Happy Flag Day!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
Looking Back at Our Inaugural Trial and the Value of Bond
Now that 2 weeks have gone by I'm taking a few more minutes to post just a few thoughts of what was likely the most fun Agility Trial that I have ever been to. Not to offend anyone because I have been to many many really fun trials... and we probably all think ours are the most fun?
Our Inaugural Trial was the epitome of folks who love their dogs. A lady who trains with me came to our first trial... I believe this was only the second trial she and her husband had ever been to. A few days later she commented to me that she "really admired that our dogs looked happy"... she "liked how we interacted with ours". She added that "she had seen other dogs in other places where they were more like machines and while responsive... they did not look happy" ... and neither did some of the handlers. That clearly was not the case at our NADAC trial. Happy Dogs and Happy Handlers.
Most of the Run As One Trial teams were happy. Folks running with their partners... all levels.. all types of struggles and successes. Yet no matter what one element seemed common there... Both Dogs and Handlers were Happy. That Amazing Dog/Handler Bond was everywhere. They both appeared to appreciate each other... in spite of faults and late commands and off courses. I have said many times that some of our Best Runs were not our cleanest, but the ones where we were both trying, both giving 100% and both enjoying the ride with our partner.
People for the most part just did not complain. Volunteers... so many to name here... that just kept stepping in and stepping up. We could not have asked for a better group of folks to be there for our first Big Event. And to that... I am compelled to speak of one other bond... The Human One. I know some folks came just to be here out of Loyalty. My friend Sue who ran with Broken Bones in her feet, My friend Pat who worked her arse off for 2 straight days and did not even run a dog, My friends David and Joie who were relentless in continually jumping in where needed... even with Tunnel Bags ;). Friends like tireless Jenny & Tim whose contributions began months ago and right to parking the trailer back at our home... Courtney, Jeni... My friends Gwen, Randy and Desiree who showed up like Knights in Armor on Day One to 'Rescue Us' in setup while running behind... My friend Mary Jo the sole Okie Gal I will always remember you being here, Linda and Dianne and that Amazing Run As One Cake (if you haven't seen it go to the Events or Home page). Our first trial Junior Handler Danielle and her Dad Daniel performing as Roadie so she could debut Tejas, Our study friend Marcy who I know hates the heat but helped often each day, Tamara who without being asked jumped in to course build, Lauren and Graham volunteer partners, Kathryn gate. Renate leash runner, Karla, Pam, Sophia , Michele and William... loyal to a fault, Donna, Yani, Denise, Gretchen. Danielle and chauffeur Paul, a cast of new and beginner folks from Caroline, Aimee, Joy, Katrena, Micki, Tom, Donna, Ric, Jane, Elizabeth, Lauren, Gayle, Sarah, Tim and Carol... among others. Even if I did not name you here please know you are all appreciated.
Even with us in spirit in spite of not being able to be there each day Deb, Rena, Ragni and a cast of others all representing the Human Bond.
Thank You all and remember to always strive to Run As One!
Our Inaugural Trial was the epitome of folks who love their dogs. A lady who trains with me came to our first trial... I believe this was only the second trial she and her husband had ever been to. A few days later she commented to me that she "really admired that our dogs looked happy"... she "liked how we interacted with ours". She added that "she had seen other dogs in other places where they were more like machines and while responsive... they did not look happy" ... and neither did some of the handlers. That clearly was not the case at our NADAC trial. Happy Dogs and Happy Handlers.
Most of the Run As One Trial teams were happy. Folks running with their partners... all levels.. all types of struggles and successes. Yet no matter what one element seemed common there... Both Dogs and Handlers were Happy. That Amazing Dog/Handler Bond was everywhere. They both appeared to appreciate each other... in spite of faults and late commands and off courses. I have said many times that some of our Best Runs were not our cleanest, but the ones where we were both trying, both giving 100% and both enjoying the ride with our partner.
