The year in review, according to ME, Sam.

Hello Pals,

As I take paws to keyboard, I am thinking of all the experiences that my sisters and I have had this year.

This has been a great year of change for all three of us, not to mention Mother. Zorra competed at the CPE Nationals (Agility) in Kissimmee, FL. She took a long trip with Mother and the Supreme Commander through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida to go compete for 3 days. Katherine and I were forced to stay home with Auntie, and we did not have as much fun as Zorra.

We've all competed in agility trials closer to home. We have all done very well and have had fun. We've all gained a couple titles or so in the past year as we go toward the ultimate goals of the top titles.

Katherine has started a new sport that Mother says is just for her. Hurmph. I am going to try it one of these days when Mother isn't looking. It is called lure coursing and Katherine loves it. She would rather do that then anything else.


Most of our time and adventures have been gained through Flyball. When we go to flyball tournaments, we tend to go with the Supreme Commander and stay in her RV trailer. It is usually Spirit and Yippee, who are in charge of the Supreme Commander, and all of us. We like traveling with the trailer, as it is:

• airconditioned
• has a bathroom
• roomy
• has a kitchenette

Mother says that at some point, we may have to sleep in our tent like we used to, but she can stay in that leaky tent. We want to stay in the cushy surroundings!

Although, at times I do wonder about Mother's mental state. Earlier this summer, she managed to lock the Supreme Commander and all of us..... (wait for it) INSIDE the trailer. Yes, you read that right, pals. We were locked inside. At some point when Mother walked inside, she managed to somehow break the door mechanics and we were imprisoned! Luckily, The Supreme Commander got on her cellphone and called our teammates Boogie and her mom, Gloria. They came over right away (ten feet) to release us. It was the worst 10 minutes of my life. Seriously, there's something wrong with my Mother sometimes. It is a good thing that she was with me, and I was able to bring a calmness to the situation.


Of course, now for me. This year I took up the fast and exciting team sport of Flyball. Oh my goodness pals, it is the best thing. I can run as fast as I can, retrieve a tennis ball (which I love to do) and bring it back to the Platoon Sargent. I started in March, and now I am the top Wire Fox Terrier in U-Fly and the #8 in NAFA. I can't tell you how much fun it is, and I wish everyone could play with us.

I've met lots of interesting friends on our SWAT team. They are from Ohio and we don't see them often, but when we do it is a grand time.



Our own team is Extreme Insanity Flyball team and we have a grand time together. We competed in the NAFA nationals where I received one of my flyball titles this year.

We lost our beloved kitty brother, Harley, who we all still miss terribly. Out of respect, we have given DaKota (our kitty sister) a pass for a while before we start chasing her again.

We're ending this year and beginning the new one at an agility trial with our cousin Cal. Some of our friends are going to be there as well, and we can't wait.


Katherine, Zorra, mother (Platoon Sargent) and I are wishing all our pup pals a very happy new year with many treats, pats and hugs.

Trip from h-e-double toothpicks

Hi everyone - Zorra here.  I know we have been MIA for a while.  Our mom wouldn't let us use the computer, and we haven't been too happy about that.

I confiscated it tonight while mom is sleeping.  My story needs to get out!  My mom and some of my aunties (not my real auntie, she stayed home with Katie and Sam) traveled together to Florida.  Before I knew it, I was in the tail end of a van! That's Yippee in the middle and Dixie on the far left.We were stuck in there from Indiana all the way to Kissimmee, FL!  If only my mom hadn't taken away my cellphone before we left, I would have been calling someone to save me.  They kept saying we were going to an agility trial.. yea, I bet.

It was horrible, being in that crate.  I let my mom know it, too.  I made a voodoo doll of her while I was in my incarceration.  Luckily, she hasn't found it yet.  I am actually lying on it here.  She just doesn't know what I am going to do to her later.....

Not only was I forced to ride in the crate, my mom made me pose in front of stupid things....

She even made Auntie Debbie pose with Dixie and Duffy!  There's no end to her madness!

She made me sit in front of this bull statue.  Obviously, mom didn't even notice what is above my head, which is why I look extremely upset!

I thought this look was my best... I was giving her the evil eye. 

But, alas, nothing I did could change my mom's mind........  She kept putting me in the back of the van and she and my aunties carted us all over the place.  I will plot my revenge... some how, some way.  Be on the lookout, for I am Z!

