a> <p>In August I had a bit of a health scare with Dandy as he started drinking and urinating excessively. We saw the vet and had blood tests, urine tests and an ultrasound. The only thing found was a prostate infection for which he was given antibiotics. After a couple days, he seemed normal again. He had lost a couple of pounds, so I tweaked his diet and he put some weight on so all was back on track.</p> <p>We took another RV trip in August to an agility trial in western Pennsylvania. And another reunion of Shebaa dogs as we met up with Dandy’s two littermates Seeker & Jazz!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z0Wmo91X5wg/UzePzixKgWI/AAAAAAAAeXk/8CXJOB3EjYg/s1600-h/Token%252520Kids%252520at%252520B%252520%252526%252520D%252520Aug%2525202013_%252528kd%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Token Kids at B & D Aug 2013_(kd)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Token Kids at B & D Aug 2013_(kd)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mB6M9zLlNjU/UzeP0rksScI/AAAAAAAAeXs/gwhDdOuvfEE/Token%252520Kids%252520at%252520B%252520%252526%252520D%252520Aug%2525202013_%252528kd%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>September brought sadness as we lost Tripper on the 9th. He was 14 years old, he was losing his sight and hearing, and was experiencing degenerative nerve issues making it difficult for him to walk and control his functions. He had a number of masses throughout his body as well, so the time had come. He had been living with my mom for the past 6 years, enjoying the quiet companionship. He is greatly missed by both of us.</p> <p>In early October, my mom and I took a little RV trip with my 4 dogs to Virginia to watch some of the USBCHA Finals. Lynn & Flo were running in Nursery, so we got to see them as well as a number of Open runs. We drove down on Tuesday and stayed overnight, and back home the next day after watching Flo in action. </p> <p>USDAA World Cynosport (Nationals) was held in Tennessee in October. Nat wanted to come for a visit with 2B so we worked it out for her to come during Cynosport. I would run Dandy (I had to handle him in GP to use my Bye), and she would run Tempo. For the team event, we partnered with Tempo’s littermate Quid and Barb Miller. Our team name was a tribute to Token (dad to all 3 dogs, whose registered name is Merlynn Eclipse) with the Australian connection: <em>Eclipse Down Under</em></p> <p>Barb Miller had fantastic shirts made up for us to wear.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6MrpMroMGAU/UzeP14JH_9I/AAAAAAAAeX0/2UOaWMEI9Zs/s1600-h/20131019_164636%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20131019_164636" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20131019_164636" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pM6COMstvZU/UzeP2iOXgLI/AAAAAAAAeX8/L1E_AOtZgyk/20131019_164636_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gqLYgL27YBk/UzeP4cdUSNI/AAAAAAAAeYE/DaUDTW5WcdE/s1600-h/20131019_164713%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20131019_164713" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20131019_164713" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-agsSFtW18Fc/UzeP4xoZrgI/AAAAAAAAeYM/g78XyYdP9-E/20131019_164713_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P5YwAUu580Q/UzeP6tLRCQI/AAAAAAAAeYU/LlmiLmkGd4c/s1600-h/day%2525202%252520047%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="day 2 047" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="day 2 047" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Y6ch6NQcYEM/UzeP7oWF8iI/AAAAAAAAeYc/OlQ3Ena3E6M/day%2525202%252520047_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>I left home on October 20 and arrived in Murfreesboro for Cynosport on October 21. Nat flew into Nashville and met Heather there; they stayed at a hotel with 2B while I stayed on site in my RV. It was really great for Nat to have this quality time with 2B.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zEpn3e8AuYo/UzeP8oZH-5I/AAAAAAAAeYk/yM7eXl5Vb6s/s1600-h/day%2525202%252520109%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="day 2 109" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="day 2 109" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3X5qZTTXGxo/UzeP9UROOAI/AAAAAAAAeYs/r4y-_VpFAZo/day%2525202%252520109_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> <p>Nat did get to run Dandy also at Cynosport, in the Biathlon event. They had 2 clean runs with NO practice since May!</p> <p>Tempo in Team Gamblers, Dandy in Master Challenge Jumpers <a href="http://youtu.be/575AGBP0EjE" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/575AGBP0EjE</a> </p> <p>Dandy in Master Challenge Standard <a href="http://youtu.be/UG2xmVgTRlM" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/UG2xmVgTRlM</a></p> <p>After Nationals, Nat & 2B joined me in the RV as Heather flew home to Pennsylvania. We drove up to Virginia to the Misty Mountain Campgrounds where we spent two wonderful days at a training camp with Mary Ellen Barry & Jen Pinder. Nat worked with Dandy and I worked Tempo. It was a great learning experience. We then drove back to PA, where Nat got to spend a few more days with 2B. We visited the lake for one last swim before winter arrived, took the dogs for a herding lesson and enjoyed a drive to see the autumn leaves. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i03SdB2In_Q/UzeP_NQoJJI/AAAAAAAAeY0/9JphYmWcJ0w/s1600-h/IMG_7703%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7703" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7703" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uGkbCMw0jt4/UzeP_4YpA3I/AAAAAAAAeY8/sX1fMjhie4Y/IMG_7703_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="175" /></a></p> <p>On November 3, Natalie flew back home, this time a bit easier to leave as 2B would be in Australia in just a couple of weeks. </p> <p>With the final paperwork all in order, and travel arrangements made, it was time for 2B to leave me on November 11. My friend Valerie drove us to Newark airport where I met with the pet transport people. I said Goodbye to 2B as he settled into his airline crate. This was a tough day. While I was ecstatic that he was finally going to be with Nat, where he belongs, it was hard for me to see him leave. As much as I never thought of him as “my dog” and reminded myself of that every day, I will always love him and miss him. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OvDiw6tU8Lo/UzeQAzhdnWI/AAAAAAAAeZE/DoYsp2HLvaw/s1600-h/IMG_2170%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2170" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2170" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q0sEtSP6u9w/UzeQBt1-t5I/AAAAAAAAeZM/6vS3hMRm5rU/IMG_2170_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="231" /></a></p> <p>2B’s journey first took him to LAX where he had a layover and the paperwork endorsed by the government official. And then he jetted off on the big trek across the Pacific Ocean, from LA to Sydney. There he would spend 30 days in quarantine, though he was allowed visits from Nat and other friends. When he was finally released to Nat, it was a monumental day!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-47WH3sx_YOQ/UzeQC2sqTRI/AAAAAAAAeZU/PAeh4z_dI2g/s1600-h/2B%252520in%252520Q%25252011-21-13%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="2B in Q 11-21-13" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2B in Q 11-21-13" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pdWWzChUxZU/UzeQDj-UYqI/AAAAAAAAeZc/M2MTUJocLHE/2B%252520in%252520Q%25252011-21-13_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="193" height="244" /></a></p> <p>2B is now happy as ever in his new home. He not only swims in a pool but also in the sea, with waves and all. It was a massive journey for all of us…it took a village to make sure 2B was prepared for all that was coming his way…but the end result was worth it all. I am so very honored that Dandy’s son is adored by Nat & David, and I am super proud of the little man who has handled his adventure so beautifully.</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/79273004" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/79273004</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j9M9wx-K9NA/UzeQEdh6eCI/AAAAAAAAeZk/BjjqlaFAApQ/s1600-h/2B%252520January%2525202014%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="2B January 2014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2B January 2014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uq7PSlaWCo8/UzeQE6JsPHI/AAAAAAAAeZs/8WDKxf2M6uw/2B%252520January%2525202014_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="177" /></a></p> <p>And as much as I miss 2B, it’s really good that I now have just ONE puppy. And Dezi is a great pup, he is super sweet and he really likes his sheep!</p> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/87375496" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/87375496</a></p> <p>While 2013 was dominated by the raising of two puppies, Dandy and Tempo had their share of notable moments as well.</p> <p>In addition to the LAA-Bronze, Dandy earned his Jumpers Champion-Silver title, and in AKC, he finished his MX, MXJ and XF. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DKNqonuZcqc/UzeQHLxmacI/AAAAAAAAeZ0/_wdaHIoup24/s1600-h/IMG_2240%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2240" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2240" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x3eAPeefCzg/UzeQHhjhDLI/AAAAAAAAeZ8/-fhnMCb48D4/IMG_2240_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="211" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Tempo earned his Standard Agility Master, Tournament Master and Tournament Master-Bronze, and his Jumpers Master. In AKC, he earned his AX, AXJ and NF.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-81GDxGtteS4/UzeQKMyzECI/AAAAAAAAeaE/sHovmOocCCQ/s1600-h/IMG_2237%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2237" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2237" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qorZr6AqNZ0/UzeQK3Jt-EI/AAAAAAAAeaM/Sdk3e_0iDGM/IMG_2237_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="178" /></a></p> <p>As 2013 drew to a close, many more adventures were being planned for 2014!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fGGDBq74xpU/UzeQMGJz7OI/AAAAAAAAeaU/Yby3q5aKcBw/s1600-h/tulip%252520dogs%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="tulip dogs" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="tulip dogs" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UVe3ZQAw9mU/UzeQMu9TscI/AAAAAAAAeac/K2vdmGWkkvI/tulip%252520dogs_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="227" /></a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-26824232423092338272012-12-17T21:45:00.001-05:002012-12-17T21:45:37.681-05:00Tempo MAD Dog!!!!<p>On December 8th, at the USDAA Agility Test hosted by Keystone Agility Club in Barto, PA, Tempo earned his Master Agility Dog title! He needed to qualify in both Master Gamblers & Master Snooker to finish is MAD, and he did both in style. He placed 4th in Gamblers, and though he only placed 5th in Snooker, he did earn the maximum of 51 points (4 other dogs also got 51 points but got across the finish line faster!) He ran great in Jumpers but I moved a hair too soon and pulled him off a jump, so no Q. But a bonus of the day was his Q in Grand Prix (5th place). He had also earned a GP Q on November 11th at High Octane’s test at Barto, with a 3rd place, so he is now qualified for Nationals in GP.</p> <p>Dandy also had a great day qualifying in 3 of his 4 classes. We blew Masters Standard, but we aced Master Jumpers winning the 26” class. We ran Master Pairs with little brother Quid (Tempo’s littermate), and qualified with a clean run on both parts. And Dandy qualified in Grand Prix with a 4th place, just 0.02 seconds behind 3rd. This was a big improvement over our November 11 competition where Dandy and I had a Q-less day with just one error in every class.</p> <p>At this last competition of the year, both dogs ran really well, no bars down, no contact or weave faults…just refusals. Tempo is running much better than in the beginning of the year, he is sending well and not asking as many questions. Dandy has had a few moments of being pushy, but he is still a dandy boy! We now take a little break as the holiday season is upon us, but we won’t rest for long as I’m planning on a 3-day USDAA event in January,and one or two days in February. 2014 will be bringing us more adventures, so there is lots to look forward to. Regardless of Q’s and titles, I’m grateful for every single day that I have with these awesome dogs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uXxk5rOCuhQ/UM_Yw9tlT4I/AAAAAAAAZrM/ASbez6diNGc/s1600-h/Tempo%252520MAD%2525281%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Tempo MAD(1)" border="0" alt="Tempo MAD(1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s_HTflvAxcI/UM_YxpI-txI/AAAAAAAAZrU/f_OMuVzOoKU/Tempo%252520MAD%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="345" height="425" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Fkl44EUtFM/UM_YzaY89MI/AAAAAAAAZrc/bAgoafZr2LY/s1600-h/Dandy%252520ADCH%252520Bronze%252520Cert%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dandy ADCH Bronze Cert" border="0" alt="Dandy ADCH Bronze Cert" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C3w1abX8ctI/UM_Y0GsX1UI/AAAAAAAAZrk/lxeKkt5EjW4/Dandy%252520ADCH%252520Bronze%252520Cert_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" height="295" /></a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-14540399093492665412012-12-17T20:50:00.001-05:002012-12-17T20:50:54.766-05:00Autumn AKC Agility<p>Enjoying a nice 45 minute commute, we attended a couple of local AKC Agility trials hosted by Skyline Agility Club. On October 20-21, 2012, we did not have our best weekend, but still managed a few Q’s with both boys going 3 for 6. Dandy earned one Q each in Excellent B Standard, Excellent A FAST, and Time2Beat, all Blue since he was the only 26” dog. Tempo earned one Q each in Novice FAST (his debut in FAST), Excellent A Standard and Time2Beat, all 1st place in 24”. </p> <p>We had a better but colder weekend on December 1-2. Dandy double-Q’d on Saturday and Q’d in Excellent B Standard on Sunday, so he was 3 for 4, and again all Blue as the only 26” dog. Tempo was 2 for 4, qualifying in Excellent A JWW on Saturday, and in Excellent A Standard on Sunday, both 1st place in 24”.