JEKYLL ISLAND, GEORGIA

We spent several days at the beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia. The off season is the best time to take the dogs and let them just run. Jekyll Island is pet friendly year round. Marley and Kalea-Kate had a blast! It was the first time KK saw and played in the ocean. KK had to wear her lifejacket all the time we were on the beach because she was fearless about the water. She would take off chasing birds and would run out into the ocean after them. Marley enjoyed the beach almost as much as KK, running and chasing. Molly did her own thing, exploring and just being herself. Missy enjoyed napping on the beach.

It was a good break from reality. I needed this vacation.

GSKC AGILITY TRIAL REFLECTIONS

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!!!

BEGINNER OBEDIENCE GRADUATE

Kalea-Kate finished her Beginner Obedience class yesterday. This was our second class with a different instructor and it was what we needed. I had to drop the first class because I fractured my hip and was on crutches.

She did so well! Walking nicely on a leash, coming when called. The best thing is that she can do a sit, down, or stand stay and I can be across the room! So proud of my baby girl!!

Thinking about doing the CGC with her. I'm pretty sure she could pass.

PROVED POINT

As I think back on this past year, I realized that the last title my mom got to see Marley achieve was her Companion Dog (CD). That CD was a major accomplishment for us, especially for a dog I was told "was way too much dog for me".

Sweet little Kalea-Kate is progressing well in her Beginners Obedience class. I have no desire to pursue competitive obedience with her. We will finish her classes in 2 weeks and then will concentrate on her agility. I hope to debut her sometime next year.

Molly and Missy are well. Molly is still taking her 6+ hours patrols nightly and Missy spends alot of time on the couch snoozing.

USDAA RETIREMENT

I decided on Sunday, September 16, 2012 to retire Marley from USDAA agility. She was having to jump Performance 22 /Championship 26, which is over her shoulder height. She was doing it and rarely knocking bars but with her bilateral hip dysplasia, I knew it was in her best interest to stop doing USDAA.

She had a great trial at Pawprints Agility Club in Haughton, LA. She had beautiful runs all weekend and even better, she WANTED to work with me! She was super happy and ignored other dogs when they got in her face. :)

Molly, Missy, and Kalea-Kate stayed home with Grandad. They enjoyed their Grandad time! I believe KK got away with alot of mischief!! Marley and KK were so excited to see each other on Sunday afternoon. They really love each other!

IT'S THE JOURNEY LORI, IT'S THE JOURNEY!!

Marley is entered in an USDAA agility trial this weekend in Louisiana. It will be her first USDAA trial in over 6 months. She has to jump over her shoulder height (even in Performance) which I think is so unfair. This will probably be one of her last USDAA trials. I knew this day would be coming but I just didn't think it would be when she was 4 years old. We will continue to do AKC trials because they are way easier and have longer course times.

I thought I would be real sad when I retired Marley from USDAA but it actually feels like a relief. Marley has moments when she's brilliant and moments when she could care less. But I will remember each run I have with her. She has done so much when others have written her off. She's my Marley and I am the luckiest Mommy in the world!!

KALEA-KATE; A SHINING STAR

Kalea-Kate is a shining star. She is so sweet and loving. Every morning when she gets up, she greets everyone with a kiss and lots of wagging! She always wakes up so happy! She loves to jump up on people and give them kisses, especially in the face.

I think she has a little bit of each of her sisters' in her. She loves her little beds and window watching just like Missy. She loves to follow Molly around and she loves to lick lotion off my legs, just like Molly! She is the only dog that Molly will allow in 'her room'. As for Marley, she loves her to pieces and follows her everywhere. They are the best playmates. Kalea-Kate has been so good for Marley. I wanted a good playmate for Marley and I found a great one. I think Kalea-Kate was sent to me from my mom in heaven. She is just a wonderful little pup!

Kalea-Kate is picking up agility so well. Making her 2o2o contacts and is always so excited to work for me. She really enjoyed class starting back because not only did she get to play agility, she got to swim in the pond. She made a new friend that was into running and swimming too. I am going to love running this baby!!