Agility trial

Hi Kids!

Man, we have been b-u-s-y!!!  We have been doing a ton of agility trials lately.  And, one of our friend's mom took some great pics of us!  Wow, we were so happy and thankful for that!

Here is me coming out of the tunnel.  I gotta tell ya. I love tunnels. 

They are so fun, and you can get some super-sonic speed in them, too!  This is my mom's favorite pic of me, almost ever!  She says that it looks just like me, attitude and all.  I always run with a smile on my face, because I like to be with mom and do agility.  Although, mom and I don't always agree on what we should be doing. BOL.  Tough mom.. I am going to do what I want and there is nothing you can do about it!

Anyhooo, I got some qualifying runs that weekend, and finished up a title.  What fun.

Zorra takes an entirely different approach to agility that I do.  She thinks of it as serious work!  Like WTF (where's the fun?)!  She always has a very focused look on her face and very serious.  B-O-R-I-N-G, Zorra!!

 

She's also an over achiever.  Look how much air she got there.  She is just trying to suck up.  Groan....

I say.. skim over the top.  Cuts down on drag.

Then, I cut back the other way...  still keeping the drag low.  Less energy that way!  More energy for trash talking other dogs. BOL!!!

 

But, not for Zorra.  She's just one of those girls you wanted to kick their XXXXX (censored).  I don't know what she was thinking on this first jump, but it is like Michael Jordan time or something. Gimme a break!

 

 

She's running full out for this one.  I guess she's going to see if she can fly, again.  

 

 

See, she never smiles.  What is up with that.  She and I are gonna have a little chat!

 

 

Well, our friend's mom had to run with our friend during Sammy's runs, so no pics of him.  But, we just came back from another trial and the lady took a bunch of him.  So, stay tuned.  I am sure the bratty boy will have a ton of things to say.

Spendid, I was

Hello Pals,

Again, long time no chatting from me. We have been extremely busy. We have been in the midst of agility trials, and FINALLY Mother came to her senses (what she has left of them) and remembered to send in MY entry. It is terribly frustrating that Mother always seemed to lose my entry, while Katherine's and Zorra's always made it into the envelope. I just contribute that to her senility. (Zorra here. MY comments are in red. I read this and needed to explain a few things that Sam seems to have stretched a bit.)



I primped the night before the first day of the trial. My mustache and goatee were perfect-o. I was really getting ready to see my one true love, Maizee. You may remember her from previous posts. (She cannot stand him. She really doesn't like him). I had heard through reliable sources that, she too, would be there competing. I thought I was quite the dashing young lad. My skills had been honed and I was ready to compete. I could not wait! (What a loser. He normally looks like this:)


However, Katherine got to go first. Age before beauty, as they say. There she is jumping through the tire. Oh, I suppose you could be impressed, but I knew most everyone at the trial (and especially Maizee, I hope) was really waiting for ME. After all, I am the mere picture of canine perfection.


I sat quietly meditating in my crate. (No he wasn't he was barking like a crazy dog. Auntie kept telling him to be quiet. He was soooooooo annoying).

I was ready to go, when Mother returned and said it was Zorra's turn. WHAT? How can that be?? (Because I am better than you, dogbreath). I watched Zorra zip and turn over jumps, tunnels, and teeters. I shouted out words of encouragement showing brotherly love. (No you didn't you were trash talking both Katie and me the entire time).


Finally, it was my turn. If only you, my friends, had been there. You would surely be amazed at my athleticism. I am sure that there has never been a dog as fine as I that day. I jumped, I lept, I climbed, I went through chutes, tunnels. I darted and dashed. Mother was so amazed at how well I did that she stood in the middle of the course speechless. (She was speechless, all right. She was amzed that you got some things right!!)


Everyone cheered me on. Oh, to bask in one's adoring fans admiration is something that cannot be described adequately. (OH brother, and I don't mean Sam). Mother was quite impressed with my actions and allowed me to continue competing for the entire weekend.

All were very impressed with my skills, and I assume Maizee was as well, as we were forced apart by stupid hoomans. Maizee sat on the other side of the trial site and I could not whisper sweet thoughts into her ear. (No one separated them. Mommi and Maizee's mom just didn't sit next to each other this time. What a whiner).