</p> <p>So we end our AKC year with Tempo needing one more Q for his AX, and two more for his AXJ. Dandy needs one Q for his MX, and two for his MXJ. He has five Double Q’s and 320 MACH points; I’m not sure if we’ll really pursue a MACH as I still prefer USDAA, but if there are enough AKC trials close by, maybe someday…</p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-53578731704953270712012-10-24T20:30:00.001-04:002012-10-24T20:30:34.372-04:00Dandy, ADCH-Bronze<p>On Saturday, October 13, at the USDAA Test hosted by Keystone Agility Club, Dandy earned his Agility Dog Championship-Bronze title. He needed just one more Q in Master Snooker to finish the ADCH-Bronze as well as his Snooker Champion-Bronze. He qualified with a lovely run of 49 points, 2nd Place and a Super Q. We didn’t get a big title ribbon, so no special photo, but we do have video!</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohtw1zGsB18" target="_blank">Dandy in Master Snooker</a></p> <p>He also had a beautiful run in Master Jumpers, qualifying and winning the class. This was probably our best Jumpers run yet, at 6.7 yards per second. I didn’t slow him down as much as I usually do since I did three blind crosses, it was such fun!</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3C0-3VznFI" target="_blank">Dandy in Master Jumpers</a></p> <p>Tempo earned his 3rd Q in Masters Standard, but not a very good time as I had trouble getting his elbow down on the table. Still he managed a 4th place. He had great runs going in Snooker and Jumpers but one refusal in each cost us the Q’s.</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5XQ_JUOCDY" target="_blank">Tempo in Master Standard</a></p> <p>On October 20-21, we went to Skyline’s AKC Agility Trial in Middletown, NY. Not our best weekend, but both boys qualified in 50% of their runs. Tempo earned 3 Q’s: Novice FAST, Excellent A Standard and Time2Beat, all First Placements in 24”. Dandy also earned 3 Q’s: Excellent A FAST, Excellent B Standard and Time2Beat, all First Placements in 26”.</p> <p>We plan to get three more days of USDAA in before year’s end, along with one weekend of AKC. Winter will be upon us soon when will be at the mercy of the weather but hopefully we can get to at least one event per month through the winter months.</p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-18795440253985899032012-10-17T21:34:00.001-04:002012-10-17T22:07:44.674-04:00Cynosport 2012September 26-30, 2012 - Commerce City, CO<br />
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In September, we took a long road trip out to Colorado to compete in the USDAA “Nationals” n/k/a Cynosport World Games, held at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO. Both Dandy & Tempo competed in all 3 tournaments: Grand Prix, Steeplechase and Team. Amongst the challenges were the 1800 mile drive with two friends in an RV (and a total of 7 dogs), the change in altitude at a mile high, and the intensity of a huge international event. Competitors attended from not only the US, but also Japan, Russia, Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, England, Spain & Switzerland.<br />
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It was indeed a long drive but staying in a fab RV was a fantastic way to do it, so I’m lucky to have been invited to join Jeannie & Kathleen on this RV journey. We were able to stay “on site” at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, which was a real luxury to me, no travelling back and forth to motels and having the convenience of “home away from home” right there 24/7. <br />
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This was my first time “out west”…seeing the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop every day was magnificent, I just love mountains. A bonus is that I didn’t have to take any allergy meds the whole time I was out there! As soon as we drove back into Pennsylvania on the way home, it was back to antihistamines and decongestants.<br />
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Dick’s SGP is a huge outdoor complex with a stadium and a plethora of soccer fields. One section was dedicated to our event, and there were 3 rings on grass as well as 3 rings on an artificial turf that was fabulous for both handlers and dogs to run on. The main ring was on turf with bleachers on two sides. One of the 3 grass rings was deemed unusable for the entire event as we had two nights of rain that was more than Commerce City had seen all year. In order to not turn the one grass ring into mud, it was abandoned. The organizers did a great job of reassigning all the classes scheduled for that ring, so the event went on with just 5 rings without much difficulty. Even though we had two nights filled with rain, the weather during the days of the event were pleasant and mostly sunny.<br />
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In addition to agility, the event also hosted Flyball racing, Lure Coursing, and Splash Dogs.<br />
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Overall, I was happy with my dogs’ performances. Some runs could have been better, of course, but it was a great experience regardless of results. <br />
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TEAM EVENT: Tempo ran in the 4 classes for the Team event, and though he E’d in Jumpers (off course in wrong end of tunnel) and had a terrible Snooker class (8 points!), he hung on in Standard to get a score, and had a very good run in Gamblers. Dandy did well in his team classes, his worst being Snooker with 31 points. He ran clean in both Standard & Jumpers, and had a terrific run in Gamblers to place 10<sup>th</sup> in the 26” class (though they only gave placements up to 9<sup>th</sup> place!).<br />
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STEEPLECHASE: Both Dandy & Tempo made it to Semi-finals but did not advance into the Finals. We ran Quarterfinals around 9:00 at night on Wednesday, and hoping to finish before a big storm moved in. (We got back to the RV in the nick of time!) I was surprised to do as well as we did under the circumstances. Tempo did well in Semi-Finals but knocked a bar…he needed to be clean in order to advance in that competition. I really wanted Dandy to make it to Semi’s as he’s a great Steeplechase dog…but I made a huge mental error. On his approach to Jump #3, my mind went to the wrong place…I thought about how well he could do if someone else were handling him…and at that very moment, he crashed the jump AND the wing, which is something he has never done. We had a disconnect after that for an off-course. So I blew it. But it was a very valuable lesson: I need to focus on me and my dog and nothing else, and run him to the best of my ability. I need to focus on our strengths, not our weaknesses. I was disappointed but not devastated, and I will be better prepared mentally in the future.<br />
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GRAND PRIX: Tempo went off-course at the Aframe/Tunnel discrimination in quarter-finals, so no advancement. It was unfortunate that GP Quarterfinals as well as Steeplechase Quarterfinals were held on Wednesday, the first day of competition, we were not at our best after spending the previous 5 days/nights in the RV, on the road with no opportunity to train. Thankfully, Dandy had earned a Bye into Semi-Finals, and the Semi’s were held on Saturday. He ran clean but did not make the cut for Finals. They only took the 16 fastest dogs, and I needed to be much more aggressive than I was to be competitive. But I survived my first time in Semi-Finals and am very proud of Dandy. This was an important experience for me as I tend to get very nervous in the ring, but getting through the run without choking or losing focus was a “win” for me. I realized that I will have to be more ambitious in the future if I ever hope to advance. Changing my habit of “just trying to run clean” into “run clean AND fast” will take some work, I’ve been running conservatively for nearly 20 years! But it’s time to try to step out of my comfort zone. I have an amazing dog who is capable of so much, and even though I’m not young & athletic, I can push more by handling more strategically and making the most of my dog’s skills. While I have no aspirations to actually WIN, I really do have to set my goals a little bit higher than “just run clean”. <br />
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I have so much to be proud of with both of my dogs. I was confident in knowing my dogs would stay at the start line, I was confident in their contact performances being spot-on, and even though they don’t always keep the bars up, they are talented jumpers. It was a pleasure to enter the ring with them and know they had great training behind them as well as athletic ability and drive and desire, even if my handling sometimes let them down.<br />
They have very good weave skills as well, but the 22” spacing on the weaves at Cynosport really threw Tempo off. We see nothing but 24” weaves at trials, and he had a hard time finding his rhythm with the 22”. I know he CAN do them, he did them fine when we encountered them in Texas in May. But the Cynosport environment made him very high, and even being outdoors was something he has not habituated to since almost every trial we did this year was indoors. Dandy is more seasoned and was able to adapt to the weaves with no issue, but it was harder for Tempo. <br />
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Grand Prix Finals were held on Sunday, and since we were not running, I accepted an invitation extended to Dandy to join a Colorado Flyball Team who was racing at the event. (Dandy’s half-brother Jake was on the team so at least we knew one dog there.) Dandy took a moment, wondering what we were doing – he had not even seen a flyball box since April - but then quickly switched gears from Agility to Flyball. Racing for the first time outside on grass presented an entirely new picture to him. He took the position of start dog, we had great starts and he averaged 4.0-4.1, helping the Agents of Chaos secure 1st Place in Regular Division 1. We were awarded a gorgeous Cynosport 2012 medallion for winning and it’s a beautiful memento of our Wild West Week!<br />
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Besides enjoying a wonderful event with dogs, friends, nice weather and lovely scenery, I came away from it all with much to be happy about and also much to think about for next year. Beyond the training and mental management that are key points, there is one more thing that I need to consider…I need to be better prepared next year by getting to more trials. 2012 was a unique and fantastic year for me that included two very big trips, which is out of my comfort zone, but I loved every moment and I would not change a thing. The World Agility Championship in Texas in May was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has been the highlight of Dandy’s career, and it was worth any sacrifices made to get there so that Dandy could compete with Team Australia. And when I made the commitment to go to WAC, I had no intentions of going to Colorado. What I have to do differently in the future is to simply try to budget my time and money more effectively. In 2012, my competition days totaled about 10, not counting the two Regionals I went to. By the time Cynosport arrived, I felt I had not competed enough to be prepared, I felt “out of practice”. I need to plan for Cynosport in 2013 in Tennessee, to insure that my head is in the game and the dogs are well-rehearsed but not burned out. <br />
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When all is said and done, my heartfelt gratitude goes to Dandy and Tempo for bringing so much adventure and joy and love to my life!<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AZHV0ENbUsI/UH9cYjKXMgI/AAAAAAAAZcg/3o28_PiNsRQ/s1600-h/IMG_6514_sun%252520and%252520moon%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6514_sun and moon" border="0" height="370" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dgmVJy_ao6Q/UH9cZcc0U8I/AAAAAAAAZco/levcyVzt690/IMG_6514_sun%252520and%252520moon_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6514_sun and moon" width="523" /></a><br />
Indiana Sunset from I-80 West<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NFuAfoePxc0/UH9ca-GKBTI/AAAAAAAAZcw/y3Y02eNdjRg/s1600-h/IMG_6851%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6851" border="0" height="407" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LbDac_SAMow/UH9cb1itUbI/AAAAAAAAZc4/JXCL8q78NBo/IMG_6851_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6851" width="577" /></a><br />
