MACH Party at Harriman

Thanks to all who helped celebrate our first MACH at a party held at the TVKC agility trial in Harriman. What a blast to share some fun and treats with my agility friends. I am so thankful for the help and encouragement I have recieved. I couldn't have done it without you! Thanks also to husband, Joe, for attending the party and for cheering me on.

We Finally Made It! First MACH!

I cannot begin to describe the excitement and pride I have in team Nina and Beth. I know we have a lot to learn and a lot to improve, but for now, I am so happy with what we have done so far. From Perry, GA in early July 2010 to Meretta, GA in early November 2011, w managed to go from Novice A to MACH in 16 months. We experienced a lot of ups ad downs and will, no doubt repeat that roller coaster as we procede up our learning curve. That is what keeps this sport so exciting.

I continue to strive to be the best handler I can be so I can help my dog to do her best for each run each day. I struggle with stayting in the present, respecting and accepting and running the dog I have today. I know I can improve my handling skills, mental focus, and physical attributes. I know I will will work hard to do this.

I am taking a hard look at what I want my new goals to be. I know this includes a lot of honest introspective, detailed planning, learning new training methods, stepping out of my comfort zone and hard work.

But for now, I want to bask for a little while in what we have accomplished an be grateful for my dog, my husband, my friends, my trainers and my encouragers.

MACH NINA! Congratulations!

A Trial to Remember

The Charlotte Dog Training Club, Concord, NC had planned to trial under a covered arena. The facility, unfortunately, deposited a beach-worth of sand that resulted in about 4-6 inches of soft, sinking sand. The first run was T2B. Since it was impossible for me to run, Nina decided that she should. The result was the worst case of Zoomies since our first (Perry, GA) trial 15 months ago. The judges declared the surface unsafe and it was agreed to move the trial to one ring outside on grass. We were at least able to get some footing. The courses were really great all weekend long. Mostly tight and technical, the kind we normally perform well on. But nothing was normal this weekend. The facility also was an equestrian boarding and training facility. During one STD run, a galloping horse ran up to the end of the ring. Nina was about to enter the weaves: horse, weaves, horse, weaves? Guess what won out? In addition to horses, there was also a petting zoo. So nearby, there were rabbits, turkeys, chickens, geese, ducks, llamas, cows, bulls, wallabie, and who knows what else. (At least the camels had recently been moved out!) Can you imagine the odiforous distractions the dogs had to deal with every single second? Nina's focus was that of a Novice/Open dog. She was easily distracted by anything that moved. I also had a dog that twice refused to go at the start line. This happened once last weekend in Nashville. I am still not sure exactly what she is telling me. I'm tired? I'm not having fun? There is too much going on? You are putting too much pressure on me? Maybe all of these? I went into the weekend wanting to get the remaining 22 points needed for our MACH title. Normally, this would be an easy task, but with my MACH angst and the distractions, it was not to be. For our last run of the weekend, I wet us both down (it was really hot and sunny) and we went out for fun. For our last run of the weekend, I wet us both down (it was really hot and sunny) and we went out for fun. My happy dog was back, and we really clicked. We now have just 6 points to go. We'll only get them if we continue to run for fun!

Franklin Trial

Completed 20 QQ's with 728 points.  22 points to go for our first MACH title.

What is a Title?

Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, 

not just an adjunct to competitive scores, 

a title is a tribute to the dog that bears it,
a way to honor the dog, an ultimate memorial. 

It will remain in the record and in the memory, 

for about as long as anything in the world can remain.

 And though the dog herself doesn't know or 

care that her achievements have been noted, 

a title says many things in the world of humans 

where such things count.

A title says your dog was intelligent, adaptable, and good natured.

It says that your dog loved you enough

to do the things that pleased you,
however crazy they may have sometimes seemed.

 In addition, a title says that you loved your dog.

That you loved to spend time with her 

because she was a good dog and that you believed in her enough

to give her yet another chance when she failed 

and in the end your faith was justified.

A title proves that your dog inspired you 

to that special relationship enjoyed by so few, 

that in a world of disposable creatures, 

this dog with a title was greatly loved, 

and loved greatly in return.

And when that dear short life is over, 

the title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, 

the best you can give to a deserving friend.

 Volumes of praise in one small set of initials after the name.

A title is nothing less than true love and respect, 

given and received and recorded permanently.

--Author Unknown--

Test Video

New phone camcorder

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Sanford, NC Trial - Day 1

Second place, 12 MACH pts. Master Agility title!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

Decatur Spoils

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

Decatur Agility Trial

Today was a special day, and Nina deserves the rest.

We got our first Q in STD ExcB with a 4th place, 19 points run. After that we Q'ed in Jumpers w/ Weaves with 9 points AND OUR VERY FIRST DOUBLE Q!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8

MXJ Title

Oak Ridge Kennel Club Agility Trial, Harriman, TN. Here are Judge Nancy Davis, Beth White, and Nina having just completed requirements for Master Excellent Jumpers with Weaves MXJ title on April 16, 2011.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8