Sunday, December 25, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Portraits with the kids
My friend Deb Baracco has a lot of fun with photography and was looking to do some portraits. So we got together with her and Ginger and Val and all of our respective pups to give her some practice. It was a fun time which produced some GREAT shots! Here are some of my favorites.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Mojo is BACK!!
After months of questions, worries and endless rehab Mojo made his big comeback at the ITZ trial in Millersville this past weekend. I was so nervous to run him but so very excited. He surpassed all my expectations and ran BEAUTIFULLY all weekend long, going 8 for 9 runs and even winning 3 classes!! He was so happy to be running and I was so happy to have him back. I still can't wipe the smile off my face.
I compiled a video of his runs from the weekend (one Jumpers run is missing) the old man was on FIRE! It is a testament to the hard work of all the people who took part in his rehab how good he looked and still looks after 3 days of agility. Thank you all for putting up with me and never giving up on him. At 9 1/2 years old he looks better than he has in a long time!
View Video
This experience has brought a lot of things to light for me. One is to never skimp my dogs on the conditioning and stretching they really need to perform well and hold up, especially as they pass through their veteran years. I am determined to give everything I have to them to keep them happy, healthy and sound.
The other is to always trust your gut, you KNOW your own dogs better than anyone so if you have a doubt, definitely seek a second opinion! The more experienced hands and eyes on your situation, the better off you will be. Don't ever fall prey to the opinions of others, but never discount them either.
And finally the very most important lesson of all, and one I will never forget. Every run with your partner is a privilege, every snuggle under the covers, every naughty grin or quiet moment of connection. Cherish it, every single second. I know I do and I intend to every day of our lives together.
I love you so much Mojo-Man. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Welcome back.
I compiled a video of his runs from the weekend (one Jumpers run is missing) the old man was on FIRE! It is a testament to the hard work of all the people who took part in his rehab how good he looked and still looks after 3 days of agility. Thank you all for putting up with me and never giving up on him. At 9 1/2 years old he looks better than he has in a long time!
View Video
This experience has brought a lot of things to light for me. One is to never skimp my dogs on the conditioning and stretching they really need to perform well and hold up, especially as they pass through their veteran years. I am determined to give everything I have to them to keep them happy, healthy and sound.
The other is to always trust your gut, you KNOW your own dogs better than anyone so if you have a doubt, definitely seek a second opinion! The more experienced hands and eyes on your situation, the better off you will be. Don't ever fall prey to the opinions of others, but never discount them either.
And finally the very most important lesson of all, and one I will never forget. Every run with your partner is a privilege, every snuggle under the covers, every naughty grin or quiet moment of connection. Cherish it, every single second. I know I do and I intend to every day of our lives together.
I love you so much Mojo-Man. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Welcome back.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Jinn is becoming a "real" agility dog
My little girl has had some troubles with focus and motivation over the past year or so. We have struggled with her hyper vigilance about things in and around the ring, she often cruises past obstacles whilst scanning the area, and her speed suffers because she is not fully engaged with me or with the activity at hand.
Well with the blessing of a bit of age and experience and the lovely, cooler weather, my Jinni is beginning to blossom! She still has her moments of distraction, but all in all she is holding it together much more consistently and her speed is improving. She really is starting to discover how much fun it is to do this sport WITH Mom and not to worry so much about all the other stuff.
A few weeks ago she had her best agility weekend ever, qualifying 7 out of 11 runs which included 2 Chances!! She finished her Novice Chances Title and her Novice Touch-n-Go title all in the same weekend. She then went on to finish her Novice Jumpers Title and her Superior Novice Tunnelers title the next weekend!
Photo courtesy of Priscilla Warnock
She continues to pick up speed as she develops more confidence. Barry Rosen even managed to get a great shot of her first "flying aframe" during Touch-n-go.
I am really excited about the winter and the good times and the lessons it has in store for me as I make this journey with my baby dog.
Well with the blessing of a bit of age and experience and the lovely, cooler weather, my Jinni is beginning to blossom! She still has her moments of distraction, but all in all she is holding it together much more consistently and her speed is improving. She really is starting to discover how much fun it is to do this sport WITH Mom and not to worry so much about all the other stuff.
A few weeks ago she had her best agility weekend ever, qualifying 7 out of 11 runs which included 2 Chances!! She finished her Novice Chances Title and her Novice Touch-n-Go title all in the same weekend. She then went on to finish her Novice Jumpers Title and her Superior Novice Tunnelers title the next weekend!
Photo courtesy of Priscilla WarnockShe continues to pick up speed as she develops more confidence. Barry Rosen even managed to get a great shot of her first "flying aframe" during Touch-n-go.
I am really excited about the winter and the good times and the lessons it has in store for me as I make this journey with my baby dog.
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