AGILITY SEASON OVER FOR 2015

KK and I ran in our last agility trial in September. We had one more USDAA and one more NADAC trial planned but due to some unforeseen circumstance's, we had to cancel them. I was disappointed because I love to run KK but family comes first and agility isn't important in the realm of life. We also had to cancel our ceremony on the beach and honeymoon at Disney. But everything happens for a reason and while we may not understand the reasoning at the time, it eventually becomes clear why things happened the way they did.

KK and Lilly are currently with their Aunt Linda while we deal with some family health issues. Being away from us helps both of their little attitudes. The three older girls are at home with us. They are quieter and mind better. :)

I'm starting to compile my agility trial list for 2016 and formulate KK's agility goals for the first half of 2016. I'm also working on KK's distance work as I plan on doing more NADAC trials and less AKC trials. USDAA will remain our venue of choice. I still have big dreams for KK but they will come in time, there is no need to push her hard by trialing constantly. We will trial less but trial smart...I hope.

I  have also been working Marley some on low contacts and 12 in. jumps. She's jumping fine and I will start inching her up to 16 in. which she will jump in NADAC and possibly AKC. She has remembered how to weave but it's still not her favorite obstacle. She loves that I've brought out the tunnels! That girl loves a tunnel!!!

I don't know if Marley will want to compete again as she's never run agility not in pain. I really want to run her again, but she hasn't run in so long, I don't know is she will want to run again. I'm just happy that Marley is happy and whole again. Running her again would be a dream for me, but if it doesn't happen, then it doesn't happen and I will be fine with that. She will continue to go to trials as KK's buddy and I will get to enjoy her carefree spirit.

Take time to enjoy what you have, love hard, laugh often and be grateful for everything you have. Life is what you make it regardless of the hurdles you endure. Love your life and those people in your life that are important. They will be there for you when you need them.

ANOTHER DIAGNOSIS.....

It seems like just as I'm getting over one illness, another one strikes. I was finally feeling better and started going back to yoga. At my second class, I had severe abdominal pain which scared me to death. The pain continued and then I began having some urinary issues. It took almost a month to get in with an urinary specialist. Thankfully he was able to diagnose me quickly and got me on the correct medications. I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. Yet another chronic disease that is made worse by stress. I feel like all I do is take medications and supplements to control the symptoms of my thyroid, GI and urinary diseases. It's overwhelming at times. Sometimes I just want to crawl in my bed, cover my head and sleep and then wake up and everything would be fine. But I know that's not going to happen.

I took KK to Shreveport for an USDAA trial before my diagnosis, and all that running really irritated my bladder. She, however, had a good trial. She's getting faster every trial and I am trying to work more distance with her. The courses were hard and the judge had tight times. Plus her courses weren't set up to really work distance...very crunchy. I don't think I will show under that judge again. Anyhow, KK added a few more Q's towards her ADCH.

We only have one more USDAA trial planned for the remainder of the year. I nixed the AKC trial. I need time off this fall to get healthy and for KK to mature and for us to work more distance.

Hazel and my vacation in Destin and Animal Kingdom had to be postponed due to some personal issues but we have rescheduled it for early April. Looking forward to fall and time to rest and get healthy.

Workwise, I'm loving my job. I love the autonomy and I love my clients. I never know what to expect day to day and I'm enjoying it. My coworkers are great and have been so supportive of me lately with some things that have been going on. I'm where I'm suppose to be.

ADIOS AKC AGILITY FOR 2015!

KK and I competed in our last AKC agility trial in Monroe, LA a few weeks ago. We were originally scheduled for at least 2 more trials, but I'm over AKC. I'm tired of the breed snobbery. I'm tired of the rudeness of the competitors...talking negatively about others dogs and running into you when walking a course and they can't even say 'excuse me'. Just the whole environment. It makes me question why I do agility. AKC folks are quick to say how USDAA has just terrible angle approaches to contacts...I saw quite a few of those that weekend. Then they want to say how hard it is. I think USDAA is meant to push you as a competitor and just makes you and your dog better competitors. Train, don't complain!!

