Canadian Agility Nationals

Just got back from a wonderful 11 days away, judging on
Vancouver Island, visiting family, and then competing with
Friday in the AAC Nationals in Burnaby BC. I had more trouble
than I thought finding wireless connections with the new
laptop, but was able to leech off mom's neighbours' to keep up
with things here a bit.

This was our best Nationals yet - Friday and I ran clean and
fast on both jumpers rounds and on both Standard rounds -
something that very few teams did. Just so that I didn't get

TOTE...

Yay! Wonderful!

Robin Nuttall...

Wow! Congratulations! It's hard to perform well at big events. Sounds
like you did great.

Just so that I didn't get

a big head, we blew both gamblers rounds, dropping us to 26th
out of the 77 dogs in our class. Looking at the names above
us, though, I'm really proud to be 26.

Terri...

Standing ovation! Excellent!

TOTE...

I agree. Good to hear all went well, even if with a glitch or two. Well

Rocky...

Thank you. I had so much fun - which is probably why I did
better than expected, I was having so much fun.

done.

shelly...

Congratulations! It sounds like a good time was had by all.

Robin Nuttall...

Yeah, I think Stacy's Able won the 24" or 26" class--so you definitely
had big-name competition. Congrats for doing so well!

Rocky...

Stacy competed in the Alberta regionals to qualify for the
Nationals. She's a very nice lady and her dogs are oh-so-
cool. She probably doesn't know me from Adam, though I've
talked with her a few times. She was first in 26" with Able
with some serious Kelpie competition.

We were only a few points behind her Rumor in 22", but Stacy's
bad day with a new dog is very similar to my best day with an
experienced Friday.

Robin Nuttall...

Hey, I beat her once! When Able was a mere baby. :)

Friday handled the plane rides well, though he didn't like the
1.5 hour ferry ride from Victoria to Vancouver. Plus, he

Terri...

Was it the deck movement? Champ never could get comfortable with
docks and the feel of them moving under his feet. He used to
crouch down when he traversed them, his belly about an inch from

Rocky...

These are large ferries (many have a Starbucks, heh); over 500'
long and 400 plus cars - Friday never left the car. I think his
nervousness was from the cavernous echo in the car decks:
announcements, horns, tour buses, and the like.

Terri...

The instant you said that I could hear, smell and feel those
big ferries. I've been on a few myself having been at one time
lived up around the Puget Sound. I am amazed though, the last
time I rode one we didn't have no steenkin Starbucks, we had
regular coffee in styrofoam cups, and we were GLAD TO HAVE IT!
Damn modern kids.

Rocky...

What I'm really disappointed in, is airports. I'm so used to
the Calgary airport which has Tim Hortons, Subway, and similar
food (and other stores) available *after* security.

the deck.

shelly...

I can't blame him. I don't think I'd enjoy that very much, either.

slept in 3 different houses and didn't have his best buddy,
Rocky, for company.

Glad to be home.

Show Dog Bark...

Sorry I could not make it. I remember you inviting me to come a few
months ago.
It sounds like an adventure. I think that friday coming in at 26 is
great.
I know about dogs not liking plane rides. Sometimes it is easier on
them then driving so it is always a toss up.
I know what you mean about wireless computers, they can be a problem to
connect with while traveling. I have a Power Mac G4 laptop and it is
handy to have when I travel. I never thought I could get used to a
laptop, but after using one for 8 months now, I can not see how I did
without it.
I bet you are glad to be home. I always find that my own bed and pillow
is what I miss the most. Home sweet home. There is nothing like it.
Perhaps if you have some time you may like to look at the photos I
posted of Blue. I remember you posting that you also have a Border
Collie. He is growing so fast that he looks like a little horse. He is
going to be a large dog as his legs are long and he has big feet. Cute
cute cute. There is nothing like a puppy to melt one's heart.
Maybe another time if you are going to a dog show not too far from the
Kootenays I will drop in and you can see Blue.

Show Dog Bark

Robin Nuttall...

Home is always best.