Tempo & Dandy at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ud6DXjP13jo/UH9cdXWzpxI/AAAAAAAAZdA/lwCAXJiNxo8/s1600-h/Cynosport%252520panoramic%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Cynosport panoramic" border="0" height="293" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FH9ZqlvYYMc/UH9ceSVKTNI/AAAAAAAAZdI/T5oYi5dQ9Tw/Cynosport%252520panoramic_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cynosport panoramic" width="591" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6op9fBvLaRI/UH9cim067aI/AAAAAAAAZdg/7r7YLa3wNWk/s1600-h/IMG_6962%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6962" border="0" height="416" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G-m5s9eoexY/UH9cje_p5CI/AAAAAAAAZdo/Priq5EwiK64/IMG_6962_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6962" width="598" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FBl_ckrUi_c/UH9clIAbI4I/AAAAAAAAZdw/9t19cVXiEGg/s1600-h/IMG_6930%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6930" border="0" height="290" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zaI-C3tNrPU/UH9cl1ChOiI/AAAAAAAAZd4/ZbEHUW6hB-o/IMG_6930_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6930" width="412" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pOcs3iJOl4M/UH9cnZAaq7I/AAAAAAAAZeA/yyINf7QjTEQ/s1600-h/IMG_6935%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6935" border="0" height="288" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DV-8k8M0gjM/UH9coTBqifI/AAAAAAAAZeI/EfD7pGGOCAY/IMG_6935_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6935" width="404" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x6dIO_KLmvM/UH9cpGNlP9I/AAAAAAAAZeQ/CLEADnFwfUY/s1600-h/IMG_7018%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7018" border="0" height="353" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YYTXGvLI6T8/UH9cp4afz4I/AAAAAAAAZeY/Jfhcv0g2YBM/IMG_7018_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7018" width="508" /></a>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-9789336339197454842012-10-08T15:05:00.001-04:002012-10-08T15:05:59.654-04:00AKC in September<p>Our second AKC trial for this year was September 8-9, hosted by Skyline Agility Club in their new facility at Victoria Farms in Middletown, NY. One ring trial in a barn, on packed dirt/rubber. The shape of the barn resulted in the ring being rectangular instead of square, and obstacles were often placed very close to the walls. I think the walls and the footing presented some differences that my dogs need to get accustomed to, but I’m sure they will as we plan to do a number of trials there. One thing I was not wild about was the jumps they used, they were very lightweight pvc, mostly wingless, not much visibility and not very compelling for the dog.</p> <p>Dandy had a very “off” weekend, knocking a bar in 3 of his 6 classes. This is very unusual for him so I had to wonder if the walls and/or footing felt odd to him. When he knocked the first couple of bars, I don’t think he even realized it due to the lightweight pvc. The first time, I believe he brushed the upright, rather than hitting the bar itself. Second bar was jumping into a wall. The 3rd bar, he knew he hit it and I saw him react for the first time, he really needed the feedback that he knocked a bar.</p> <p>So, Dandy was only 3 for 6. He qualified in Time2Beat with a 1st place both days, and he qualified in Sunday’s Excellent B Standard, 1st place. Not that NQs are unusual for me, but it IS unusual for Dandy for the only error to be knocked bars. More homework!</p> <p>Tempo had a very good weekend, he was 3 for 3 on Saturday, and 1 for 3 on Sunday, with dropped bars his only fault. On Saturday, he qualified in Open JWW to finish is OAJ title. He also earned his second leg in Open Standard, and his first Q in Time2Beat, taking 2nd place behind Dandy in 26”. On Sunday, he earned his 3rd leg in Open Standard to finish his OA title. He had a bar down in Time2Beat, and a bar down in his debut in Excellent A JWW. But overall a great weekend for the youngster.</p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-63519432151047873772012-10-08T12:57:00.001-04:002012-10-08T12:57:13.853-04:00AKC in August<p>August brought us just one event, an AKC Agility trial hosted by Monticello NY Kennel Club, held at New Hope Farms in Port Jervis, NY. This is my favorite site since it’s only 25 minutes from home! </p> <p>Dandy went 4 out of 5 for the weekend. On Saturday, he qualified in Excellent B JWW (2nd place) and Time2Beat (1st place). On Sunday, he double-Q’d with a 2nd place in Excellent B JWW and 1st place in Excellent B Standard.</p> <p>Tempo had good runs, qualifying 2 out of 5. He earned his 2nd leg in Open JWW and his 1st leg in Open Standard. Dropped rails were the downfall in other classes but his contacts & weaves were great! Doing our first AKC trial of the year, I found a hole in our training program…while we work on lots of tight turns and technical things, we have not done much lately involving long sequencing of jumps on straight lines or soft curves. Time to work speed circles!</p> <p>Great “home” trial with lots of friends!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-51aI0mTkBIA/UHMF5Cj8AJI/AAAAAAAAZcE/4gKO1-dfiRA/s1600-h/Terri%252520%252526%252520Pups%252520Aug2012%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terri & Pups Aug2012 (2)" border="0" alt="Terri & Pups Aug2012 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T_IZ7iKG7YU/UHMF6ITTmcI/AAAAAAAAZcM/bAxYqW2Z4nI/Terri%252520%252526%252520Pups%252520Aug2012%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="308" /></a></p> <p>Family Reunion! Pictured is Terri Florentino (Shebaa Border Collies) with 5 of her puppies:</p> <p>Quid & Tempo (Meg/Token 2009), Dandy (Meg/Token 2006), Roy (Wyn/Mick) & Wiley (Echo/Chip)</p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-4841102793306064312012-07-18T21:25:00.001-04:002012-07-18T21:25:22.211-04:00New Titles & Clearances<p>June and July….getting back to running my dogs in Agility and having some health checks done. In June, I took both Dandy & Tempo to an eye clinic at Sheepy Hollow, and both were normal on all counts and have been re-certified by CERF. I also had Tempo’s hips radiographed and submitted to OFA, and his hips have been certified as EXCELLENT! (Dandy is also OFA Excellent.) All good news!</p> <p>In June, I only did two days of USDAA trials in Barto. On June 10th (Lehigh Valley Dream Weavers), Dandy qualified in Master Jumpers, 1st Place. Tempo qualified in Grand Prix, 4th place, for his 2nd GP Q to fully qualify him for 2012 Nationals. Tempo ran Advanced Pairs with his littermate Quid, they took 1st place and this leg finished Tempo’s <strong>Advanced Agility Dog</strong> title (AAD)!</p> <p>On June 16th (Keystone Agility Club), Dandy qualified in Master Snooker, 1st place & Super Q, and he qualified in Steeplechase to finish his <strong>Tournament Master-Gold</strong> title (TM-Gold). Tempo earned his first leg in Masters Standard with a 2nd place, and he qualified in Grand Prix with a 1st place, earning him a Bye into the GP Finals of the New England Regional in July.</p> <p>We attended 2 days of the 3-day New England USDAA Regional in Greenfield, MA, July 14-15. The weather was horribly hot & humid, and the ground was dry, hard & slick as the lack of rain dried out the grass. I could not sleep Friday night after driving up to MA after work and I was beyond tired on Saturday…not fully functional at all! Unfortunately, I was simple not there for my dogs when we went in the ring, and we performed poorly. Sunday was a bit better after I finally got some sleep but the heat is not my friend. I’m glad I didn’t enter both dogs in all the classes.This was our first outdoor trial of the year, and Tempo struggled with the surface, very different than what he’s used to. He knocked a number of bars, and slipped several times. He did not qualify in any classes, but his run in the Grand Prix finals was respectable. He had one bar down and one refusal, but still managed to finish in 5th place. Dandy adapted to the footing much better as he’s more experienced, and he saved the weekend for me--- he qualified in Master Snooker with a 1st place/Super Q, and qualified both days in Gamblers (2nd pl & 3rd pl) to finish his <strong>Gambler Champion-Bronze</strong> title (GCH-Bronze). </p> <p>In between, we have spent much time swimming and dock-diving at the lake. With the extreme heat we’ve been having, the lake is a blessing. Tripper loves to join his ‘cousins’ at the lake. I took advantage of Gail being here for her summer visit…I was able to get some cool shots by going out in Gail’s kayak to shoot from a different point of view while she and mom threw the toys out for the dogs to retrieve. Sometimes it takes a village to get good pictures <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m-ZUXxaij_s/UAdhy_ey54I/AAAAAAAAYOE/JoyeTXU_dU8/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_MDzxUAfc4U/UAdh0sDwKGI/AAAAAAAAYOM/ELsPIabPAdE/s1600-h/Dogs-Lake-070312%252520%25252860%252529e%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dogs-Lake-070312 (60)e" border="0" alt="Dogs-Lake-070312 (60)e" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RVAuWarGurs/UAdh1XJ2kJI/AAAAAAAAYOU/VWmEjBGBzd4/Dogs-Lake-070312%252520%25252860%252529e_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="307" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-voY6YcaMXZE/UAdh3q1VQdI/AAAAAAAAYOc/sqBYQvI8VeU/s1600-h/Dogs-Lake-070312%252520%25252877%252529e%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dogs-Lake-070312 (77)e" border="0" alt="Dogs-Lake-070312 (77)e" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-luqgonNqqGM/UAdh4Zb9zUI/AAAAAAAAYOk/S-Vzs3vbilI/Dogs-Lake-070312%252520%25252877%252529e_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="377" height="309" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DIqBFLOCYVk/UAdh6eHbekI/AAAAAAAAYOs/IaBr8ZXP7XE/s1600-h/Dogs_Lake_070312e%252520%2525284%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dogs_Lake_070312e (4)" border="0" alt="Dogs_Lake_070312e (4)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vgu6qsef_H4/UAdh7KUW05I/AAAAAAAAYO0/tjLLFjCpNXk/Dogs_Lake_070312e%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="315" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--8YGXo5ut78/UAdh8udkS3I/AAAAAAAAYO8/P5lcF3OSmhs/s1600-h/Dogs_Lake_070312e%252520%2525286%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dogs_Lake_070312e (6)" border="0" alt="Dogs_Lake_070312e (6)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KDyYGEogg5M/UAdh9qipRHI/AAAAAAAAYPE/HNPgsObhMDw/Dogs_Lake_070312e%252520%2525286%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="311" height="401" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e-ukKRN8pF4/UAdh_W_EehI/AAAAAAAAYPM/2VpuEYUs94E/s1600-h/Dogs_Lake_070312e%252520%2525288%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dogs_Lake_070312e (8)" border="0" alt="Dogs_Lake_070312e (8)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MAdSpIvdD9U/UAdiAJ5wPcI/AAAAAAAAYPU/ZN9VwE_y6bo/Dogs_Lake_070312e%252520%2525288%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="336" /></a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-25722747547039455382012-05-29T22:22:00.001-04:002012-06-09T10:30:05.686-04:00The Time of My Life!The 2012 IFCS World Agility Championship was held May 11-13 in Fort Worth, Texas, hosted by the United States Dog Agility Association. This elite international competition takes place every two years, since 2002, and has been held in Russia, Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium and the UK. This year was the first time it has been held in the USA. Each country who participates may send a team of up to 12 dogs/handlers, with a maximum of 3 in each of the four height divisions (Toy, Mini, Midi & Maxi). Teams from Australia and New Zealand are eligible to compete in this event but the quarantine regulations in their countries make in impractical for their dogs to travel outside of their home countries. In the spirit of sportsmanship, the IFCS allows teams from these two countries to compete by borrowing dogs from the host country.<br />
In February 2012, USDAA put out a call to the US agility community, asking for “Loaner Dogs” to be volunteered. Now, I have never had “World Team” aspirations, the selection process alone is high-pressure and I am not of that caliber as a handler. However, I have always thought that Dandy possibly had “world team” potential. So I offered Dandy as a possible Loaner Dog for the 26” height class (Maxi), and he was put on a list of candidates that was sent to the Australian Team Manager. Also being offered were dogs belonging to two fellow competitors from the northeast, Jeannie Bonsignore & Melanie Behrens. We hoped that all 3 of our dogs might be chosen so we could make the big road trip to Texas together. We were asked to submit videos of our dogs in competition, and to complete a questionnaire regarding our dogs’ training, temperament, experience, if they enjoyed running with other handlers, and so on. At the end of March, all three of us were notified that our dogs were selected for Team Australia! The planning for the road trip began! Two weeks off from work, first time travelling in an RV, never been west of the Mississippi…and that’s just the beginning of the adventure…<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AIDoNo6nzIg/T8WESQkeLSI/AAAAAAAAWY8/Djv6YI70zFo/s1600-h/IMG_1844%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1844" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZH-u-muO-I4/T8WETBTBqoI/AAAAAAAAWZE/gpkXSaa-ESo/IMG_1844_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1844" width="244" /></a><br />
On May 2, we packed up Jeannie’s RV and headed for Texas, arriving there on Friday afternoon, May 4. A few days prior, we had received emails from the Team Coach advising us of the handler that was being preliminarily matched to each of our dogs, so we were looking forward to our first meeting and training session on Saturday May 5. The handler chosen for Dandy was Natalie Kirkwood, a fantastic trainer and handler with over 20 years experience in agility, having started as a teenager. I had “met” Natalie on Facebook shortly after Dandy was selected for the team, so I felt like I already knew her. And upon our first meeting, I felt 100% comfortable with her as Dandy’s handler, and I knew we’d also become fast friends.<br />