I didn't want to be there. But I did use the weekend to work on KK's distance work. It is coming along nicely, especially since I haven't been able to practice with her due to the heat and yet another illness of mine. She is putting down some smoking times, especially against her competition that almost all have their MACH's, compete almost every weekend and are at least 7 years old. I think Miss KK held her own and showed her potential. We will go back to AKC in 2016, but it will be very limited. I have other goals for KK right now.

 

We have an USDAA trial coming up this weekend in Shreveport. I'm looking forward to it, however, I know I will be in pain all weekend. It seems once I get over one illness, something else happens. I'm currently facing a potential surgery and the timing couldn't be worse. Hazel and I are just 5 weeks away from our private beach wedding in Destin and honeymoon at Disney's Animal Kingdom. I just hope I get the correct diagnosis and the issue can be taken care of soon.

 

In the meantime, we will just continue living our life. The 3 younger dogs love playing. We often walk into the living room to see this! I wouldn't change my life for the world. I'm right where I'm suppose to be. :)



I WALKED AWAY

I have been a nursing instructor for 14 of my 20 years as a nurse. It was a rewarding job to an extent. I enjoyed teaching the students in the classroom and clinical but the administrative requirements made the job tedious. I was in charge of the pediatric course at a local school of nursing for 11 of the 13 years I was there. I witnessed the program go through many changes, some good, some bad. As time wore on, it was clear administration had other ideas of what direction the school was headed and I was not going to be part of it. Even though I always received great evaluations, I was going to be removed from my course leader position, so the new administration could put in their minion. A minion that would do any do anything to get higher up in administration. After hearing of the plan administration had ‘secretly’ come up with, I made a life changing decision. I quit my job without notice. I know it wasn’t very professional but I knew if I gave notice, administration would harass me for those two weeks.

Within 15 minutes of putting in my resignation, the minion moved into my office and was singing in the hallways. She also made time to make up a rumor about me. A very good one in fact. She said I had gotten fired for having an inappropriate relationship with a student and I got escorted off the property. The rumor was very hurtful and could have been very detrimental to my professional life. I’m sure her fellow church members at a large Baptist church located on a major interstate  where she regularly attends, would be pleased to know she sets such a good example of Christianity. Her behavior, professing she is such a great Christian, but starting rumors and throwing stones at others, is what gives Christianity a bad name. She gives Christianity a bad name.

I immediately found a position at a local university as an assistant professor in nursing. I thought it would be a good change for me and I would like to teach again. But that didn’t happen. In addition to teaching, I was expected to be on committees, write grants, do community service and go back to school for my doctorate. It was more responsibility than I was looking for. I was hoping to just be a faculty member for a while and not be in charge. But that didn’t happen. Due to unforeseen events, I got put in charge of the pediatric course almost immediately. It was overwhelming for me. I had never taught at the collegiate level and trying to get acclimated to the university and run a course took its toll on me. I know how to run a course but I had never taught online and wasn’t familiar with all that went along with it.

Plus at the same time, KK had gotten very ill and was undergoing lots of testing and treating. I did the best I could with what help I was given. I did have a few good coworkers who stepped in and helped me. But it did nothing for my mindset. Then Marley had her hip replacement surgery and all I could do for the rest of the semester was to just ‘hang on’.

Over the Christmas holidays, my whole personal life changed. I fell in love with my best friend, Hazel. Life was looking up. The dogs were happy. Marley and KK were healthy. Life was good.

When the new semester rolled around, I was put in an adult health nursing course. I had never taught adult health and was given lectures I was unfamiliar with. I received no help or encouragement. I felt alone and didn’t want to go to work at all. I was actually called into the office and told I needed to make more of an effort to come to the lunchroom at noon to eat and talk with my coworkers. My lunch hour is my lunch hour. I should be able to do what I want to do during my lunch time. I wanted to spend time at lunch with Hazel when she wasn’t working. We were in this new relationship and wanted us to go to lunch together and I just wanted time away from work. I applied for a position in a DNP program and after an interview, I was accepted. I knew my heart wasn’t in education anymore and I declined my position in the program.

