Marley and I competed in Memphis at the GSKC Agility trial this past weekend. It was our first 3 day trial in a year. Marley did well. She is paying attention to me and acts like she really enjoys agility. She came away with some beautiful runs and as a bonus a Q in Excellent A JWW!
As I think back on Marley's career, I'm realizing that there some things that have been said about Marley that has really driven me to continue working and competing with her. It's strange how words can push you to different heights and goals.
I've said this before and some may question why I don't let it drop, but I can't. The words "Marley is way too much dog for you" has pushed me to prove people wrong about Marley. That is why I've trained, cried, trained, cried, trained, competed, cried....with Marley. That sentence is the reason Marley has her Companion Dog and Rally Advanced titles. I let those words really get to me. That sentence hurt me so much. I was determined to prove her wrong. Marley is a great dog. She was simply misunderstood and didn't get the training she needed for her. We've moved on to a trainer that understands Marley and me. And we have flourished!
At Marley's second AKC trial, she was very energetic and bouncy. She liked to jump on me when I didn't give her directions fast enough. The judge was super nice and came up to me and told me "when she grows up she's going to be a great agility dog". This past weekend, I had several people compliment me on Marley and her agility. One of the nicest things that was said was "Didn't Marley used to jump up on you? She's looking good, getting some distance." More words to drive me!!
I don't know how long I will compete with Marley. I have set a few short term goals with her but no long term goals. I will run with Marley as long as she wants to run with me!
I'm so blessed to have Marley as my dog. She changed my life the day I walked down her aisle at Little Rock Animal Services. She is my dog and she isn't too much dog for me! She's just perfect!!!
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