People for the most part just did not complain. Volunteers... so many to name here... that just kept stepping in and stepping up. We could not have asked for a better group of folks to be there for our first Big Event. And to that... I am compelled to speak of one other bond... The Human One. I know some folks came just to be here out of Loyalty. My friend Sue who ran with Broken Bones in her feet, My friend Pat who worked her arse off for 2 straight days and did not even run a dog, My friends David and Joie who were relentless in continually jumping in where needed... even with Tunnel Bags ;). Friends like tireless Jenny & Tim whose contributions began months ago and right to parking the trailer back at our home... Courtney, Jeni... My friends Gwen, Randy and Desiree who showed up like Knights in Armor on Day One to 'Rescue Us' in setup while running behind... My friend Mary Jo the sole Okie Gal I will always remember you being here, Linda and Dianne and that Amazing Run As One Cake (if you haven't seen it go to the Events or Home page). Our first trial Junior Handler Danielle and her Dad Daniel performing as Roadie so she could debut Tejas, Our study friend Marcy who I know hates the heat but helped often each day, Tamara who without being asked jumped in to course build, Lauren and Graham volunteer partners, Kathryn gate. Renate leash runner, Karla, Pam, Sophia , Michele and William... loyal to a fault, Donna, Yani, Denise, Gretchen. Danielle and chauffeur Paul, a cast of new and beginner folks from Caroline, Aimee, Joy, Katrena, Micki, Tom, Donna, Ric, Jane, Elizabeth, Lauren, Gayle, Sarah, Tim and Carol... among others. Even if I did not name you here please know you are all appreciated.
Even with us in spirit in spite of not being able to be there each day Deb, Rena, Ragni and a cast of others all representing the Human Bond.
Thank You all and remember to always strive to Run As One!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
April Almost Over Gunner is Still Here & Recalls
April went by really fast. Our foster dog Gunner is still here and here I go doing exactly what I wanted to avoid.... getting attached to the Big Dog. He is just so smart and sweet. While still having a lot of those puppy/ youngee qualities he is also learning so much. Still crate training he has earned more latitude around the house and has a good recall. He continues to learn from the other dogs. This morning he watched as I was giving the other dogs their breakfast and once he swa his dish... he headed straight to his crate, sat quite proper and waited for his dish to be "delivered". He just ran in to give me a quick face lick and tell anyone reading this "Hi". For more pictures just click on the Rescue Link at the bottom of our Home page.
Luke and Alex are over the bug they had last week so all is back to calm in our home. Thank you to those of you who asked.
I had a few private lessons this week and while I continually talk of fundamentals... including Gunner's ever improving recall... I reminded myself of a few things. Those of you with newly acquired dogs or dogs that you've had for a while and are still struggling with a recall please take note: Don't take you dog off leash too soon. They need to earn the privilege of being off leash. That privilege should be earned through you training recalls... and not just for agility. A good recall will keep them from chasing that rabbit, squirrel, bird or... and more importantly A good recall is one of the top most important ways to keep your dogs safe.
It is also one of the many ways in which you and your dog will grow together and get ever closer to be able to Run As One.
Luke and Alex are over the bug they had last week so all is back to calm in our home. Thank you to those of you who asked.
I had a few private lessons this week and while I continually talk of fundamentals... including Gunner's ever improving recall... I reminded myself of a few things. Those of you with newly acquired dogs or dogs that you've had for a while and are still struggling with a recall please take note: Don't take you dog off leash too soon. They need to earn the privilege of being off leash. That privilege should be earned through you training recalls... and not just for agility. A good recall will keep them from chasing that rabbit, squirrel, bird or... and more importantly A good recall is one of the top most important ways to keep your dogs safe.
It is also one of the many ways in which you and your dog will grow together and get ever closer to be able to Run As One.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
WAG Trial Weekend April 6- 8
What a great weekend outside Waco! WAG really puts on a nice trial. My friend Marj Vincent flew in to Judge from Oregon despite post DFW tornado damage delays. Thanks again to Rena, Marcie and the rest of the WAG folks.