I was competing in the last run of the trial. I started out showing how handsome I looked flying over jumps, when all of the sudden, I got pee mail. Someone sent me a telegram right there on the course. I stopped to sniff it out. Mother was starting to turn various stages of red and purple by this point. She was insisting that I finish the course and leave ".... what ever you are sniffing... LEAVE IT). Well, as you all know my good friends, one cannot leave important pee mail. It needed an immediate response. So, I lifted my leg in response and.....

(He was dismissed from the ring BOL. Mommi was M-A-D. BOL.)

Christmas time, so many things.. so little time

Hello friends....

I slipped mother an anti-stress pill in her caffeine laden drink and it appears that it has temporarily knocked her out. So, the girls and I are taking this opprotunity to blog.

We have been so busy working at the store, making sure mother works at her real job, attending agility and rally classes, attending agility trials, barking, sleeping, playing, and traveling that we don't know if we are coming or going!

We had a bark-taq-u-lar Christmas, and we hope that everyone celebrating their holidays did too. Santa Paws was quite generous with us, even though some of us which won't be named (Katherine) were on the naughty list. I, of course, was a perfect boy all year and had no guilty conscious regarding my actions.

The weekend before Christmas we had an agility trial, and we all did marvelously well. Katherine and Zorra got many qualifying runs. I got one, myself. Obviously, the judge did not agree with some of my choices during the course and did not allow me to finish. Pish Posh, I say. I can always plot a better course than any mere human!

In fact, at one point, I thought that Mother and I were racing to the end of the tunnel. I ran into my end to speed along, but was SHOCKED to see her legs at the other end blocking my way. As soon as I stuck my nose out of the tunnel, she swooped me up, saying something about the course did not allow endless tunneling. I only took it 4 times! I would have taken it more if she had not so unceremoniously grabbed me! I, for one, was quite taken aback by mother's lack of foresight!

We have another trial over New Years Eve and Day. One of our New Year's resolutions is to keep up with our blogging We got quite far behind over the past few months. Thanks for sticking in there with us. You are all quite wonderful pals!

Hiya... happenings

Hiya kids!

We finally wrangled the computer away from our mom... don't be bothered with that screaming or anything coming from the garage. We just locked her out so we could post. She never gives up the computer much anymore... she is "supposedly" working. WHATEVER. We need to post......

While mom is working, we get b o r e d with not much to do. I was lying around on the couch... but that got boring. REALLY boring. I am going to go check on Mom. Maybe she's not working.


You are STILL working??!! That is just not fair. Where is my time. Me and you?? Just us? Do you even remember who I am???



I guess I will go lie on the couch in the den. I just can't get comfy.....


Sam get up!!! Let me boss you around and take all your toys! Sam says he's sleeping and doesn't want to play. What a BABY!


C'mon Zorra.. Let's WRASSLE!!!



She says she schnoozing too. Whassup with all this @#@$@$@. I need some interaction!

I even tried to get into a theoretical conversation with Ruthie, who owns my grandpa. Ruthie wasn't seeing my point of view and immediately turned around and went to sleep!

THEN, my mom says.. C'mon Katie. We gotta go! I was like WOW. Let's do it!

We went to a pet expo to do an agility demo to help promote our training center. Now, Mom didn't get any photos of me doing anything, but she did get some of our buddies!


Here is Duffy on the teeter-totter. He and his mom did a great job. And, this photo below is Deeva, Duffy's big sister. She was there to do some agility, too. They are two of my pals from agility trials, and agility, rally, and flyball classes.


This blur is Jet, a min pin. He goes really fast. Mom didn't have on flash, so the speed of the camera was a little slow, but it really makes Jet look like a blur. BOL.



The pet expo was GREAT. I won a bag of really good dog food, got some great treats and mom even bought ME some new toys and leashes. I had a great day!

But, then, we came home and now I am bored...

But, I think I will just rest my eyes for a MOMENT.

Last weekend

Last weekend, we had our last outdoor agility trial for the year. I am happy that it wasn't too cold. I get cold pretty easy, simply because my coat isn't as furry as Katie's or Sam's. Sometimes I think they roll their eyes at me when I start shivering.

Only me and Katie were competing. Sammie was just along for the ride. I thought I would show you how I get into the zone getting ready for my run.