Australia sent a full team of 12 handlers, and they arranged practice sessions for every day…Saturday through Tuesday…at a few different local training facilities in the Fort Worth area. Saturday, Sunday & Monday were very hot & humid days, and our dogs from the northeast were not acclimated to heat yet, so we had to keep sessions short. Tuesday gave us a bit of a break in the heat, thankfully. There was a significant learning curve for the Aussie handlers as most of them use a different handling system than our dogs are trained for. They decided it was easier to revise their own handling than to try to change what our dogs already knew. It was not easy, modifying handling while getting to know their loaner dogs, all in the span of 5 days, but they did it with enthusiasm and sportsmanship and smiles! Team Australia really rose to the occasion!<br />
While Dandy was officially running for Team Australia, Tempo also got to join in the fun. He was a Reserve Dog (Maxi) for Team Australia, so he got to do some training with all three of the Maxi dog handlers in the training sessions. He was surprisingly happy to work for *anyone* and didn’t look for me at all! I guess that shows how confident he is and how much he loves the game…although looking for me just once in a while would not have been THAT bad. <g><br />
Wednesday was the official team practice at the Watt Arena at the Will Rodgers Equestrian facility in Fort Worth. The excitement was really beginning! The “loaner dog” owners had been given beautiful team shirts in Aussie green & gold, sporting our names and our dogs’ names. Each dog was given an official team collar/leash, in green & gold; the collar portion was embroidered with the dog’s name, and the Team Australia logo was printed on the leash portion. We were all dressed for success! Each country had 45 minutes to practice in the actual ring where the competition would be held, giving them all a chance to get accustomed to the footing and equipment. The team practice was a bit frantic but it was good for the dogs to have a chance to show their wild side!<br />
On Thursday, there was a local qualifier for USDAA Grand Prix and Steeplechase. Dandy ran both of these classes with Natalie, their very first time in a competition together, with me being far away in the stands. I had really hoped that Dandy would be confident enough at this point to be able to work with Nat without me anywhere in sight. I did not want to be a distraction, and wanted to let this be about the two of them. I was relieved to watch their first run as a true team, with Dandy giving Nat his full attention. They qualified in both Grand Prix and Steeplechase, finishing 5th in Steeplechase Finals, while Nat continued to practice new handling skills with Dandy. <br />
I ran Tempo myself in Thursday’s classes, although I felt very unprepared. I had not worked with him at all since we arrived in Texas, and I had gotten into “spectator mode”…I was not exactly ‘in the zone’. We had one refusal in Grand Prix and one bar down in Steeplechase, so we did not qualify in either. Afterwards, he was run in both classes FEO as was permitted for handlers running “borrowed” dogs. Tony Redwood ran him in Grand Prix and although they E’d, Tempo had a grand time. Natalie ran him in Steeplechase, 1 bar down, but he again had a blast.<br />
The Opening Ceremonies were held later that day, introducing all the countries who came to compete: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and the USA.<br />
I could write an entire book on this whole journey. But in brief, what transpired over the 3 day event was nothing short of amazing. Nat & Dandy ran like they had been running together for years. They did not quite make it to the podium but were hot on the heels of all the big winners. Out of 9 WAC classes, they E’d in just one class, Biathlon Jumping. In Team Triathlon, they were 2nd in Jumping, 4th in Agility (Standard) and clean in Relay. In Individual All Around classes, they were 6th in Snooker, 9th in Gamblers, 4th in Agility (Std) and 5th in Jumping, where the top 5 dogs were within 0.3 seconds of each other (Dandy & Nat were just 0.13 seconds from a Bronze medal in Jumpers.) Their final result in the Individual All Around was 4th place….less than 1.5 points from a Bronze medal. They competed against very strong teams in the Maxi division from the USA, Canada and Hungary, teams who have been training & competing with their own dogs for years. Medal or not, Natalie did her country proud, and brought Dandy to a whole new place, proving that he truly is “world team” quality. I could not have been any prouder. <br />
On the final day of competition, our handlers presented each “loaner dog” owner with a green and gold Team Australia training bag, embroidered with dog’s name and filled with little gifts from Australia. And a Thank You card that made me cry…but that was nothing unusual, I never cried so many tears of pride and joy in my entire life! But there were also tears of sadness, in saying Good Bye to our wonderful new friends from Down Under. We will be forever friends, and I will never forget this incredible experience. I am eternally grateful to Natalie Kirkwood for bringing Dandy to new heights, exposing his true potential…and for inspiring me to push myself a a handler…to trust my dog and trust my training, to run with more ambition instead of always running “just to get through the course”, and to allow him to really shine.<br />
We left Fort Worth on Sunday night, and managed to get back home late Tuesday night. All three of us were so proud of our dogs, happy with our experience and new friendships, yet a bit sad to say goodbye and to realize it was over. Yes, the event is now in the past, but it will always be a huge part of my life, and the wonderful memories will be with us forever. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VcjXNCD9kO0/T8WEVZMfSiI/AAAAAAAAWZM/xdk7BtmY-lM/s1600-h/IMG_1836%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_1836" border="0" height="225" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qCcrpP7XSE8/T8WEV44ba0I/AAAAAAAAWZU/lv4H49BP9Ho/IMG_1836_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_1836" width="327" /></a><br />
<span style="color: #006c00;">Dandy, Elf & Zeke for Team Australia</span><br />
And it can never be said too much…Dandy amazed me way beyond my expectations. I am truly blessed to have him as well as Tempo in my life. Thank you, Token & Meg, for these precious gifts. And Token, I know you were in Texas with us, you are always with me. <br />
All of Dandy’s runs are uploaded to my youtube channel, here is the link to the playlist of all nine WAC classes:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL41520AC6E663F32E" target="_blank">Playlist for WAC videos of Dandy & Natalie Kirkwood</a><br />
But to sum it all up, Nat and I both made compilation videos…I will never get tired of watching them. <br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/jioCC-gFjaA" target="_blank">Natalie’s video of her WAC journey with Dandy</a><br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/42984861" target="_blank">My video of Dandy’s WAC Experience</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78I6OytXdaE" target="_blank">Tempo's WAC Adventure</a><br />
Photo of Natalie Kirkwood & Dandy by Heather Gahres<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KAuiTXHCppg/T8WEXGXJZtI/AAAAAAAAWZc/Qa--EyqKmjU/s1600-h/WAC%252520photos%252520day%2525202%252520279%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WAC photos day 2 279" border="0" height="302" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NlJAxxwkdrQ/T8WEYOxd2GI/AAAAAAAAWZk/_3nKBUuze-M/WAC%252520photos%252520day%2525202%252520279_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WAC photos day 2 279" width="434" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--YvWJuFZ2Bo/T8WEZA8GF-I/AAAAAAAAWZs/yXt2ros_fmw/s1600-h/540438_387425104632553_227786267263105_1079968_1202657885_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="540438_387425104632553_227786267263105_1079968_1202657885_n" border="0" height="299" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uoF68i5JEdg/T8WEZ3gbTeI/AAAAAAAAWZ0/DHNAzyIYw0A/540438_387425104632553_227786267263105_1079968_1202657885_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="540438_387425104632553_227786267263105_1079968_1202657885_n" width="389" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3g7gAaF0i4c/T8WEa9p7m7I/AAAAAAAAWZ8/7CIBfA-jd-c/s1600-h/576391_3576660768404_1029639470_3267882_1389624715_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="576391_3576660768404_1029639470_3267882_1389624715_n" border="0" height="330" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aEL6NDoI8m8/T8WEbrzrYII/AAAAAAAAWaE/7kBddOShP-k/576391_3576660768404_1029639470_3267882_1389624715_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="576391_3576660768404_1029639470_3267882_1389624715_n" width="284" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PmE_RJQ7zEc/T8WEco0lJqI/AAAAAAAAWaM/YuJSEmGZdvk/s1600-h/Nat-Linda-Dandy-Tempo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Nat-Linda-Dandy-Tempo" border="0" height="246" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sYoOJjLxjLM/T8WEdWupPAI/AAAAAAAAWaU/IBVFe03q-Z4/Nat-Linda-Dandy-Tempo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nat-Linda-Dandy-Tempo" width="346" /></a><br />
Natalie Kirkwood & DandyLindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-80073217812886250442012-04-25T20:17:00.001-04:002012-04-26T23:02:18.673-04:00Everything’s Shiny!April is coming to an end, and it has been a whirlwind month! April 14-15, the dogs and I headed to York, PA, for Clean Break’s huge 2-ring Flyball tournament. Dandy and Tempo raced together on the same Open team which was made up of a very special line-up of dogs. Elizabeth came all the way from Wyoming with two of the Token/Blur kids, Jake & Nikki, so the 4 Token kids could race together. We were joined by Lisa from Colorado and her cool little Sheltie as a height dog so we could have 8” jumps. We raced under the banner of Elizabeth’s San Diego club Fast Fourward, and our team name was “Everything’s Shiny” as we are fans of the old TV series “Firefly”. Of course, racing my two dogs on the same team did have its complications…I had to find someone else to run Tempo. Dandy was start dog, Jake was 2nd, and with our height dogs running last, Tempo ran 3rd. Enter this awesome kid from Two-Lane Highway, another club that was graciously loaning us their box and boxloading for us. Braydon is just 10 years old, but he did an awesome job running Tempo. He even got Tempo his new ‘best time’ running ‘in the pack’ with a 4.30! Tempo did a great job running even while I was calling Dandy to me and tugging with him. He did look for me as he came back with his ball, so Braydon would run back to where I was with Dandy. I do think Dandy was a bit put-off sharing the spotlight with Tempo, but he managed to deal with it <G>. My personal “best” of the weekend was getting a 0.000 start with him! I had gotten that once with Token, this was my first time with Dandy. <br />
Another thing making this event special was the debut of Nikki. She took over as height dog for several heats (12” jumps) and did awesome, earning her FD & FDX!!! I was so thrilled for her and Elizabeth, it was a very special occasion! Still working on getting video processed. But we did get a picture of the four Token kids together. L-R: Nikki, Jake, Dandy & Tempo<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QDBYyaGEEnc/T5iT__6nHBI/AAAAAAAAUFE/IYbjp2-wfX8/s1600-h/Nikki_Jake_Dandy_Tempo_Apr2012%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Nikki_Jake_Dandy_Tempo_Apr2012" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7lMvoAHeSlk/T5iUApPtu5I/AAAAAAAAUFM/DQstQqkbLaU/Nikki_Jake_Dandy_Tempo_Apr2012_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nikki_Jake_Dandy_Tempo_Apr2012" width="355" /></a><br />
<br />
The following weekend was a 3-day USDAA Regional Championship in Palmyra, PA, the Mid-Atlantic Agility Showcase held at In The Net, a fabulous indoor sports arena with a terrific turf that is great for running dogs. This was a huge 3-ring event, with high caliber competition.<br />
Tempo did really well with oh-so-close runs. He ended up on a last-minute pick-up team for the Dog Agility Masters Team event, along with another 26” jumping BC and a 12” Papillon. Out of 63 teams, we qualified and ended up in 12th place! Tempo had just one refusal each in Team Standard & Jumpers, I was very proud of his runs. He also ran in Round 1 of the Regional Grand Prix, and had just one refusal. In Round 1 of Steeplechase, he had one bar down putting us out of the running for Round 2. But for a young dog without much trial experience, he did great!<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6exBtBpaUs" target="_blank">Tempo in Team Jumpers</a><br />
<br />
Dandy’s team of 3 Border Collies also qualified and were 14th out of 63 teams. Dandy was clean in both Jumpers & Standard, qualifying in both, 14th & 8th place respectively. This also qualified him to run in Round 3 of the Triathlon, a hybrid course with weaves and seesaw. He ran clean but not the fastest, we ended up in 9th place which I was quite pleased with. We had some hiccups in Round 1 of Steeplechase, but made it to Finals. I made a handling error (due to momentary indecision) that caused Dandy to knock a bar, so we did not place. Had he not hit the bar he would have earned a bye into Semi-Finals at Nationals. Dandy had a bye to run in the Grand Prix finals at this Regional, but I ran him in Round 1 anyway. He ran clean and was 10th place. In the Grand Prix Finals, I didn’t run it exactly as I walked it (which was the theme for the whole weekend with me!) but he ran clean and again was 10th place, earning him the coveted “Bye” into Semi-finals at Nationals. I was not planning to go to Nationals this year as it’s in Colorado in September, and I may not have enough vacation time left. But now that he has a Bye, I am trying to see if it’s possible.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrjJTGRode8" target="_blank">Dandy in Team Jumpers</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXnHZMt1Ab0" target="_blank">Dandy in Triathlon Hybrid Round</a><br />
