This is the time of the MOC agility trial.  It’s a 4-day event, starting today, but I entered my two girls on Friday and Saturday only.  I need a day for chores and rest and I’m also taking vacation days, so pretty much have most of mine planned for the rest of the year.  ‘Cept for one that I haven’t decided what to do with yet.

Raven, my dear Raven.  PLEASE work with me and let’s get your 3rd leg on that Standard Preferred Novice title this weekend.  I know.  I haven’t been taking you out to practices for months, and we only get to play in the backyard, so it’s not really fair of me to expect this of you; yet, I do.  We’ve been doing these trials for 2 years now, and I think you get the general idea.  You rock, girl, and I know if I can get my steering system and verbals out, you can do it IF you want to.  But please, if I have you lined up at the start line sitting in front of a jump, and I’m standing out there, in front of you, waiting at the next obstacle, don’t veer off to the side to go look at the table when I say OK.  You hate the table.  I know that.  So that’s just rude.   And if we’re coming off the dog walk and I’m running with you right towards the tunnel, pointing at the entrance and yelling TUNNEL!  TUNNEL!, please go through it and not around it.  K?  And one last request.  Don’t run out of the ring after we’re done.   Wait for me and we’ll go back to your ex-pen for treats while I catch my breath.  Let’s work together.  Let’s do it!

Leissl, my 9-year-old love bunny.  You rock as much if not more than your younger sister.   Thank you for jumping regular height so willingly, and trying so hard even when it is past your bed time.  Thank you for never running out of the ring like you know who.   So sometimes you stress out and stop to sniff the ground.  OK.  I understand.  Perhaps you can wait till the run is over this weekend, and sniff after we leave the ring?  I’ll give you extra cookies if you do.   Really, you are a very special girl, and if only I’d started this sport when you were a youngster, you’d have gone as far as my inadequate handling could take you.  Maybe farther.  You need two legs for both Novice Standard and JWW this weekend.  Let’s do it!

I will get there early tomorrow and steward the FAST classes.  Then dedicate my time to recording other runs, studying and walking the courses, and warming you both up.  I will do my best not to lead either of you off course and will try to stay out of your way.  Let’s do it!

And Dudley, you don’t get to go.  So please don’t throw a temper tantrum in your crate as I’m getting the girls ready, or you might make me feel bad enough to shove you in the truck and take you with me.  That wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the family, now would it?  😉