In USDAA agility, they give out maps so you can plan how your are going to run. I like to study the course for a long time beforehand. I take my pencil and carefully outline the most efficient path. I commit it to memory before I run. I make sure I stretch my muscles, warm up and hydrate myself.


Here's how Katie prepares for her run..... lying down. I think she is visualizing going over a jump?


Sammie entertains everyone and eats a whole tube of Pringles. Then, he tells more jokes. I don't think that is the proper way to mentally prepare?


Anway, it didn't matter what he did. He wasn't competing this time. Even though I find Katie's pre-run routine rather lax, she did get a qualifying score and ran very well according to Mommi.

I, also got a qualifying score. And, in my opinion did excellent all weekend.

But, I have to talk to these two about proper training schedules, etc.

New adventures

Hello pals,

Oh, we have much to tell you!

Katherine recently competed in Rally-O for the first time last week. She and mother did quite well in their first outing. They received a qualifying score, and Katherine has the first leg of her Rally Novice title. Only two more to go!

We have all been practicing hard in our agility classes. Soon, we are afraid that one of our classes will be ending, as it is held outside. It gets dark during our class time and we don't know how much longer the teacher will keep the class. BOO. We love agility! We did hear Mother talk about fencing in more of the yard, but it will be strictly for agility. NO tunnels. (BOO.) NO digging (BOO). We can only be in that section when we are practicing. She found someone to make us a dog walk and an A frame, so we are saving our pennies and nickels to help her purchase them for the spring. WOO HOO.

Zorra is doing very well in Agility, and she's going to go to an agility trial by herself in November. I dont' think that is fair, but mother said that was just the way it is. We all are going to be in a trial in December, and we cannot wait. I have been working very hard in agility so I can compete more, myself.

For myself, I went to my first real flyball class on Friday. I did remarkably well. So well, in fact, that I was able to start working on the box. I am learning how to do a swimmer's turn on the box.

I also had to start working at my grandparent's store again. They have nearly finished the renovations, and reopened the store. I spen the entire day on Sunday working, greeting people, talking with them, and generally being the best salesman ever.

Of course, most people are THRILLED to meet me, as if they have never met a more wonderful WFT. But, one of the best things was I made a new friend on Sunday. This cute little Maltese came into the store with her parents. Her name is Mable. Oh, how cute she was!! I tried to jump up to look at her more closely, but she was firmly in her dad's arms and.... if you can believe this... pretended to ignore me! Can you believe that? I wish Mother had her camera at the time so she could have taken a photo of sweet Mable.

Well, I hope that the girls and I can snag the computer away from mother more. She's always working on it. GRRR. Hope to see you soon.

Me Me Me

Hi bloggies!

Wow, my mom got some mail today, and it was photos from a recent trial. They were all of ME.


You know, I just love a good tunnel. My mom has a bunch of photos of me coming out of the tunnel. That is because I am always smiling. I LOVE tunnels. I love agility. But, I like doing it MY way.


Here's an action shot of me going over a jump. This is called "slicing" because I am going at an angle. I was doing a serpentine, which is a 3 jump series or so, and you go through them like a snake. I LOVE serpentines.

Here I am going on the tetter totter. Don't let my serious look trick you. I love the teeter. See, my tail is wagging. I was just trying to decide if I was going to run off the end or not, and give my mom a heartattack. BOL. I like to hear it BOOM on the end. It makes me BOL.

Tomorrow, me and Mom are trying something new - Rally O. We have never competed in that before. It is like obedience, but a ton more fun. We'll let you know how it goes!

Roofers, Trials, Too Many Distractions

Hello Bloggerland,

Upon my mother's return from her vacation, I had assumed that she would spend all her time with ME. However, that has not been the case. It appears that a new roof was needed for our house. I didn't really mind the water leaking in occasionally, but, apparently, it made my mother rather distraught.

To remedy this situation, a roofing company was hired to perform the needed repairs. Well, they showed up on Thursday and Katie, Zorra, and I just had to voice our displeasure with these strange men crawling all over our house!! All three of us were commenting at once, since we all had something to say.

It is very tough work watching all these strangers beat on our roof. At times, I was epecting them to fall through the ceiling. I wanted to have a taste of a roofer butt!!

It is now Wednesday and they are cleaning up their tools, etc. I am not sure what we will do during the day now. I guess we will have to resort to our old habits of napping and lounging, witing for Mother to complete her work so we can play.