<br />
Over the 3 day event, Dandy never missed a contact or a weave entry, and only knocked one bar which was totally my fault. Team Gamblers & Snooker could have been better, had I handled better….but Dandy ran clean in Team Jumpers, Standard & Relay, Round 1 of Steeplechase and both rounds of Grand Prix. I could not be any prouder of him!<br />
<br />
The month of May will bring us a whole new adventure as we head to Texas for the IFCS World Agility Championships. This is an international event, with each country allowed 3 dogs in each of the 4 jump heights (12”, 16”, 22” & 26”). The USA team will be a force to be reckoned with and it will be fun to cheer them on. However I will also be cheering for Team Australia. Australia & New Zealand are eligible to compete at this event but quarantine regulations make it impractical for them to travel abroad with their dogs. In the spirit of sportsmanship, they are invited to compete with dogs loaned to them by the host country. Back in February, USDAA put out a call to ask for volunteers with solid Masters level dogs who are willing to run for other handlers. Two friends and I decided to offer our dogs as “Loaner Dogs”. After submitting videos and questionnaires, the 3 of us were thrilled to learn that our dogs were chosen to be part of Team Australia. Dandy will be running in the “Maxi” division, jumping 26”, with one of the 12 Australian handlers. Tempo is “2nd Reserve” for the Maxi division, so it’s highly unlikely he will compete but he will be on hand in case of a last-minute emergency. The event takes place May 11-13 at the Will Rodgers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, TX. We will meet with the Team Coach, Manager and handlers on May 5, and will have training sessions every day leading up to the event. This will surely be a very unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Being part of a world team is certainly not part of my own reality, but Dandy is talented enough to be there, so I’m looking forward to this event, and hoping that his Australian handler has a great ride with Dandy!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ifcsdogsports.com/" target="_blank">2012 IFCS World Agility Championship</a>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-31879921426951235622012-04-25T19:18:00.001-04:002012-04-25T19:18:18.512-04:00March Flyball and a bit of Agility<p>I am trying to catch up on my posts, life has been pretty hectic lately! I spent much of the month of March going to the chiropractor myself as I was in much pain from a muscle strain in my upper back. I’ve been taking the dogs to the chiropractor for years but never went myself. It really helped me heal but I was not able to do too much with the dogs during this time. But I managed to squeeze in some fun for the dogs.</p> <p>March 10-11, we went back to Massachusetts for another Flyball tournament hosted by Weston Whirlwinds. Dandy raced on an Open team under the club name of Grab & Go, which was my very first flyball club where Token got started. That club went on hiatus when a couple of members left the area and dogs retired. It was a bit nostalgic to have Dandy racing as Start Dog on G & G, just like his dad Token had done back in 2005. Tempo raced as Start Dog on Fast Attack’s Open team, and also shared a spot on their Regular team. The tournament turned into an old-fashioned type of tournament as the electronic timing system was totally not working. All timing had to be done manually, early starts & passes called manually, and the judge had to manually start every race with a lowering of arms. It was a bit like racing blind as we had no idea how our starts were, or what our individual dogs’ times were. But it was still fun, and we got points, and our teams got 2nd place in their divisions. </p> <p>On March 24, we went to one day of On Target’s USDAA trial in Barto, PA, in the lovely new building. I only had Dandy entered in 2 classes, Masters Standard & Gamblers. He qualified in Gamblers with a 2nd place, a Q I really wanted as Gamblers is not my best class. I asked Barry, a fellow competitor, to run him in Standard for me. Dandy did everything he was supposed to do, but they had an off-course at the Aframe/Tunnel discrimination as Barry’s cue for that is very different than my own. I ran Tempo in Advanced Gamblers (no Q, bar down in Gamble), his first Masters Standard (no Q, 2 refusals & bar down), and in Grand Prix. His Grand Prix run was lovely, he qualified with a 2nd place, enabling him to run at the Regionals! That was the Q I wanted most with Tempo, so it was a good day!</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb17ZTAJyJk" target="_blank">Tempo in Grand Prix</a></p> <p>Both boys will now be running in the Mid-Atlantic Showcase, USDAA Regional in April!</p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-66516234786244648022012-03-04T19:06:00.001-05:002012-03-04T19:06:39.064-05:00New Titles for Tempo in February<p>Tempo earned his FDCH-Gold title at the Weston Whirlwinds Mardi Gras Madness Flyball Tournament in Westborough, MA, on February 11-12, 2012. It was especially fun as he raced on an Open team with his littermate Maze! Their team took 1st place in Open 3 Division.</p> <p>Dandy also raced on an open team that was all friends with dogs that also do agility, so it was very cool! Their team took 2nd place in Open 1 Division.</p> <p>The following weekend we went to one day of a USDAA Agility Trial in Barto, PA, hosted by Keystone Agility Club. Tempo didn’t Q in Advanced Gamblers, but we did get the Q that we wanted most, his 3rd Advanced Standard leg to finish his ASA title (Advanced Standard Agility) with a 1st place. Running past a jump and stopping on contacts, he ran the 155 yard course in 38.8 seconds, so he has potential! </p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/u4mxGVcm4j4" target="_blank">Tempo in Advanced Standard</a></p> <p>He also ran super in Grand Prix…no Q but he was awesome. He ran past a jump for one refusal, then I was out of position for the next jump & we got another refusal. But the rest was fantastic, I was so proud of him! I was super pleased with his jumping & contacts & weaves but I was most impressed with how he handled the first 3 obstacles, his collection at the #2 Jump was lovely!</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/8Cp-BViX-Dg" target="_blank">Tempo in Grand Prix</a></p> <p>Dandy was only entered in Master Gamblers and Standard. I asked my friend Judy to run him for me as an experiment to see if he would run for someone else. They had a couple of miscommunications so no Q’s but he did really well with her. He looked for me at the start line but once he was off and running, he was there for her! It was fun to watch him run from a new perspective.</p> <p>More flyball & agility coming up in March. I’ve been battling some back pain, so I hope that gets under control quickly.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3FJw20Xid_o/T1QDjLLSUZI/AAAAAAAATlg/APf8MBcFH4E/s1600-h/DONALEE%252520LINDA2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DONALEE LINDA2" border="0" alt="DONALEE LINDA2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V_liK-Qyuig/T1QDjudVKYI/AAAAAAAATlo/UvVN-Y7UKps/DONALEE%252520LINDA2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="369" height="253" /></a></p> <p>Littermates Maze & Tempo racing together in Flyball!</p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-88448269134596354972012-01-18T20:48:00.000-05:002012-02-07T20:53:02.087-05:00Flyball Chaos!<p>Thanks to Facebook---- Dandy, Tempo and I made an unplanned trip to a Flyball tournament in Exton, PA, on Sunday, January 15, to fill in for team that was short a dog at the last minute. A team from New Jersey had 2 Border Collies and a Cavalier KC Spaniel as the height dog, but they needed a 4th dog to be able to race. They were entered in Regular Division 2 but were running as “Performance” (due to picking up non-club members to round out the team this weekend) meaning the team was not eligible for any placement, but could earn points for the dogs who raced. I thought it would be a good diversion for me, having just hit the one-year anniversary of Token’s passing. I could drive down to Exton in the morning, in less than 3 hours, so I volunteered to fill in for them. </p> <p>I planned to alternate Dandy & Tempo throughout the day, with 8 races on the schedule. We had challenges from the start, with a runback of only 35’. And the box was a little bit different that what my dogs are used to. And the only tennis balls they had were soft “squishy” tennis balls, which were very different from what my dogs are used to. In the first race, I ran Dandy as start dog. He bobbled the ball a couple of times, he doesn’t really like squishy balls and had to learn to adjust. But we did OK. </p> <p>I thought I’d run Tempo in our next race, so I took them both out to potty in between. Good thing…</p> <p>When we were on deck, the owner of the Cavalier (our only  height dog) told us his dog was injured and could not run…so we had to run a team of four Border Collies, jumping the maximum allowed height of 14” rather than the 7” we had planned on. My dogs have never done 14” in flyball….sure, they jump 26” in agility, but with only 10’ between flyball hurdles, where a flat trajectory is desirable, 14” totally changed the way they had to jump. AND we had NO time to warm up to even let the dogs know they were now jumping 14”, we were scrambling to figure out a plan, quickly! Adding more complications, this also meant that Tempo and Dandy had to BOTH run in all the races. On the way into the ring, a friend was standing by, she volunteered to help so I handed her Tempo’s leash and away we went. (Thank you, Heather!!) Dandy was the start dog, and Tempo ran anchor. He did fantastic, especially considering that no one but me has ever handled him. Both dogs dealt with all the craziness like true professionals. Our team won every race, but were not eligible for any placements due to our team having dogs from different clubs at the last minute. But we earned lots of points towards our titles, and had lots of fun! </p> <p>One very ironic thing is that one of the dogs we raced with was a Border Collie named Kelli. Token had a wicked crush on Kelli. Whenever we raced in Region 15 (PA/NJ/etc) and raced against Garden State Barkway, I had to be on my toes because Token would always make attempts to run over and visit Kelli. He was so naughty, but fortunately Kelli’s owner was understanding, and found it amusing. How bizaare…on the weekend that marked one year since Token has been gone, BOTH of his sons, Tempo & Dandy, raced alongside this girl that he was so infatuated with. Fortunately Dandy & Tempo kept their brains engaged in flyball instead of Kelli…but I have to believe that Token was there with us, enjoying the odd reunion.</p> <p>This tournament was hosted by Chaos Unleashed…and that was quite fitting! </p> <p>I even have a few pictures to commemorate the occasion, thanks to Erica who stopped by with her family to see what flyball was all about. </p> <p>This picture shows Heather with Tempo, me with Dandy, and behind us Kim with Kelli, Token’s heartthrob. How cool is that? <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qqjU47TWHOc/TzHVVprbY7I/AAAAAAAATaI/jTbDusnd7I0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cD72R10qi_M/TzHVWP3W5wI/AAAAAAAATaQ/JIH20EHV7Cw/s1600-h/photo1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo1" border="0" alt="photo1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5K7JcR9u7O4/TzHVWkRnnOI/AAAAAAAATaY/8ExlG4uMcqc/photo1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-39672596084220288612012-01-14T21:27:00.002-05:002012-01-14T22:09:58.384-05:00It’s Been One Year….<p>…since that painful day that I lost Token. Such a knife to the heart. A punch in the gut. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dk0a0NxVF7k/TxI5ktUMt0I/AAAAAAAAS60/VBczaKqkf7E/s1600-h/Dogs_010111_3%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: right; display: inline; background-image: none;" title="Dogs_010111_3" border="0" alt="Dogs_010111_3" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yRoLxXYblcw/TxI5lHp3nRI/AAAAAAAAS68/vNkIosOXyY0/Dogs_010111_3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="384" height="273" /></a></p> <p>Getting through the first year is a milestone for me…I’ve gotten past most of the ‘firsts’…First time back at flyball, first agility trial running just one dog, first birthday without him… I trust it gets a bit easier now. Missing him is normal, and is bad enough. The unfairness of losing him way before his time makes me both angry and sad. But on we go… Dandy & Tempo continue to make it all bearable. My little pieces of Token, still with me. I know his spirit is always close by. But I still miss him every day. Sure, it’s nice that the bath towels are no longer pulled off the rack. The stuffed toys in the house last longer than five minutes. He wasn’t perfect, he had his naughty streak. But he was one of the best nevertheless…I miss his nuzzling, his hugs & kisses, his joy for life. His larger-than-life personality. He was special, not for agility or flyball, but for his connection to people. He had an aura about him that was something very special. I’m so lucky that he shared his life, as shortened as it was, with me. </p> <p>I love you, Token, and miss you every day. Wait for me at the Bridge the way you waited for me to get home one year ago today, so I could be with you at the end. Until then, I hope to see you again in my dreams.