Grand Day Out - Pro Plan Finals 2012

What a great day, well organised, great sponsorship and good competitive but relaxed atmosphere. Overall Dixie and Marc 3rd in Jumping Final and 2^nd in the Novice Agility Finals, Zev 1^st in the Jumping Final and 4^th in the Agility Finals and Marc and Mr Bigs working oh superbly but 2 off courses and such as shame as the little man was flying. Still that is the way it goes as Marc always says ‘Enjoy winning but do not fear losing’ and we both with like to push it to the max :-)

 

Was almost debating whether to upload videos or not. As Bad Dog Agility said and very apt when listening to one of their pod casts  which is when an agility run that had 'some bobbles’ (a neat way to describe the elements that describe a run that is not flawless). But what the heck we had a cracking day overall and little Dixie's and Marc's run seemed flawless to me ;-)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mister Big and the World Agility Championships - 2012

Oh my, Mister Bigs and Marc continue their agility adventure at full speed. This time they went to Liberec in the Czech Republic to compete at the FCI Agility World Championships (web link).

What an amazing time they had, whilst not bringing home any medals as they had a very uncharacteristic elimination, and Biggles got lost in one of the tunnels they are still my champs. A total of 3 out of 4 clears.

That is agility lows and highs but never dull and so worth it :-)

Watching it on Agility Vision via live stream was great for me as I looked after Marc's other guys for him. This video by Dog Sport Magazine, is a super snapshot of the emotion of a world class agility event, with world class handlers, dogs, judges, courses and of course dancing and celebrating :-)

This is what it is all about...

And now for the next world adventure as they have qualified for The World Agility Open Championship in Spain - May 2013

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..