Katherine and Zorra competed in a USDAA trial over the weekend. Neither of the girls did very well. Mother didn't mind all that much, as Katie was trying to explain that she was so tired from barking all day. I am not sure that Mother was too thrilled about that explanation.

We are all going to do another trial this weekend. I cannot wait, as I am entered. Oh, how I will run around the course. Dogs and people will be amazed!!

Our weekend

Hello Pals,

We are back, and are barely rested up from our adventures.

First things first. Zorra was NOT eaten by a bear. There were NO bears in our vicinity and we managed to come unscathed through a dreadful thunderstorm, where I spent my time in my safe bomb shelter/crate. The tent flapped wildly, the girls were not nervous, and we remained dry. I,of course, stayed in the bombshelter ready to call 911 in case of any emergencies.

We spent a delightful 2 dayss in East Fork Park in Ohio. Mother wasn't extremely happy with the camp sight, since it was all out in the open, be we got used to it after a few hours. The reason for our camping trip was, of course, for an agility trial.

Oh, I did splendidly, as you know. In fact, I was in such a good mood - I listened to my mother for a brief instant and actually decided to tease her and do a qualifying run. Well, the only reason that I did is because our cousin Calvin was with us. He was there for his agility debut. After he Q'ed on his run, I decided that there was NO way I was going to allow him to carry on and on about that! So, on that first run the 3 of us that were entered all Q'ed.

Friday.... that was our shining moment when all of us, but Zorra, (who was probably worried about being an entree to a bear) Qed. Katherine told mother last week not to keep her paws crossed. And, we all lived up to that. BOL.

Although, I was much better listening to mother over the weekend. Well, I believe it was because I was tired of hearing her whine about my selective hearing. News flash mother. I am a WFT!! I am not supposed to listen. My mother is very, very daft at times.

Mother thought she had solved the posting video problem by purchasing a special cord for the camcorder. But, she is too daft to figure it out. So, maybe she will try again to have the video uploaded.

(Don't hold your breath)......

Hi everybloggie,

I don't know about you, but I am tired of Sam's whining about a job. I have to work EVERY day, not just Saturday or Sunday. After all, someone has to keep all these pups, humans and kitties in line!

Besides celebrating July 4th this weekend, we also had a dog agility trial. Let's just say that it didn't go well, and... well, mom doesn't even want to talk about it. We all did horrible.

But, hey.. it was HOT on the day we went. Who wants to run when it is hot? Not me! After all, my breed is from Canada and I like it cooler AND rainy or snowing. That is my optimum time!

Sam didn't mind running around like an idiot in the heat. But, what really got mom going was when he spied 3 of our friends across the field and went over and stared at them through the fencing. He was trying to get them to come over and play. But, they didn't. Anyway, mom had to go pick him up and carry him off the field. Oopsie.

We are going to another trial this weekend, and our Cuzin, Calvin, is making his agility debut! We are all very excited about that. Calvin says that he will out perform that little shrimp, Sam.

Don't tell Zorra, but we are going camping, too!! Hurray! That is GREAT. I LOVE camping. We are going with our agility pals Deeva and Duffy. We are going to have a great, great time. Zorra will probably stick like glue against mom's leg like a big baby. She doesn't think camping is GREAT.

We told mom that we would try to do better this weekend, but not to have her paws crosses. BOL.

HI! Agility Agility Agility

Hi everybloggie,

Sam is right. Mom is a computer hog. She says she is working, working, but I don't believe it. Anyway, I am giving her a slight break because she and I went to an agility trial on Sunday. Boy, did we do GREAT.



We had three runs, and guess what?! We qualified in all 3 runs, AND we got first place. We were so happy. Mom gave me one of my favorite treats after each run. It was MEATBALLS. That was the best part of the whole thing.

Not only that, all our agility buddies did great, too! It was such a good day. Agility is a lot like the saying, "Sometimes you are the windshield and sometimes you are the bug." This time, we were the windshield.

One of our agility instructors was also competing and Benny, her agility dog, got his MACH. That is a big title in AKC. We probably won't get a MACh because we don't compete in AKC that much. You have to be a purebred dog (or be able to get an ILP number, which means you may be a purebred but you don't have papers). Anyway, because Zorra isn't a purebred dog, we all don't compete much in AKC. She can't run agility trials in AKC, so pooh. :( That is why we like to do other agility venues so we can ALL play.