We ran the whole crew. Rookie and Zack are fast finding their place on the list of crowd favorites. Rookie is now exclusively in Elite having earned his Open Weavers Title on Saturday. Wyatt nailed a beautiful 20 Point Regular Bonus line. He is just amazing. Tank earned Natch-7 and for WAG's cumulative 2 trial awards Cathy and Alex earned 2nd Place and Tank and I earned 1st Place HIGH IN TRIAL! Some weekend for our Herd to be sure. And even more Awesome was earning these under our returning good friend and judge Marj Vincent.
Alex & Cathy 2nd Place High In Trial, Judge Marj Vincent,
Tank & Me 1st Place High In Trial and Tank's Natch-7!!!!!!!
We confirmed some of our final Run As One Agility Inaugurate Members this weekend too. We are happy and honored to have some great folks becoming integral parts of Run As One Agility.
LASTLY, a fond WAG Trials Farewell to my close friends TIM & JENNY who are and will continue to be a big part of Run As One. I know the WAG folks should miss them and all their work over the years. While they are Officers in Run As One Cathy and I will miss watching Jenny, Cooper, Casey, Tim & Grizzly in McGregor. We are proud and privileged to have them as friends and look forward watching them at ALL OUR TRIALS as they too ... RUN AS ONE!
We ran the whole crew. Rookie and Zack are fast finding their place on the list of crowd favorites. Rookie is now exclusively in Elite having earned his Open Weavers Title on Saturday. Wyatt nailed a beautiful 20 Point Regular Bonus line. He is just amazing. Tank earned Natch-7 and for WAG's cumulative 2 trial awards Cathy and Alex earned 2nd Place and Tank and I earned 1st Place HIGH IN TRIAL! Some weekend for our Herd to be sure. And even more Awesome was earning these under our returning good friend and judge Marj Vincent.
Alex & Cathy 2nd Place High In Trial, Judge Marj Vincent,
Tank & Me 1st Place High In Trial and Tank's Natch-7!!!!!!!
We confirmed some of our final Run As One Agility Inaugurate Members this weekend too. We are happy and honored to have some great folks becoming integral parts of Run As One Agility.
LASTLY, a fond WAG Trials Farewell to my close friends TIM & JENNY who are and will continue to be a big part of Run As One. I know the WAG folks should miss them and all their work over the years. While they are Officers in Run As One Cathy and I will miss watching Jenny, Cooper, Casey, Tim & Grizzly in McGregor. We are proud and privileged to have them as friends and look forward watching them at ALL OUR TRIALS as they too ... RUN AS ONE!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
San Marcos Trial & Gunner The Foster
What a great weekend at the AK9X Trial in San Marcos, TX this past weekend. RV'ing on site just 30 feet from the crating area was sweet.
My friend Kim Galusha along with the club allowed us to take our temp. Foster.... yes I really mean foster this time, our Inn is full!!!..... Gunner. Gunner is a beautiful sweet and big Border Collie possibly a bit of other big dog mix. Many friends walked & helped care for him. Deb even taught him a few commands. He is very smart. He was also very sweet, excellent on-leash and had a lot of adoption 'interest'. He is still available as of today if you know anyone? He does have two people 'testing' him in their homes over the next few days. If interested in him please email me soon!
We had a blast running. Admittedly I was not myself on Sunday so Tank, Wyatt & Zack did not get their best handler moments. That said, thanks to Jumpers... God willing... Tank is now just 2 Jumpers away from his NATCH-7, Wyatt earned a 20 pt Jumpers Bonus and Zack 'the youngee' earned his first Elite title! Rookie earned his first Open Hoopers Q and Cathy & Alex won their second High In Trial for Veteran Dogs... their second HIT in 3 weeks! Awesome!
Chances one liner for this week to all reading.... Get Off That Line...... and Run As One!
My friend Kim Galusha along with the club allowed us to take our temp. Foster.... yes I really mean foster this time, our Inn is full!!!..... Gunner. Gunner is a beautiful sweet and big Border Collie possibly a bit of other big dog mix. Many friends walked & helped care for him. Deb even taught him a few commands. He is very smart. He was also very sweet, excellent on-leash and had a lot of adoption 'interest'. He is still available as of today if you know anyone? He does have two people 'testing' him in their homes over the next few days. If interested in him please email me soon!