</p>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-38018372682403451482011-11-25T21:02:00.001-05:002011-11-28T23:24:06.719-05:00My Little TV Star<p>Back in September, Dandy answered a casting call for a part in a State Farm commercial. We ventured into Greenwich Village in New York City for the job, and it was quite an experience to see how things work ‘behind the scenes’. I wondered if Dandy was going to end up on the cutting room floor, knowing how fickle show business is! Well, it is now a reality, the commercial is being aired across the country on the three major networks (ABC, NBC & CBS)! I discovered it first on Youtube on November 22. Then while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, I saw Dandy on my TV! It was aired that day during the National Dog Show and a football game as well, I heard from friends & family that they had seen it. It’s a great commercial as it uses the theme song from the old TV show “Cheers”, which is a great song...”where everybody knows your name” <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-note" alt="Note" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xS242fUjKoo/TtBIv_j4tFI/AAAAAAAARtU/vxqbULh8sAo/wlEmoticon-note2.png?imgmax=800" /> Dandy is at the very end (which gives me time to ‘catch’ him when I hear the song!); he is being walked down the city street at night by a young man who waves to his State Farm Agent through the office window. It’s a bit dark, and there is text that obscures the view of Dandy, but he does manage a millisecond of direct face time as he mugs for the camera just before he walks out of frame! I have it saved on my DVR so I can watch it over and over, and a copy is on my computer too. They really didn’t make use of Dandy’s best features; he does a killer head-tilt, and he could have been the one waving to the State Farm agent! But it’s very cool to see him on TV, even if it’s a just a small walk-through part, and I’m very proud of him, once again.</p> <p>Here is the link to the commercial on youtube….you have to watch to the VERY end, right after the shot of the traffic light.</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/epmehHteODU" target="_blank">Dandy in State Farm Commercial</a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-55774793738279811382011-11-25T21:00:00.001-05:002011-11-25T21:00:43.558-05:00Agility in November<p>November gave us two indoor USDAA Agility trials. On November 5 & 6, we headed to BucksMont in Hatfield, PA, to a trial hosted by High Octane Agility. Tempo was in Advanced, needing to qualify in Standard, Pairs & Gamblers to finish his AAD title. That didn’t happen, but he did get his Gamblers Q with his first time in Advanced Gamblers on Saturday. The gamble had 12 weavepoles plus 3 jumps, and he nailed it! His other runs had good portions but something went wrong in each of them. He did however qualify in Steeplechase, with a 3rd place finish in the Finals. This was his second Steeplechase Q, making him eligible to enter USDAA Cynosport (Nationals) in 2012! Dandy had an upside-down weekend; he did not qualify in his ‘best’ classes (Standard, Jumpers & Steeplechase) but DID qualify in those that are hardest for us! He qualified in Master Gamblers with a 1st place; he got a Super Q and 1st place in Snooker; and he qualified with a 3rd place in Grand Prix. This was his 2nd Q in GP for 2012, so he is now qualified for 2012 Cynosport in both Steeplechase & Grand Prix.</p> <p>We were in Barto, PA, on November 19-20, for KineticDog’s tournament-only trial. Dandy was on a team with very experienced dogs, and although they did well in all the classes, the Team Relay proved to be our downfall…two of us went off-course, and we ended up not qualifying. Individually, Dandy earned 3 Q’s getting 2nd place in Team Gamblers & Jumpers, and 3rd place in Team Standard. But Relay was the game-changer….in many ways. Tempo was on a team for the first time, just for experience and so he would get to play that weekend. He was teamed up with his littermate Quid and another young Border Collie friend named Tag! Individually, they did OK, though not setting the agility world on fire…they were not in position to qualify but we still gave it our all when it came to the Relay. Tempo & I had to do the middle part, running second, and he shocked me when  he actually held his ‘stay’ and let me get the head start that was vital in our section. He was awesome! Quid and Tag! each got one refusal but they too rocked it! Amazingly, our Relay boosted our points total enough to qualify! So the baby boys earned their very first Team Q and Tempo is now qualified to run in both Team and Steeplechase in 2012 Cynosport! I also ran both boys in Grand Prix, but neither qualified. Dandy had an awesome run but took a brief detour for an off-course when the dogwalk caught his eye. Tempo had 3 refusals, so he did not qualify either but he did really well on a very tough course. Overall, the weekend was a great experience for both boys, since every course included both the Wall Jump and the Long Jump, which they don’t get to practice outside of trials. Below are links to videos of Dandy in Team Gamblers and Tempo in Team Relay & Grand Prix.</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/eJUry0QAq8M" target="_blank">Dandy in Team Gamblers</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/X7XLdBXlY9Y" target="_blank">Tempo in Team Relay with Quid & Tag!</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/zA38IwcqxQ0" target="_blank">Tempo in Grand Prix</a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-58184389516577532732011-10-25T21:18:00.001-04:002011-10-25T21:18:24.300-04:00Autumn Agility<p>October 22 & 23, 2011 at FDR Park…what a glorious autumn weekend for an agility trial! This was my 4th AKC trial for the year, and will be the last until 2012. Hosted by Skyline Agility Club, the weather was very crisp, mostly sunny, no rain or mud…perfect weather for the dogs!</p> <p>Saturday was perfect, Dandy qualified in both Excellent B Standard and Jumpers With Weaves for his 3rd Double Q. Tempo qualified in both Novice B Standard and Jumpers With Weaves to finish his Novice Agility and Novice Jumpers titles. I moved Tempo up to Open for Sunday, and though he ran great in Open Standard, we incurred two refusals (run outs at jumps) so we did not qualify. However, he did earn his first leg in Open JWW with one refusal. Dandy did not qualify in his Excellent Standard class as he was a bit wild and I was not focused enough to anticipate his early off-course. But he did qualify in Excellent B JWW to earn his 5th MXJ leg. So overall, each dog was 3 out of 4.</p> <p>I ran both boys in the 26” class for two reasons. First, they are both jumping 26” in USDAA and I prefer to maintain the same criteria since we run in USDAA most of the time. The second reason is that AKC has a new rule that the tire jump shall be set one jump height lower than the true jump height.  In the 24” class, the tire is set at only 20”. The 26” class uses a 24” tire. Since my dogs must jump a 26” tire in USDAA, I feel the 20” tire could be dangerous for them. A 20” tire will encourage a flatter trajectory which makes the tire even more risky. I will eventually have to move one of them to the 24” class, once Tempo gets to the Excellent level, since the 26” class is so small that it’s very difficult to run two dogs in it. Maybe AKC will eventually allow a break-away tire for the safety of all dogs, and then it won’t be so worrisome.</p> <p>Since Tempo was the only 26” dog in Novice and Open, he easily took 1st place when he qualified. But he was faster than all the 24” dogs, so there is no shame. Dandy took 2nd place in all of his classes; there were only 3 dogs in Excellent B 26”, but the competition was fierce in this tiny group. Had Dandy been in 24”, he would have had a much easier time getting a blue ribbon! But placements do not influence me when making my decision on which height to compete in.</p> <p>Some VIDEOS from the weekend:</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/kAHPKqTCeEo" target="_blank">Dandy in Saturday's Excellent B Standard</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/aTwtINsV4es" target="_blank">Dandy in Sunday's Excellent B JWW</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/4rZYiKG-LU0" target="_blank">Tempo's debut in Open Standard</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/ddpdPQqQSZ8" target="_blank">Tempo's debut in Open JWW with a Q</a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-16060313844896514342011-10-19T20:49:00.001-04:002011-10-19T20:49:17.257-04:002011 USDAA Nationals<p>The 2011 USDAA Cynosport World Games (a/k/a Nationals) is now history. The event was 6 days long, which is L-O-N-G. But I’m so glad I was a part of it. I drove down to Louisville, KY, on Monday, October 10, and drove home the following Monday. I managed to do the drive in 12 hours with just a few short pit stops. Thankfully the weather was nice and sunny on both of my travel days, which made it more pleasant. </p> <p>The day before I left for Kentucky, I felt a cold coming on. By Tuesday, it was in full swing, and I was pretty miserable. On Thursday, I felt a little bit better, and by Friday, most of the cold had left my head. I still had an itchy throat, but breathing was much improved. I survived on lots of antihistamines, decongestants, cough drops and tissues.</p> <p>My experience at Nationals had its share of highs and lows. Tempo was not entered as he is not ready for that level of competition, so it was just Dandy for this event. The warm-up class on Tuesday was just awful…Dandy had not been worked in several days, and after a 12 hour car ride on Monday, he was pretty wild! The course was a Grand Prix-style course, and while he nailed his contacts & weaves, and kept the bars up, he went off-course three times! I was not handling well at ALL, as I was feeling terrible from my head cold, so combine that with a wild Border Collie, and things did not go well. I was terrified that this was a prediction for the next 4 days. I was VERY glad that Tuesday’s class didn’t count for anything, and glad I DID enter it as a practice session. I was just hoping that I could get my act together for the next day… Wednesday through Saturday would be four Team Classes, plus Grand Prix & Steeplechase Quarterfinals. Dandy was teamed up with two other Border Collies for the Team event (3 dogs/handlers, 4 classes plus the Relay for the top 30 teams out of 170 teams.)</p> <p>On Wednesday, we ran Team Gamblers. I was still off due to my cold, so I’m glad it was Gamblers where I could improvise a bit. We didn’t get the big bonus points as they required distance skills, which are a weakness for me & Dandy. But we managed to get a respectable number of points, placing us in the middle of the pack. On Thursday, we had Team Standard, and that course was chewing ‘em up & spitting ‘em out! I didn’t run until the afternoon so I got to watch a number of runs while scribing that class in the morning. Dandy ran the course clean, held the contacts, and we ended up 17th out of about 120 26” dogs.</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/qm2CjCgFBbE" target="_blank">Dandy in Team Standard</a></p> <p> We also ran in Steeplechase Quarterfinals, which was a heartbreak…I had high hopes of making it to the Semi-Finals as Dandy usually does well in Steeplechase. He ran the course beautifully but he got hung up in the middle of the weavepoles as they were not securely staked; I heard the metal bases clanging, and wasn’t sure what happened until I saw Dandy exit incorrectly. At that point, I knew he missed a pole, so I had to do the weaves over again. Unfortunately, this cost us too much time and we missed the cut-off for the Semi-Finals by less than one second.</p> <p>On Friday, we ran Team Snooker and Grand Prix Quarterfinals. Team Snooker went well, I went for three 7’s in the opening, which we got, and almost got through #7 in the closing, but with only 48 seconds, we didn’t quite make it; we just missed getting the 7 in the closing, so we ended up with 44 points. Grand Prix was yet another heartbreak. It was another tough course with a particularly gnarly section offering multiple off-course options. I handled well without choking; Dandy was brilliant, doing everything he’s been trained to do. Unfortunately, he was faulted for missing the ascent contact zone of the dogwalk. He has NEVER been faulted for “up contacts”, and whether he actually hit it or missed it, I can’t say for sure. Someone who was watching his run said he did hit it with his rear foot/feet. A few other 26” dogs were faulted for the same thing, so it appears that the judge wanted to see *front* feet in the contact zone. Bottom line is that we incurred 5 faults, and we would not be advancing to the Semi-Finals. Again, a fluke thing…some bad luck…and major disappointment…but it was still a beautiful run and one I’m very proud of. </p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/61PobMOriz8" target="_blank">Dandy in Grand Prix Quarter Final</a></p> <p>Without advancing in Steeplechase or Grand Prix, we had just one run on Saturday, Team Jumpers. Once again, a gnarly course! I saw many great teams go off course. Dandy was once again brilliant, we were clean right up until the next-to-last jump when I rushed a rear cross and incurred a refusal, but it was just a little bobble in an otherwise beautiful run. Again, I was SO proud of Dandy. </p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/AE0OpWMi-D8" target="_blank">Dandy in Team Jumpers</a></p> <p>Sunday was Team Relay and Grand Prix Finals, so it was a day to relax and watch some of the best agility teams in the US. I ended up working every class, including the GP Finals, and I’m really glad I did. Last year, I watched from up in the stands, and felt that I would NEVER be able to handle that pressure…it just seemed way too scary! But sitting in the ring, setting bars and fixing tunnels, helped me realize that it’s still just agility. It’s you & your dog, doing the thing you love, but with the added excitement of going for gold! It would be amazing to someday be in the finals, but the competition is intense even in quarterfinals at Nationals, and anything can happen to anyone. A missed contact or a dropped bar might mean the end of one’s advancement, but it’s not the end of the world…just look at your dog’s face and he will tell you, it was still a blast!