At one point, we thought we saw some of our friends! We saw an Airdale that looked a lot like Mitch (beard way too short for Maggie). He was great! He jumped high over all those jumps. We saw another boxer who looked alot like Peanut, too. There were a bunch of corgis like the Corgie girls (including Maizie, Sam's true love, who was there a the trial too). There were 2 goldens who looked like Amber and Chloe. AND, a dalmation who looked similar to Faith. Unfortunately for Sam, there were no WFTs. Mom said that maybe next time he could go.

We didn't get any photos, but one of our friends took a photo of me with my ribbons. As soon as she sends it to us, we will post it. We were really proud of ourselves.

Tired, tired, tired

Hello dear pals....



As you can see, I am quite tired. However, have no fear. I am resting up today. I had a terrierific time over the weekend at the agility trial, camping, being with my friends, running amuck in the ring, etc., etc.

Katherine did quite well this weekend getting qualifying runs, bossing everyone around, and having a grand time. Zorra was a bit nervous and only had one qualifying run, but she tried very hard. She will give it the old college try and again, will attempt to overcome her stage fright.

I, as you know, am an outstanding agility star. I met up with my WFT buddies Riley and Ralph. We all met secretly and decided that it was Wild WFT weekend, and none of us would do anything our moms said, and we would all "do our business in the ring." Now, I was not sure if Riley and Ralph would actually "do their business" as they are older and more experienced that I. But, they said that I could be nervous at a new place and they wanted me to fit right in! And, when it came their time to run at various points, they promptly lifted legs in salute.

Of course, in my first run, I was distracted and didn't like what another dog had said in a pee-mail, so I went right over with my response. I heard my mother scream SAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMM NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. But, I needed to send my response right away and lifted my leg as an exclamation point! I absolutely told that other dog off!!! I was immediately scooped up by my mother, and another lady came over with a spray bottle and "tried" to erase what I had just sent. Ha. Try it lady. You are unsuccessful! My response to the first miscreant's pee-mail is still there.

In another run, I was stretching my legs as I sailed around the ring, until I noticed to dog chaps sitting away from the ring, but close enough for me to see them. I immediately went over and asked their advice on how I should properly run the course, but their mother was trying to put an end to our conversation. I stood there until I heard my mother coming up behind me. Then, I promptly turned and ran back to the course. I decided to humor her, and do a few obstacles. Of course, that pleased her feeble mind and she seemed happy, for a change, with my performance.

We stayed in this nice camper, and did not have to spend a cold, rainy day and night huddled together in our tent. The wind was so wicked on Friday and Saturday, that I am sure Mother would not have put it up properly, and we would have ended up who knows where, all a mass of legs, dogs, arms, and tent.

But, our Auntie Sharon, who is also our agility instructor, insisted that we stay in her camper with her for the weekend. Oh, I was so pleased. We were warm, dry, and happy all weekend. I will try to post more about our camping later this week.

Now, we all must prepare the VW for our trip to Blue;s and Snowball's birthday bash!

New Pals, agility, and an AWARD

Hi Everyone,

We wanted to introduce you to 2 new pals we made recently. The first one we met through our hooman pal, Blue. His name is Hero and you can visit him here. He's a nice pup and is new to DWB, so pop on over and give him a sniff.

Our other new friend is Stanislaw. Go walk by his site and see what he is up to.

We are going camping this weekend, and Zorra is glad. Do you know why? Because we are going with our Auntie Sharon who has a CAMPER, and we won't have to sleep in the tent. Now, I do enjoy roughing it, but Zorra DOES NOT. She hates camping and prefers the finer things... like a bed... a roof... and more than a few millimeters of plastic between the outside world and herself.

We are going to a CPE trial in Dayton, OH. Mother finally agreed that I can participate in more than one event. I shall show everyone my expertise and technique that I have refined over the last few weeks. Oh, will they be in awe!

And, thanks to all you who voted for us in the cool site of the day. We were the Cool Site of the Month for February!



Now, I must go oversee the packing of our van and supplies. I am certain mother will forget something vital, like food, stuffies, treats.... Of course, she can forget Katherine, and I would not cry. BOL.