About this time, my health took a sudden downward spiral. I became very ill and had to call in sick to work more times than I have called in my entire time. I was eventually diagnosed with lymphocyctic colitis. It is an autoimmune disease that is made worse by stress. It is treatable, however I will be on a steroid for the rest of my life.

I was miserable at work and so wanted to quit my job. But I needed the insurance. Hazel and I were happy and engaged by now. When the Supreme Court ruled on marriage equality, we decided to get married early so I could get on her insurance. We had already planned a private ceremony in October in Destin on the beach. But on July 1, we went to the Pulaski County Courthouse and Judge Wendell Griffin married us in his chambers. Everyone in his office was so nice and open. We celebrated by going to Sam’s and getting Pupperoni for the girls. J

I gave my notice at the university on July 6. I knew I had made the right decision when my supervisor replied with “You are putting me in a bind”. Nothing else. Then my supervisor proceeded to ignore me for the next two weeks. I did some soul searching during this time and Hospice has always been in the back of my mind. My mom was on Hospice for a short time and I remember how sweet the nurses were. A job opening was posted at a local hospital and I interviewed for it. I got the job!! Throughout this entire process, Hazel has stood by my side….and believe me, there were a lot of tears along the way.

I started working at outpatient Hospice and I absolutely love it. It is so rewarding and is helping me come to terms with my mom’s death. My coworkers and supervisors are so open and helpful. It’s great to be part of such an outstanding team where everyone helps each other. I’m settling in nicely and am enjoying working with patients again.

My life has come full circle. I’m happy in my personal and professional life. My girls are happy and healthy. I’m looking forward to October when Hazel and I will recommit to one another and then we will honeymoon at Animal Kingdom at Disney World. J

LONG OVERDUE AGILITY UPDATE

Even though I was going through an agility burnout, I entered KK in 2 back to back USDAA agility trials. We went to Paw Prints in Shreveport mid April. It's a nice venue with great club members. The trial is always run so well that it makes for a nice weekend. KK had an amazing weekend! After her first run, Master Jumpers, she was unstoppable. Her Master Jumpers run on Saturday demonstrated that my head just wasn't in the game. After some encouragement, I changed my attitude and the weekend was unbelievable. KK ended up Q'ing 7/8 runs . She won C22 Steeplechase finals and was the only dog to complete Grand Prix successfully, which gave her an automatic bye into Regionals. She was a totally different dog that weekend. The judge was fabulous and even commented on how much he liked my 'little dog'. He inquired about her age saying he 'thought she was pretty young'. Just a simple compliment from a judge or fellow competitor can do a lot for my mind frame. :)

The next weekend we went to Garland, TX to the Center for Canine Sports. It was an outdoor trial, something we haven't done before and probably won't do again. The outside elements can be tricky. It had rained for days before so the grass was muddy and slippery. But those conditions didn't affect KK one bit. She went 6/9 Q's . She earned 4 titles that weekend. Advanced Snooker, which is MY nemesis, Advanced Standard, KK's nemesis, Advanced Agility Dog and Master Jumper Titles.

We did the Blue Ribbon K-9 Agility trial in Monroe in early May. I was experiencing some health issues and KK tweaked her back a little but she did manage to earn Q's in Master Gamblers and Master Relay.

I have always wanted to compete at Purina Farms and we got the opportunity in July. I was still not myself and KK fed off it. She did Q in Master Snooker which is a HUGE deal for us. We also managed to lock ourselves out of our new RV on Saturday night and it took the tow guy 1 1/2 hours to get us back in. Needless to say, we were pretty tired the next day. But it was a great experience and I can't wait to go back to Purina Farms.

We also did an AKC trial in Memphis in April but AKC isn't my venue of choice and I don't enjoy myself and I typically don't try hard. I mean I would like to MACH KK but, the environment makes it difficult for me to get excited about AKC. None the less, KK posted some smoking times and finished her Master Jumpers Title.

