Wonderful season to have you by my side

With Nuts whilst I would always wish that he be forever young, I am so grateful for the fact that he is still my by side after June 12, when I thought I may lose him. Nuts has adapted to the limitations of his body although he will always believe he can do more. His spirit and enthusiasm to joining in continue. I love the Jonny Mathis song Wonderful, Wonderful and at the risk of being over sentimental, I revised the lyrics to reflect me and Nuts.. The relationships and opportunities we have in life are remarkable and so often taken for granted...sometimes we know straight away when its extra special...I hope I never lose the marvel of that.

We walk side by side along the rolling hills
And we breathe in the cool crisp air

We have so much fun, and had the bestest time
And my heart feels a thrill that your zest for life knows no bounds
When you just seem to know what I need, that immutable bond it's wonderful, wonderful
Oh, so wonderful.
Sometimes we stand on the top of a hill
And we gaze at the earth and the sky
Wherever I turn to you, you are always by my side
There we are, my brilliant dog, I so proud to have you by my side
 

That bond we share, it's wonderful, wonderful
Oh, so wonderful
This world is full of wondrous things it's true
And you constantly show me that is true
Some quiet evenings you sit by my side

And I think of all the great times
Everyday I look at you play, or goof around
I see how wonderful you are as you
I'm aware of the treasures that I own
And I say to myself, it's wonderful, wonderful
Oh, so wonderful!

I guess the reality is now that we have more yesterdays than tomorrows (I think I read that on facebook,, brilliantly said). But I guess it is albout making every day count, and count my blessings that Nuts is still by my side and that is wonderful .....

 

 

Zev qualifies for the Medium Pro Plan Finals 2012

The last key show of the year for Zev and Me, was Prestbury and I was thrilled that we qualified for the Pro-Plan Finals by winning the medium qualifier. It was nail biting, as we ran first, we went in to do our best, but in agility it is never over until the last team has run. The focus as always was about doing the best run we can.

I was already going to the finals as Marc's groom and this was my second  and last chance to attempt to qualify Zev, and I go wanted us to go in our own right. There's the run..

This sheltie of mine, has been so awesome all this year, he has so much attitude and we have so come on as a team. The difference in our performances from last year to this year is huge in many respects. The ride with him, just keeps on getting more exciting.

As Marc said earlier in the year, we have transitioned from an 'if' you to do it team to a 'when' you do it team.

Metamorphosis in Agility

For some metamorphosis is a physical change and others a behavioural change. For me its behaviour that is changing and evolving...

Currently we are learning from Janita and Jaccko. The difference in Marc's handling after a one day course was incredible and he really enjoyed the training. (I was so jealous in a nice way as I was suppose to go but had to work so I got Marc to take my place, what a lucky Marc.) Our handling is certainly going through a metamorphosis ..

Here is a vid of Marc practising the Jaccko turn with Dixie and Mister Big

One Mind Agility is their web site and having had the opportunity to watch their handling at the KCI it really was exciting and a direction we want to explore and pursue further.

It is brilliant how technology is enabling us to gain exposure to so many different ideas and concepts etc in relation to agility. From Jenny Damm, to Daisy Peel to Silva Trkman, so much to be gained and explored. Just watching videos of FCI World Champ runs can give so much 'food for thought' literally. I am sure there is many others I just need to find them.

For me it is like 'coming home' I am starting to finally find a way that suits me in agility and works with my guys. We have loads of work on technique and stuff to do. But hopefully it means our guys will find us clearer, better and swifter and loads more exhilarating.

That is our agility metamorphosing...it will be exciting to see where it leads..

KC International Festival - Aug 12

This was a great weekend, the new location of Rockingham Castle was fabulous, better camping, better views, better walking with the dogs, better surface in the competition rings and a far more relaxed atmosphere. The only downside was for some strange reason the KC did not use rubber contacts.

On the Friday, Zev and I won the Gr7 medium agility in the main ring and the judge explained that Zev and I posted the 3rd fastest time over all the heights. It was so nice that Bob Griffin the judge took the time to explain this and for Zev living on the edge with me..here is the run..

Marc and Mister Bigs had a weekend that went so very well. They qualified in pole position for the Small KC British Open Final due to coming first and second in the qualifying rounds. They then won the final..a great birthday present for Marc..from Biggles.

Plus, a birthday bonus as Marc and Bigs were also in the small England Team in the Nations Cup, running with Selena Bray and Daniel Croxford. Which the 3 and their dogs did England proud and won that also. How brilliant Mr Big was all day, taking it all in his stride and he so luvs the attention and hype around the events, and he was still posing for photos at 7pm in the evening.

Plus, plus I brought us a set of jumps, long jump and tyre from Doggyjumps as I was so frustrated with not having them at home. And there was some fabulous courses put up by Barrie James, Simon Chandler, Bob Griffin, Antonin Gryar and the British Open Finals Course (judges name was not listed on ring plan) which we want to try out at home, to work out best handling strategy for particular elements. It was just such a good event to have the opportunity to see some of the European handlers as some of their handling and also their dogs we greatly admire and want to learn more.

Mr Big...selected for Team GB :-)

Wow, Mister Big and Marc - I am so proud to say they have been selected to represent Team GB and be part of Team GB for the FCI World Agility Championships to be held in the Czech Republic in October 2012.

The website for the championship is up: http://agility2012.cz/en/news/
It is great to see that the event is now over 3 and half days.

Marc and Bigs won the small category qualifying event overall. How I wish I had been there to compete and watch  with Zev but alas course skills delivery meant I had to be assessed on training design and delivery. How I managed to deliver anything was a surprise as my mind was on Mister Bigs and Marc.

As the excitement grows shopping as befitting a poodle a load of goodies with GB emblems such Lead, Towel, Blanket, Tag, Flexi Lead, Harness etc., Even Marc gets a looking with clothing ;-) Then add one most excellent groom in the form of Nicola Garrett...how brilliant that such an experienced and talented agility person will be looking after him and Marc.

Good luck to all at the FCI World Agility Championships. As they say Run Fast, Run Hard and Run Clean...

pps the crazy football hat shows how tiny Big is