The Longview dog show is over and we will be staying home together, today. We really missed each other. It was quite a weekend for Journey and me and though it was fun, it is good to be finished with it. Journey did well, although conformation shows are not his favorite thing to do. I was not much better at it than usual, but we gave it a good try.
It was difficult keeping Journey clean for three days. He especially delights in deer poop and every time he finds some, he feels a need to roll in it. By Sunday morning we were all tired of the mission to "keep Journey clean". Shortly before we were to leave for the show, I looked out the front window and saw Journey on his back, with Pirate dragging him all over the wet lawn. I started to yell and then decided I was as tired of it as they were. There are some things more important than a clean show dog. Two brothers having the time of their lives playing is one of those things that rate higher with me and with them. When Journey came inside, he was very wet, but thank goodness, not decorated with any deer poop. We headed out for the last day of showing - our last day leaving two breautiful, but sad faces at home alone.
When we got home Journey was so excited and he wanted to get out of the car, at the gate. I let him run to the house on his own and when I opened the garage door, his brothers came running out of the doggy door to greet us. They sniffed every inch of Journey to see where he had been and who he had seen. He just stood with a big grin on his face, so happy to be home with his big brothers. I don't plan to do any more three day separations - life is too short. Separations happen and some cannot be avoided, but our family just does not do well with them.
Two years old seems young to retire, but there are many other things in Journey's future. He is doing especially well in agility and he loves it. He is a different dog at agility class. He is so much happier and his confidence is growing stronger every day. Pirate is doing equally well in his rally class and starting this Wednesday, Quest will be going to a Beginners Rally class. Now if only I can keep up with them! Fido Beta Kappa is a wonderful training school and we all enjoy Karin Haderly's lessons.
Last weekend I took Journey to an agility trial in Ridgefield, WA. I thought he might be nervous about all the noise and excitement. It did not phase him. As soon as he saw that they were doing all the obstacles he loves, he was very content to watch the show. I enjoyed seeing old friends I have not seen in a couple years, since I began having back problems. I am so glad I have managed to correct those problems and I am able to run again. At my age, I don't know how long I will be able to compete, but I will enjoy it while I can.
Quest has decided that the noises my ipod makes when I play Words With Friends, disturbs his sleep. Everytime the ipod makes a noise he growls at it. I found out how to turn off the volume but he still seemed to know when I was playing it - so I pulled the covers over my head. That worked!
It is so cold here. It does not feel like it got much over the 30's all day. It is sunny and bright though and the sunset is beautiful.
Overlooking the river at sunset.
