We were in three events at this trial. Neither of us was in tip top form. Journey had not been in an agility competition in about four months. I had a pretty bad head bump several weeks ago that was followed by some bouts with vertigo and a real bad sinus infection that I am now in my 3rd week of battling. But we were entered, and I was tired of staying home and watching it rain.
Our first problem arose when we arrived in time for our FAST run, but not in time for the walk through. So I was not able to make plans for our course. I just watched the people ahead of us and then tried to figure it out while we ran. We just went out there and I was pointing at various obstacles, which Journey took and then when we were in line for the "send" (the part where I stay on one side of the ribbon on the ground and he goes it alone) he did just what I told him. Since I did not make it in time for the Judge's instructions, I didn't know how many points we needed, nor which direction a couple of obstacles had to be taken, so I had to skip them rather than risk a disqualification. Anyway, we did not get enough points and I did not hear the whistle blow or know when to leave the ring. Oh well.
Okay, we are just getting ready to start our Excellent Standard run. My good boy just wants to please me, always!
Good boy Journey. Now to the table and hold your place just right!
"I'm on it mom!"
Our finish in the Excellent Standard class was good but he had a blip on his weave poles (almost a never for Journey). I know where we need practice and we did a bit of that on Tuesday at class.
Our Excellent Jumpers run was pretty good, but I was having trouble with getting enough air because of my sinus infection so I was trailing behind Journey quite a bit. That caused him to spin once, to check on me. He did not leave the plain of the jump, but the Judge call it a refusal. There are no errors allowed in Excellent class. So no Q's this weekend. We should be in better shape by the next trial. I hope I am going to be able to move fast enough for him to compete in AKC Excellent classes. I will not make any decisions until I get past this health issue and see how we do then. Excellent classes are not easy!
It was a nice weekend and we got to see many friends that we had not seen over the holidays. Janet and her crew of Malamutes did very well. I don't think she will mind if I borrow a few of the wonderful shots Joe Camp took of her Malamutes, to post on our blog.
Maya "woo wooing" to Janet.
Maya on teeter.
Shamu on the triple.
Maya talking to Janet
The handsome Vader.
Shamu in tire.