We had a blast running. Admittedly I was not myself on Sunday so Tank, Wyatt & Zack did not get their best handler moments. That said, thanks to Jumpers... God willing... Tank is now just 2 Jumpers away from his NATCH-7, Wyatt earned a 20 pt Jumpers Bonus and Zack 'the youngee' earned his first Elite title! Rookie earned his first Open Hoopers Q and Cathy & Alex won their second High In Trial for Veteran Dogs... their second HIT in 3 weeks! Awesome!
Chances one liner for this week to all reading.... Get Off That Line...... and Run As One!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Website Goes Live
Well, here we are! Hope you enjoy! Please go back and start at the October 1 Post. It sort of sets the stage for where we are now and where we've come from since last year.
It's March now too so... in advance... Happy St. Patrick's Day!
and remember....Run As One!
It's March now too so... in advance... Happy St. Patrick's Day!
and remember....Run As One!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Farewell Calera
Bittersweet it is officially over in Calera. The last FundRaiser was this past weekend. I am mixed with emotions still. I am happy for the NADAC folks for having sold the property so they can make their final? move to California. I am sad for those of us who found a home away from home there. We have already missed Sharon & Chris and my buddy Marj who have been gone for a while now... but my friend Becky Woodruff who held that place together these past several months will be dearly missed most of all. The feral dogs, the rescues, the trials, the gathering of people, the kindness. the friendships... are all now soon to be wonderful memories.
Well, we went out with a bang. Two full days from dawn to dusk... trialing, eating. The food people brought was ridiculous. I wished all these year we had had the desserts and pastries table out near the lines like last weekend. Run a dog have pastry, run a dog eat a cream puff, run a dog munch a cookie.....burn those calories, put 'em back on. Whoever put that table out there.... Genius I tell you... Genius!!!
Our family alone ran so many runs up there, earned so many titles up there. Just recently Cathy and Alex hit 5000 Lifetime Points. Tank earned 4 or 5 of his Natchs on runs there. Wyatt and I really started pushing long distances and received much guidance there too. Rookie was one day from being put down before NADAC Rescue saved him and took him to Calera. My young Zack was even a brief Calera rescue.
Truly as much as few wanted to talk about the last runs, folks were laughing, smiling and taking in every moment. The atmosphere up there is so relaxed. I have learned so much about dog's and agility there. Hopefully now I can take more of that knowledge and teach it too. I hope Gunner finds a home or at least a good foster situation soon. He is a good dog that will be Great given some direction and a chance.
I will miss the best parts of many of my days... Waking Up there my 3 dogs by my side & feet, taking out all the dogs, getting breakfast and walking right over with friends dwindling in to all Run As One!
Well, we went out with a bang. Two full days from dawn to dusk... trialing, eating. The food people brought was ridiculous. I wished all these year we had had the desserts and pastries table out near the lines like last weekend. Run a dog have pastry, run a dog eat a cream puff, run a dog munch a cookie.....burn those calories, put 'em back on. Whoever put that table out there.... Genius I tell you... Genius!!!
Our family alone ran so many runs up there, earned so many titles up there. Just recently Cathy and Alex hit 5000 Lifetime Points. Tank earned 4 or 5 of his Natchs on runs there. Wyatt and I really started pushing long distances and received much guidance there too. Rookie was one day from being put down before NADAC Rescue saved him and took him to Calera. My young Zack was even a brief Calera rescue.
Truly as much as few wanted to talk about the last runs, folks were laughing, smiling and taking in every moment. The atmosphere up there is so relaxed. I have learned so much about dog's and agility there. Hopefully now I can take more of that knowledge and teach it too. I hope Gunner finds a home or at least a good foster situation soon. He is a good dog that will be Great given some direction and a chance.
I will miss the best parts of many of my days... Waking Up there my 3 dogs by my side & feet, taking out all the dogs, getting breakfast and walking right over with friends dwindling in to all Run As One!
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