Weekend AGILITY

Hello everyone,

We had a fun filled weekend of agility. Unfortunately, no new photos to share, as Mother strictly stated that she could not run with us (oh, please.. she follows far behind because we are so much faster than she!) AND take photos.

Zorra had one qualifying run this weekend. It was all jumps, and she got 3rd place! She and mother were quite excited. She was even running in the rain! Now, Zorra does NOT like to get wet, so this was especially nice. But, when Zorra is in THE ZONE, there is no holding her back. She is like a pup possessed!



Although Katherine, nor I, had any qualifying runs, Mother was quite pleased with our performances. USDAA (United States Dog Agility Association) trials are very hard, with challenging courses, quick run times, and a good connection between dog and human required. We received several placement ribbons, however. And, we each had MOMENTS (especially me) of BRILLIANCE.



Mother only let me participate in two runs all weekend. So, I knew I had to put out my best effort. On Saturday, I was entered in a class called Tunnelers. OMD.. Was that FUN. I was supposed to run through a course of all tunnels. All together we were to crisscross through tunnels until we had done 15. I thought I had died and gone to heaven!

Whenever I run, there is always a hush over the crowd followed by giggling. I just assume that is nervous laughter in anticipation of my performance. Mother was holding on to the scruff of my neck at the start line, and I think she was screaming "YOU WAIT! STAY! WAIT!" I said, Pish Posh and I started without her. She's too slow anyway. I ran quickly through the first tunnel. Then, I followed my mother's direction to the second. After which, she pointed to another tunnel and I thought NO. I do not want to go into that tunnel. I turned on a dime and went into the tunnel of my choice.

Well, I did not know that if I did not follow the course, there was a penalty. Both mother and I had to go to a box and Mother had to take a hula hoop and go through it, and I would have to go through it too. She was calling me over there and she stepped through the hoop as I watched, but I said that it was TOO boring, so I went to another tunnel. I heard as I went deep in the bowels of the tunnel, Mother laughing and saying that she couldn't go through the Hula Hoop that many times!!

I didn't like the sound of that. I felt it was going to be the end of my magnificent run, and we all know that would spoil everyone's fun, so I kicked on the afterburners and ran for another tunnel. I heard everyone laughing, and that just fueled me more. I ran into the huge tunnel that went up over itself like a pretzel. I had gone through this tunnel 3 times already, and I thought I had escaped my mother. But, as soon as I got to the end, SHE was there. I tried to turn and run, but she grabbed the stub of my tail and pulled me out.

She picked me up and carried me off, and the judge was laughing and said I had way too much fun. Well, obviously, I had not because I wanted to keep going!

Today, I met an old gentleman WFT named Cosmo. He was 15 years old and still had a spring to his step. He had been a great agility dog and was the very first WFT to receive his MACH II. That means he reached the highest level of AKC agility twice. I was very impressed.

Today, I ran snooker and I completed half the course before I got bored and started to run around on my own. The judge for this run said I had a lot of energy. But, my mother was very proud of me on this run and said I did a very good job, even if we didn't finish. So, that made me happy. Cosmo's dad watched me run too, and he said that he was reminded of Cosmo when he was a pup like me.

We had a great weekend, even if it rained a lot yesterday.

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For all those who left kind comments on our blog for Lis and Diva there is now a website where you can post thoughts and wishes for them. Go here and leave them your thoughts and well wishes. I am sure that they will be appreciated.

Inspiring Dog story and video

***** WARNING You may need a kleenex *****

As you know, we love agility. We meet a lot of wonderful people and see many, many runs between dog and handler. We often hear of heart-filled stories of triumph over adversity and happy endings for all.

This post is about one agility handler's battle with her health, her Chinese-crested, and her last wish.....

Taken from a newsgroup we are on last Friday:

To all of my fellow agility competitors and friends,

Last Tuesday I was admitted to hospital, for eight years I have fought breast cancer. I have been diagnosed now with AML Leukemia and have been given approximately three weeks to spend on this wonderful earth. I have chosen not to do any more chemo as I believe I have received and given all this life has to give and take.

With the help of my dear friends in Dallas we were able to talk the Dr's into spring me out of hospital today. Tomorrow at the Dallas Agility Working Group's trial I will run my darling Chinese Crested Diva for the last time - it wont be pretty, no one will be able to guess who's handling style I will use and I don't even know myself - just staying on my feet will be an achievement and to run with my very best friend and to be among friends will be enough to give me the energy I need to get through the day.