We also ventured back to NADAC in June. Kate had a phenomenal weekend, going 11/12 Q's, all 1st places and earning 3 Titles. We went back in July and Kate went 6/9 and earned 2 more Titles. We enjoyed the laidback venue and will definitely do more NADAC in the future.

We are now on a month break from agility and will trial again towards the end of August. I have thought a lot about where to compete KK and the best venues for me and my mindset. I have decided we will only do one more AKC trial and then focus on USDAA and maybe a NADAC trial if I can find one nearby. Miss Kalea-Kate is a fantastic little agility dog and I can't wait to see where our journey leads us. :) Check out Kalea-Kate's Agility Goals and see how far she's come this year!!

BURNOUT???

I have been doing agility basically since 2003. Off and on with 3 different dogs who all had very different attitudes towards agility. I have had varying degrees of success and varying degrees of frustration. But I have never been at a point where I thought I could quit.

Molly was my first agility dog. We did agility because she was rambunctious and I needed an outlet for her energy. We started doing it for fun and did it off and on for several years often with long breaks due to illness/injuries on her part. We changed trainers and got caught up in the competitive side of agility. Molly didn't enter her first agility trial until she was around 7. Although she amassed many titles, she never loved it. She did it for me. In reality, I think she hated it. She has never once climbed the Aframe or dog walk in my agility yard since she retired. I forced her to do it and she did it for me because she loved me. Plus she loves a good car ride and was always up for a trip.

 

I deliberately adopted Marley for agility. She looked like a litttle Aussie as a puppy and I thought she would be a good agility candidate. I didn't count on the multitude of health problems that she would deal with. My little fluff ball turned into a Golden Retriever sized dog who stole my heart and soul. I tried to do everything right for Marley. I put her in obedience classes, worked with her and waited until our agility trainer said she could start agility classes. Unfortunately, Marley developed a dog reactivity issue and was often scolded and manhandled by the trainer and I didn't step in and stop it. I regret that I let another person who had no training in dog reactivity 'train' my dog. I often left class in tears and would cry all the way home. One day I finally had enough and I sought out a different trainer. It was with this trainer that we found our 'home'. She helped me immensely with Marley and helped me achieve so much with her. And I will always be grateful to her.

Unfortunately once the dog reactivity issue was under control, Marley was displaying rear end lameness and was diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia. I was completely devastated. All the dreams I had for her just died. I remember crying on the phone to my mom about Marley immediately after she was diasgnosed. Crying so hard, I could barely speak. Marley got put on pain meds and rested for weeks and then we tried agility again. She was able to continue. She was hit or miss in the competition ring. She either ran or walked. I never knew what dog I was taking to the start line. She stayed on pain meds her entire agility career and she frequently got pulled from trial for lameness. I never ran her injured.

We even worked on obedience and trialed both obedience and rally. She earned her Companion Dog (CD) title (the first All American Dog in Arkansas to do so) and 2 rally titles. I only did obedience and rally to prove people wrong about her. Marley is a good dog, she was just misunderstood and didn't get the proper training until I changed trainers. Despite her hips and the pain she was in, she earned a multitude of agility titles (including 2 QQ's) and is even the #1 AKC All American Dog in Arkansas. She is in the record books forever. No one can take that from us.

 

Marley has retired from agility and now has 2 new hips. I'm hoping by the end of the year, I will try her in some backyard agility and see if she's still interested in it. Due to all of Marley's health problems, we have spent alot of time together and I have shed many tears about her.  She needed me and I needed her. My best friend always tells me that I love Marley differently than I love my other dogs. And that is true. She is my soul dog.

Kalea-Kate or KK or Kate (as I often call her when running her) was also adopted to be an agility dog. I adopted her shortly after my mom died, I was trying to fill a void in my heart. She was in agility classes literally the week I brought her home at 14 weeks old. She was fearless and showed great potential. I told myself while I was training her, that I wouldn't push her into competition. But I did. She was in her first trial at 16 months. Even though she was just a baby, she stepped to the line and Q'd her first run and was earning titles by her second trial, I regret entering her that young. With all the early successes, I just kept pushing her.