</p> <p>Overall, Dandy was amazing. In the 4 team classes, he rocked…he got good scores in Gamblers & Snooker, just one refusal in Jumpers, and CLEAN in Standard. Our teammates had a bit of bad luck, so our team did not advance to the Relay but it didn’t matter…Dandy was awesome! In Steeplechase & Grand Prix quarters, it was just bad luck that kept us out of Semi-Finals. Again, Dandy ran beautifully! Throughout the 7 classes over 5 days, Dandy nailed every (down) contact & every weave entry. Not one bar came down, his jumping was stellar. He incurred just one refusal, and his only off-courses were in the one warm-up class. He did not come home with any ribbons or prizes but he truly ran like a champion all week. I could not be any prouder of my special boy.</p> <p>Tempo was such a good boy all week long…I did take him out one day to the practice jumps when no one was using them, and jumped him for a couple of minutes. He was SO excited to get to play; too bad he couldn’t have played MORE. And a sidenote, he kept the bar up on every jump. He did get to play with his brother Quid, and with Dandy, every night in the motel room. Not a real exciting week for him but he never complained, he was a very good boy.</p> <p>I did have several moments of tears…it’s just very hard to be at an event such as this and not feel the pain of missing Token. I bought a Rainbow Bridge charm for my bracelet, placed next to my tri-merle Border Collie charm. He is always in my heart…</p> <p>Next year, USDAA Nationals will be in Colorado. I’m not planning on making that trip…1700 miles, high altitude, trial outdoors where weather can be snow or 80 degrees…but I sure do want to take Dandy to Nationals again someday! And Tempo needs a chance, too, so I’m hoping for another “east of the Mississippi” event someday.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y9ELAW3J7Hk/Tp9wCieGz5I/AAAAAAAARPI/9yf2sJa8HS4/s1600-h/DSCF0300%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF0300" border="0" alt="DSCF0300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RXN1tNzTGME/Tp9wDDwwCzI/AAAAAAAARPQ/cPYQSth71Pw/DSCF0300_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="311" /></a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-35635789231821083352011-10-04T22:02:00.001-04:002011-10-04T22:02:12.291-04:00September Addendum<p>I must have been <em>really</em> tired when I wrote my last blog entry…I left out my report on Tempo at K9Logix! And it was a very significant trial for him. I only entered him in 2 classes each day. He earned his 2nd Advanced Standard leg with a 1st place on Saturday, and came oh so close on Sunday for his 3rd…but I fell way behind as he drove ahead with all-new confidence, and he hit the A-Frame instead of the seesaw for an off-course fault. On Saturday, he ran in Steeplechase Round 1, and he was spectacular! He ran CLEAN and fast and placed FIRST in Round 1!!! Tempo & Dandy were both in the 26” class; Dandy missed the weave entry and with a miscommunication at the A-Frame, he only finished 6th in Round 1…so Tempo earned his bragging rights, beating his big brother for the first time. In Sunday’s Finals, both boys ran super…both lost a little time at the very last jump as they had to wait for me to catch up, but their times were very close. Dandy’s time was 32.8 and Tempo’s was 34.09 (Tempo wasn’t really sure he was supposed to take that last jump!) Dandy ran clean and finished overall in 2nd place, with Tempo hot on his heels in 3rd place. Tempo had 5 faults added to his score for ticking the Long Jump but he would have finished in 3rd with or without those 5 faults.</p> <p>And we even have video of Tempo’s Round 1…<strong>So very proud of the baby boy!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/qbROhV5CMbg" target="_blank">Tempo's Steeplechase Round 1</a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-36178013203202704462011-09-20T21:11:00.001-04:002011-09-20T21:11:42.203-04:00September Agility Fun<p>How can it be that September is more than half over? We had a super time at The Blackthorne in the Catskills in NY September 9, 10 & 11. It was a very small trial, hosted by Y Agility, but it was stress-free and filled with laughs and good times all around. Making it even better was bringing home some ribbons. Dandy had a rough start to the weekend, having been on R & R with torn pads for the past week, but things improved as we got a bit more in sync. No Snooker for Dandy at this trial as I really wanted to focus on the Gamblers class, and that paid off, he qualified twice in Gamblers, both 1st place, and finished his <strong>Gambler Champion</strong> title! He also qualified in Masters Standard with a 1st place. My friend Barb and I took advantage of a new rule in USDAA Pairs that allows a host club to offer the option of mixed height pairings. So Barb’s 12” jumping Corgi Olivia ran pairs with 26” jumping Dandy. We ran clean and qualified and took 3rd place in the “big dog” division! Rounding out the weekend, Dandy qualified in Steeplechase taking 1st place in both Round 1 and the Finals.</p> <p>My goal with Tempo was to qualify in Starters Snooker to finish his Agility Dog title. Thankfully, we accomplished that on the first day. Tempo had a different opening planned than I did, engaging in lower point obstacles than I had wanted, so I had to improvise the entire opening. But we finished the close and he pulled off a Q with 44 points, earning his <strong>AD</strong>! He also earned a few more legs over the weekend, one each in Advanced Jumpers, Advanced Standard and Advanced Snooker (50 points!), and all blue ribbons. I had not entered Gamblers with him, so that will be our next project, Advanced Gamblers. Tempo also made his debut in Steeplechase. He did not qualify but it wasn’t awful; he knocked 2 bars, and we lost some time when he wasn’t sure where I wanted him to go, but it was a fairly technical course for him. He got to run in Round 2 since so few dogs qualified; he went off-course by popping the weaves and going on to the AFrame before I could fix it. But again, not a bad run for the baby boy.</p> <p>Tempo’s littermate Quid was there also and had some very nice runs in Advanced, including a great qualifying run in Advanced Snooker.</p> <p>The following weekend we headed to Massachusetts for the K9Logix trial in Greenfield. What perfect fall weather we had!!! So nice to NOT have heat & humidity!!! Dandy had a great weekend, with a 75% success rate. He qualified in Masters Snooker with a Super Q and 2nd place, and in Masters Pairs to finish his <strong>Relay Champion-Bronze</strong> title! He qualified in Steeplechase, though only placing 6th in round 1 when he missed his weave entry, and we lost time with an AFrame bobble. But he rallied for Round 2 and finished in 2nd place. Grand Prix was a tough course, there was one spot in particular that offered several options for handling. Unfortunately, Dandy was the very first dog to run and I could not watch others run to see what was working and what wasn’t. So I went with the option that I felt would work best for MY dog. It was dicey but we got through it clean and earned our first Q for 2012. Icing on the cake, Dandy took First Place in 26” and earned a Bye into the Finals of a 2012 Regional! The last class of the weekend was Master Jumpers, and we ran near the end. I watched this course that looked easy on paper just chew ‘em up and spit ‘em out. It was a total speed course, rather than being technical, and lots of bars were coming down, along with some off-courses. Incorporating a blind cross and a couple of rear crosses, Dandy ran clean! I was thrilled as this run finished his <strong>Jumpers Champion-Bronze</strong> title! Right after our run, however, I learned that the timer malfunctioned. I had the option to either run it again for time, or just take Standard Course Time. I elected to just take Standard Course Time as Dandy had bent his dewclaw and I was worried he would hurt himself. Dandy usually runs about 10 seconds *under* SCT, so he would have surely placed 2nd, or possibly 1st, but we took the 4th place ribbon rather than risk running again with a busted dewclaw.</p> <p>In addition to a great trial, I also enjoyed some more ‘family reunion’ moments. Dandy, Tempo & I stayed with our friend Janet, and Tempo had his picture taken with his Uncle Rip (Token’s littermate). The black and white boys look so stunning together. Tempo’s littermate Maze was at the trial, and she looked great, bringing home some Q’s and ribbons of her own. Donalee and I took advantage of the day and snapped some photos of the 3 siblings together (L-R: Dandy, Maze & Tempo). </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N_yeJQG8obA/Tnk5wTi1shI/AAAAAAAAQwo/J3UWrhLzEFA/s1600-h/Tempo-Rip_091811%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Tempo-Rip_091811" border="0" alt="Tempo-Rip_091811" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CyReC5sb_uw/Tnk5wy0O5nI/AAAAAAAAQws/nkaQv6TyrTA/Tempo-Rip_091811_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="266" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-osK4Fv4HnMs/Tnk5ynM-_eI/AAAAAAAAQww/ZPDTnQJ3L38/s1600-h/Dandy_Maze_Tempo_091711%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dandy_Maze_Tempo_091711" border="0" alt="Dandy_Maze_Tempo_091711" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OXq0XDGvZTo/Tnk5zVUwTnI/AAAAAAAAQw0/iBQ6OjVfBRc/Dandy_Maze_Tempo_091711_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="330" /></a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-47613878804659692562011-08-27T16:26:00.001-04:002011-08-27T16:26:20.291-04:00Video Links for August 20, 2011 Trial<p>Blogspot wouldn’t let me edit my previous post, so I have to create a new one for the video links…</p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/le2wiXQfQdc" target="_blank">Dandy in Excellent Standard on Saturday</a></p> <p><a href="http://youtu.be/ZoSqzwWBtIg" target="_blank">Tempo in Novice Jumpers With Weaves on Saturday</a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-51568292414319216162011-08-26T21:17:00.000-04:002011-08-26T21:22:20.428-04:00Agility – A Family Affair<p>August 20-21, 2011 – What a very special agility trial! It was the weekend of the only local agility trial here; Monticello Kennel Club hosted an AKC Agility trial at New Hope Farms in Port Jervis, NY. It’s one of my favorite trials since it’s only about 25 minutes from home!</p> <p>This year was extra special as it was overflowing with friends and family. As usual, many of my fellow club members from Tri-State Dog Obedience Club (most of which are also students) were there competing. It was fabulous to see them have great runs and be so successful. Even the non-qualifying runs were still ‘great’ as everyone was able to learn from ‘what went wrong’. When we can recognize why something went wrong, it’s a great lesson! It’s not unusual to see my students get more ribbons than I get, but I’ve learned to appreciate that as my own positive reinforcement. </p> <p>However, this weekend was a successful one for me as well. Dandy was entered in the Excellent B classes while Tempo was in Novice B (Tempo did one day of AKC back in May, this was just his 2nd AKC trial). On Saturday, Dandy qualified in Excellent B Standard with a 3rd place, in a very competitive 26” class. He was having a super Jumpers run until I said his name one too many times, and incurred a refusal, so no “Q”. (yes, one of those lessons from ‘what went wrong’!) Tempo earned his first Novice JWW leg, with a score of 95 and a First place. He had a bar down in Novice Standard, so no Q there. The last class on Saturday was AKC’s newest class called Time 2 Beat. I entered both Dandy and Tempo in it, and it was a blast to run! I ran Tempo first, and he was clean and perfect until we were just 2 jumps from the end, I fell behind and he arced back and took an off-course jump. So no Q for him. I ran Dandy next, and since I was able to handle more aggressively with him, I was able to keep him on course at the end. He was clean and perfect through the whole course and earned a Q and First place. OK, so my two boys were the only 26” entries in T2B…but Dandy was faster than the 1st place 24” dog, so he deserved his blue ribbon <g>!</p> <p>Sunday was a rarity for me…four runs, and four Q’s! Tempo earned his second leg in Novice JWW as well as his 2nd leg in Novice Standard. Both were scores of 95 as I incurred refusals in both (over handling <g>). And both were blue ribbons as he was the only 26” dog in Novice, but I am very proud of his runs, he absolutely deserved to get blue ribbons. He did amazing weave poles all weekend, totally independent and flawless, which most Novice dogs cannot do. And I did two-jump lead-outs with him as well and he was brilliant. In the Excellent rings, Dandy was truly brilliant, qualifying in Standard with another 3rd place, and in JWW, with a 1st place, on an extremely technical course that ate up the small dogs as well as the big dogs. This was Dandy’s second “Double Q” and he earned 54 MACH points. Now I have had no aspirations to go for a MACH as I do AKC so rarely, I prefer USDAA. But who knows, maybe one day we’ll do more AKC….