BACK TO CLASS

We got back to agility class last week. It was our first class in probably 2 months. I have been working with KK on distance, independent obstacles, layering, lateral distance at weaves, and rights & lefts over the holidays.  So it was good to get back to class to see where we stand and where our weak spots are and what we need to work on. KK as usual is a little rockstar! Miss Marley came to class too and she was awesome. Good work attitude and very much wanted to please me. That girl loves the cool weather! It was a great class and I learned a lot and left in a very positive mood!!

Next weekend we head to McKinney for some USDAA agility!!! The next weekend more USDAA in Holly Springs.

A YEAR OF TITLES

2013 was a roller coaster year for us. As I think back on it, it seemed like we trialed all year long. But we didn't. This was the first year that Marley was on rest more than she competed. She basically competed in March, June and July. She earned 2 titles but I am more proud that I got to run with my girl. I love all my dogs and have special bonds with all of them, but Marley is my soul. I can never undo what was done to her in her first few weeks of life. I think that is why we are so connected. She needs me in a way none of my other girls do. I have had people tell me to retire her because she doesn't have a high Q rate or because she has her moments when she doesn't seem interested. But what people don't know is that I love to run with Marley. I never know what to expect with her, but whatever she does makes me happy. So I will run with Marley as long as she wants to run with me. And when her hips won't let her run anymore, she will still be my best buddy. Agility has just brought us closer, it doesn't define her.

Kalea-Kate competed almost 9 months and earned 8 titles in 2 different venues. She is improving each and every run. We are learning how to run together and she's teaching me to be a better handler.  I have big goals for KK. She's young and pretty inexperienced, and I don't think she will achieve our big goals this year. But I think 2015 as a 3 year old, she will have some big titles in front of her name! Regardless of when we get those big titles, we will continue running and learning together!

MARLEY UPDATE

Marley was hit and went up underneath a car on Jan. 2. She knows where she can get out of the fence and she got out. She came in bleeding profusely from a wound to her ear, was limping on the left rear leg and had motor oil all over her face. She spend the next day at the vet. She was lucky. The wound to her ear didn't require stitches and she was placed on pain meds for a few days. She also was having a bad time with her tummy and got put on Flagyl for 10 days to combat the severe diarrhea.

She is driving me nuts wanting to go back out in the front yard to explore. Marley is a smart dog and can open doors. Yesterday she managed to hit the gate latch at the exact time a gust of wind came up and she got out and took Missy and KK with her. Thankfully she didn't stay out long and came back unscathed. Marley is a Marley! :)