I am thrilled I will also get to watch the veterans parade and to pay tribute one last time to all the great dogs that have helped form this sport that I so love.

If you want to do anything for me pray that Diva and I can achieve a super Q, it is all we need to become ADCH together, but even if we don't get it - I know I am blessed to share what time I have with my dogs and my friends.........

Many thanks for all your love and support over the years, I am indeed one of the lucky ones that get to say thanks in 'person' before my time.

Remember this weekend to enjoy your friends, dogs and should success come, enjoy and embrace it, if it doesn't never forgot the love of this game and the friendships we have forged. Thanks to everyone who helped me with my journey I sure do appreciate you all.

This woman got her wish for her dog to get her ADCH (Agility Dog Champion in USDAA). Here is a video that her friends made of the title run.



It's an inspiring story of the bond between a dog and their person. I thought everyone should be touched by this story.

Dusting out the cobwebs

Hello everyone,

Our mother has hogged the computer for DAYs! Even to go sooo far as to post photos on her own blog for ABC Wednesday, when we had NOT posted in eons. I immediately advised her that this was totally inappropriate behavior!



That is a photo of Zorra and I pouting on the sofa.

Katherine, Zorra, and I all had an CPE agility trial this past weekend. Everyone did very well. Katie and Zorra received qualifying runs toward those silly titles. And, as you know, I prefer the more "nomadic approach" to agility. I ran and ran and ran. My mother didn't find it as fun as I did, and mostly just stood in the middle of the course next to the judge. Other people thought I was rather humorous and laughed at my antics.

By Sunday afternoon, I was getting quite tired and just decided to give my mother a little present and I ALMOST completed the course. Even the judge said I was getting better. To that, my mother laughed and carried me off the course. I delight in making my fans happy. BOL. Mother hasn't forgotten about posting videos to the site. She just hasn't had time to figure it out.

We have been looking at our friends' blogs, and noticed that we needed to make something creative. Our mother has made many things to see in stores, online, and even when she, too, was nomadic and traveled to do arts and crafts shows. We'll post a few over the coming days.

This is one of our personal favorites, especially Zorra. She loves a good mat/blanket to snuggle on.

Various ponderings for today

The time has finally come when I, too, shall compete again in agility. Mother and I have been practicing quite a bit, but I am still not sure the daft woman understands that I shall pick the course, and not some feeble minded human. We have a trial this weekend. We are all participating and our friends are questioning Mother's sanity for running with all three of us.

I do have to say that my favorite obstacle (as they say in the agility world) is the A frame. I LOVE it. I love to climb up and down it. But, I must tell you the absolute special part of it, is when I can look down on my mother from the apex! You can really see her turn the brightest shade of red, especially when it is the 4th or 5th time I have climbed it in a row! BOL.



Zorra has finally mastered what she refers to as her arch nemesis the ..... TEETER TOTTER. Although she is not yet as quick as I am, she has managed not to stand in the middle and be frightened to move. So, hurrah for my sister. I, on the other hand, run completely to the end as quickly as I can. I like the feel of falling through space and the loud BANG at the end.



Katherine was at an agility trial with Mother last Sunday. I still question my mother's sanity for not taking ME. Katherine really didn't want to do agility on Sunday and she told me that Mother was in a tizzy as to why Katherine didn't want to participate. Katherine told me that it was just because. Always leave Mom guessing, is her motto. Mother was all ready to just pack it up and go home before the last run, but decided since the money was already paid, that she and Katherine should just give it a go. Well, Katherine decided that she would try to complete the course this time, and bam.. she got 2nd place. Again, Katherine's motto is always leave Mom guessing.



Now, we are considering Rally-O classes. It is a cross between Obedience and agility. We may do that. It sounds like a splendid time.

Of course, Mother says if I leave any more stains in the house, that I'll never get to go anywhere again. Oh, pish posh, I say. If she would take me everywhere she goes, we wouldn't have this problem, would we Mother.

Speaking of which, I am watching Mother now as she is buzzing around the house. It appears that she is getting ready to leave and she has my leash. Yippeeee.. but.. wait... she has a towel... and shampoo... oh no...... HELP