</p> <p>Great runs with both boys was fantastic. But what truly made the weekend special was the addition of family. For starters, my mom came to watch on Saturday, and got to see both Dandy & Tempo run. This was just the second time she came to a trial to see my dogs, and see what my obsession is all about. I was really glad she was there this year. The other family members that joined us were Token’s kids…Jan and Dandy’s littermate Seeker came all the way from Pittsburgh, running in Excellent; and Lynn and Jenny, also Dandy’s littermate, were there to run in Novice (just their second trial ever). They both did great, walking away with several ribbons. Tempo’s littermate Quid was also entered but he was absent as he had been exposed to kennel cough several weeks prior. A total of five of Token’s kids were entered, four of them actually competed and earned multiple ribbons. This was a proud and bittersweet moment for me, seeing Dandy, Seeker, Jenny & Tempo in the agility rings. Token’s star still shines brightly in his pups. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-star" alt="Star" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sFZUzy0R44Y/TlhGtNomEAI/AAAAAAAAQH0/MEcUrgI-gLk/wlEmoticon-star%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Dandy’s & Tempo’s breeders, Terri & Ed, were also on the roster of special guest stars, how wonderful that they were able to see so many of their pups! They even stayed until the bitter end of Saturday to see Tempo & Dandy in the T2B class. Since I had to run them back to back, Terri helped me out by holding one while I ran the other. Ed, Lynn & Chris (& Jenny & Bryn) made a grand cheering section! </p> <p>We even got photos to commemorate the special reunion!  Family, Friends & Agility…what a wonderful weekend!</p> <p>Photo: Seeker, Jenny, Tempo & Dandy with Terri</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zZ-91NR3K5A/TlhGviyScSI/AAAAAAAAQH4/INIHFl-kL4E/s1600-h/Terri%252520%252526%252520Pups_082011-5%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terri & Pups_082011-5" border="0" alt="Terri & Pups_082011-5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OWgngd_LkL4/TlhGwRTGqCI/AAAAAAAAQH8/RpbCQXI3hRI/Terri%252520%252526%252520Pups_082011-5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="348" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2jfBNmih1ys/TlhGyMp7uYI/AAAAAAAAQIA/-qxYlupISQ8/s1600-h/Terri%252520%252526%252520Pups_082011-11%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Terri & Pups_082011-11" border="0" alt="Terri & Pups_082011-11" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_8rwOG-acic/TlhGy_DnHCI/AAAAAAAAQIE/VzOID9oK-2A/Terri%252520%252526%252520Pups_082011-11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="309" /></a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-34346230415339241542011-08-10T21:10:00.001-04:002011-08-10T21:10:23.662-04:00The Dog Days of Summer 2011<p>This summer has been hot, hot, HOT! And that means I have not done much training, but have been taking the dogs swimming at the lake more than ever. They are happy no matter what we do, but a bit more training would have made the summer more productive!</p> <p>It’s August already and June seems like a very long time ago, when we competed at the USDAA Northeast Regional in Bethlehem, PA. The first day was so hot & humid that I was not my best at all. But the next two days were a bit better and we had some decent runs. <strong>Dandy</strong> placed 7th in Team Gamblers and 5th in Round 1 of Steeplechase, in some very fierce competition. He had a bye to go into Round 2 of the Grand Prix, so he was in the Finals for both Steeplechase and Grand Prix. Unfortunately, an uncharacteristic missed weave entry in both classes blew our chances of any placements or byes for Nationals. But aside from the weave entries, our runs were super!</p> <p>The following weekend, we spent 3 days at The Blackthorne in the Catskills in NY for another big USDAA trial. <strong>Dandy</strong> was on a team with two other Border Collies, and his team won the Team Relay and qualified placing 5th overall. Individually, Dandy placed 5th in Team Standard. He also qualified in Steeplechase placing 2nd in Round 1. The weave poles bit us again to cause an E in Round 2, as he went wide on a turn and passed through the weaves for an off-course. He did well in Masters titling classes, qualifying in Gamblers, Pairs, Standard (2nd place), Snooker (3rd place & Super Q), and Jumpers (3rd place). I ran <strong>Tempo</strong> in Starters Standard, and he earned his 2nd leg with a First Place.</p> <p>In July, we attended one day of an indoor USDAA trial at a soccer/sports facility in Rahway, NJ. It was unbearably hot inside. One ring had good footing but the other ring was slippery for dogs, and many, including mine, were unable to get any traction. I was glad I only entered one day. <strong>Dandy</strong> qualified in Masters Snooker to finish his <strong>Snooker Champion</strong> title. And he also won Steeplechase (26”) despite the slipping in that ring. <strong>Tempo</strong> did not manage the footing well in his one run, and he also crashed the tire, but thankfully it was a breakaway tire so he did not get injured. </p> <p>July 23-25 was spent at KineticDog camp in Barto, PA. The instructors were awesome as usual, but the weather was again far too hot….and then we got hit with pouring rain & lightning on the last day. The camp was Masters level, so I only worked Dandy. I did get Tempo out each day at lunch break to work for a few minutes. I have things to work on from our camp experience, but the weather has not been very helpful in getting me motivated.</p> <p>We closed out July with another indoor USDAA trial in Hatfield, PA, and thankfully this facility had A/C. Not super cool but it was heavenly compared to the 90+ degrees outside. Another Team event for <strong>Dandy</strong>, and another Team Q and another <strong>Silver Medal</strong>!!! After my E in Team Standard, Dandy made up for that by earning a 2nd place in Team Jumpers, and 3rd place in Team Gamblers & Snooker. This team Q earned Dandy his <strong>Tournament Master-Silver</strong> title! Dandy also qualified in Masters Standard with a 4th place, finishing his <strong>SACH-Bronze</strong> title. <strong>Tempo</strong> had a good weekend, qualifying in Starters Standard with a First Place, finishing his <strong>Starters Standard Agility</strong> (SSA) title. He and his littermate Quid qualified in Starters Pairs with a 2nd place, which finished Quid’s Agility Dog (AD) title! I also had Tempo in Starters Snooker which was all <em>jumps</em> which did not give me hope…but Tempo didn’t knock any bars and was doing wonderful…until I missed a jump in the closing. Great dog, bad handler! So we did not qualify but Tempo was super!</p> <p>Besides the dog stuff, I went to quite a few Little League games to watch my nephew Aaron play on the Wallenpaupack All Star team. Aaron did a tremendous job with his pitching, very proud of him! I also enjoyed taking hundreds of pictures of the kids throughout their All Star journey. My sister Gail came home to PA (from CA) for a visit in July, and she got to see Aaron play ball, so it was good timing for her visit.</p> <p>A couple more agility trials are on the calendar before the big event in October, the USDAA Nationals in Louisville, KY. I’m looking forward to running Dandy there, though it saddens me that I won’t be running Token, too. Not a day goes by when I don’t miss him. And every agility event is a reminder to me that he is gone. Dandy & Tempo are my salvation, they are the best dogs ever. But there is still a huge hole in my heart for Token. The healing process is slow going but Dandy & Tempo will get me through it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6txD5kns-ow/TkMgzL-2oBI/AAAAAAAAQG4/3fPyRWraeNc/s1600-h/Dandy_Lake_071711-16%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dandy_Lake_071711-16" border="0" alt="Dandy_Lake_071711-16" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CojfWMndE9E/TkMgzvOHt0I/AAAAAAAAQG8/d_78ggq2a6o/Dandy_Lake_071711-16_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F1Ix9P8k_Sg/TkMg0pvniKI/AAAAAAAAQHA/2lyi5RjXwvM/s1600-h/TokenKids_080711_Lake-39%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="TokenKids_080711_Lake-39" border="0" alt="TokenKids_080711_Lake-39" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VdFtEf2cUHw/TkMg1N7jZKI/AAAAAAAAQHE/l1HAgG2dWqY/TokenKids_080711_Lake-39_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-76349768246315348872011-06-08T21:04:00.001-04:002011-06-08T21:04:20.195-04:00Agility Days of May<p>We were pretty busy in May. On <strong>May 14</strong>, we did just one day of an AKC trial hosted by Port Chester OTC, held in FDR Park in Yorktown Heights, NY. Dandy knocked on bar in Excellent JWW and my handler error caused an off-course in Excellent Standard. So no Q’s but he ran really well. Tempo made his AKC debut. He had one bar down in Novice JWW but he qualified in Novice Standard with one refusal and a score of 95 and 2nd place. His brother Quid took 1st!</p> <p><strong>May 21-22</strong>, we were back to USDAA at the Contact Agility Club trial in Dover Plains, NY. In Starters Standard, Tempo had 2 bars down on Saturday, and a wrong course on Sunday. His only other class was Starters Pairs Relay, which he did earn a Q in with a 1st place. On Saturday, Dandy’s only Q was in Master Jumpers, but besides being 1st place in  26”, he also posted the fastest time of ALL jump heights, 149 yards in 22.49 seconds. On Sunday, Dandy went 3 for 3! He qualified in Masters Standard with 2nd place, Masters Snooker with 4th place, and Masters Jumpers with another 1st place. A good day for Dandy <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I6kVlrrZ7TE/TfAcAem3V6I/AAAAAAAANJA/WDMiYpRG7dA/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p><strong>May 28-29</strong>, we were in Saratoga Springs, NY, for the Y Agility trial. Tempo was only entered in Starters Standard both days. He qualified on Saturday with a 1st place for his first Standard leg. Sunday was not so successful <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sadsmile" alt="Sad smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2mSxf27AXZE/TfAcA6e7oGI/AAAAAAAANJE/SG6g2FKvPKs/wlEmoticon-sadsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />. My main objective for Dandy this weekend was to qualify in Team for this year’s nationals, which we did, with a Silver Medal to boot! Dandy had great teammates with Jeanne & Zeke, and Terri & Rise, and we won the Team Relay class.  Individually, Dandy placed 2nd in Team Snooker, Team Gamblers and Team Standard, and was the highest scoring 26” dog. He also earned another Q and 1st place in Masters Jumpers. Very proud of my Dandy!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Br_RzfA17Ck/TfAcCVVzmZI/AAAAAAAANJI/oCyKkUpOFnc/s1600-h/Dandy-Team%252520Silver%252520Medal-May2011%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dandy-Team Silver Medal-May2011" border="0" alt="Dandy-Team Silver Medal-May2011" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-opg6Cpp6X54/TfAcC9bKuaI/AAAAAAAANJM/tgj4c1ymw-8/Dandy-Team%252520Silver%252520Medal-May2011_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Tempo is a work in progress and we still have many skills to work on together. I’m in no hurry to get titles on him, continuing to enter just one class a day, for the most part. A little experience & mileage mixed in with his training, so hopefully next year he’ll be ready for primetime.</p> <p>Summer weather has arrived and in between trials & training, the boys are enjoying their swims at the lake.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0i-NfLuWb7U/TfAcEXAnnmI/AAAAAAAANJQ/QuCbyj7mxZk/s1600-h/Dogs_Lake_053011-35%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dogs_Lake_053011-35" border="0" alt="Dogs_Lake_053011-35" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EhLBvIHE5AE/TfAcE_fO_2I/AAAAAAAANJU/ASQeC0OLvVk/Dogs_Lake_053011-35_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164" /></a></p> Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6835717600574494853.post-21316373717307825912011-05-08T18:50:00.002-04:002011-05-30T10:01:45.904-04:00Let May begin!<p>After a rainy and snowy April, we hope that May will bring us more pleasant weather!</p><br /><p>We closed out April and welcomed May with a USDAA trial hosted by High Octane in Bethlehem, PA. Dandy qualified in Master Pairs Relay, Master Standard with 3rd place, Master Gamblers with 3rd place and Master Jumpers with 2nd place, which finished his JCH title (Jumpers Champion). He had one bar down in Steeplechase and got hung up in the weaves, so we did not make the cut to qualify. He had a beautiful Grand Prix run but missed his A-Frame contact so we did not qualify. I think that was the first time he actually missed an A-Frame…so it’s summer school for Dandy <g>. He seems to think he should join the trend to do running A-Frames but I disagree <img style="BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mssIvR_3MsY/TcceTQO8oeI/AAAAAAAAMYc/YZOdBLWs7yo/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" /></p><br /><p>Tempo made his debut in Starters Standard. On Saturday, the dogwalk was the 2nd obstacle and he lost his balance across the top and had to bail. He landed gracefully on his feet, so we continued on and he was fine with the A-Frame and Seesaw, and also did great weaves. Tempo has only been on a full-height dogwalk about 4 times, and he’s never been on one outside. So our running in Standard is primarily to expose him to different equipment and to habituate to new environments. On Sunday, he was fine with the dogwalk as well as everything else, but he knocked one bar, so again we did not qualify. But I was very happy with his focus and how well he acclimated to all the new experiences. He did qualify in Starters Gamblers with a 1st place, he did a beautiful job with that class!</p><br /><p>This weekend, we finally got outside to do some training. Next weekend, just one day of an AKC trial…Dandy in Excellent B, and Tempo making his AKC debut in Novice. Then we’ll be back to USDAA for the next several weeks.</p>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11915131894355851764noreply@blogger.com0