 

She started having some issues. She refused to take any contact obstacles for several trials and would off course to the weave poles. That girl loves to weave! We worked through that and she quickly got through Novice and Open in AKC. USDAA standard took us awhile because she decided the table was optional and refused to lay down on it. The table continued to haunt us and now she refuses to even get on it at trials. She will get on it all day at my house and at training, but she refuses to table at a trial.

We are now at a stallmate. She can throw down some 6.5yps jumpers times and get awesome Gambles but she won't get on the table. She is frustrating me. I've been pulling her from the course when she refuses to table, but that isn't working. She literally runs up to the table, turns back to me and barks at me. Then she runs from me when I try to pick her up to remove her from the course. I often leave the standard ring furious and near tears. I don't understand how this little dog is so awesome in every other run, has great distance but refuses a simple table. I don't want to squealch her enthusiasm and speed, nor do I want to run/walk along beside her just to ensure a Q. I want her to RUN and be KK but to listen to me and follow my direction.

KK has awesome potential in agility. I get compliments all the time at trials on her ability and speed. She's a great little dog who happens to love agility.When I first started trailing with KK, my goal was for her to earn her ADCH and MACH while she was 3. That was a very realistic goal. She is actually fairly close to both right now, but I don't think that's going to happen and I really don't care anymore.

Agility just isn't fun anymore. I don't know if I've just lost the passion for it and just need a break or if I'm really done with agility. I just don't know. But I do know that life has happened. For those close to me, they know what that means. And life is pretty great right now.

2014 IN REVIEW

2014 has come and gone. It was a year filled with many ups and downs and many, many bumps in the road.

KK started out the year earning multiple agility titles and her first DAM Q. I gave her a break from USDAA agility in April due to some table problems. I continued to run her in AKC agility to give her time to mature. Just as we were coming together as a team, she got deathly ill and we didn't know at one point if she would make it back to agility. She ended up diagnosed with ehrlicia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and an adverse reaction to a steroid injection. She was out of commission for about 4 months. I entered her in a trial at the beginning of November and the old KK was back. Not her usual speed but her skills were back. We did a few more trials and she had some great successes. She ended her last day of her last trial for 2014 with her very first QQ.

Marley retired from agility in February due to worsening bilateral hip dysplasia. She had a right total hip replacement in October and has done great. She has just been the best patient ever. I thought she would give me fits being restricted so much, but she hasn't. She loves her crate and her evening X-pen. I have scheduled her left hip replacement for March 10. I'm hoping within a year, she can run pain free and maybe do some backyard agility.

Missy is 14 1/2 and is very healthy and active. She keeps the young dogs in check. Molly is slowing down at 13 1/2 and unfortunately has been attacked 3 times in her own yard by a neighbor's GSD that has required multiple stitches and drains. She hates being restricted to the house and backyard but until the GSD's owner does something with his vicious dog, I can't let her out in the front yard.

On a professional level, I quit the job I've had for almost 13 years and accepted an Assistant Professor position at UALR. It was the best career decision I've ever made. Only my real friends knew the real details on why I chose to leave. But I needed to go be happy and I am now. I was put in charge of the pediatric course after just 7 weeks of employment at UALR. I love the collegiate setting and the professionalism of it. I love that administration stands behind their employees and our work group is a tight knit group and has each other's backs.

Leaving my previous job caused me much pain. I was attacked and basically bullied via emails, texts, FB and even had a rumor started about me. I had to block 27 people from my FB just to get away from the drama. Keep in mind, these were grown women who were acting this way. Ridiculous!!

I struggled so much with my emotions and feelings this summer due to the work drama and the fact that KK got so deathly ill and Marley had major surgery. I had to dig deep and find internal strength to get through it all. Despite everything I endured, I found my strength and found someone who is my rock and holds me up when I need it.

 

I ended 2014 on a happy, positive note. I'm happy both personally and professionally. My girls are healthy and happy. I can't wait to see what 2015 holds!!