When the elevation makes me park the car on a rock...

Went to the sierras this last weekend for agility. Had a great time. After a long day of agility, then a hike at 8000 feet, came back down to 5000 feet for dinner. Parked the car, had a WONDERFUL meal and then came out to find this. Neither of us felt a thing when I parked the car! All we could do was laugh.
Although agility was amazing, we also had some great hikes. Fortunately I purchased an inexpensive digital to replace my broken one and the results were fabulous.

Just a little snow, here and there. But enough to make it extra fun.

We were throwing snow balls and letting the dogs run up and down the snow banks. Fin did not have as much fun, as she was attached to me the entire time.

Snow ball tossing fun. Until, Laura discovered the fresh bear tracks. Then Vici wanted to keep walking.

Fin, watching the fun.

Going up hill is easier with a little help from my friends.

You know it is summer when I start talking about my shearing techniques...

Tazzie's beauty is undeniable. He has one hecka good looks. However, he swims. Fabio hair doesn't much help a 21 pound sheltie when it starts to work against him in the pool. Also, no matter what anyone says about hair keeping him cooler as well as warmer, Tazzie is just happier during the summer with the buzz cut.

In the past, me cutting Tazzie has been somewhat of a joke amongst my friends. Ok, well maybe my "mad skills" haven't really been up to snuff. This year however, I think I'm getting somewhere.

Ok, well maybe I have a ways to go, but I will say, he is looking rather "cute" these days.

And what did my husband say upon seeing Tazzies buzz cut this year? "Well, I see that since I won't let you have a puppy, you are making one."

A big adventure that results in a happy ending and me sitting on the ground crying

I NEVER leave the dogs outside when I go places. I'm paranoid. I know. Friends make fun of me.

I have two layers of fence. One inner fence to keep the dogs out of the agility area and an outer fence made of redwood that is relatively new.

Most people leave their dogs out all the time.

Today I left for 2 hours. I took Fin. Rocky has been bothered by the hammering that is going on in my living room (Greg Leal installing wood floors). While the construction is going on, I work in my office with the door closed and Rocky has been very happy sitting outside my office on the deck.

I thought to myself. I'll leave my office door open. Rocks likes to sleep on the deck out there away from the banging. Nothing is going to happen, he is not going anywhere. Everyone had been exercised and I figured they'd sleep while I was gone.

I get home and Rocky is NO WHERE to be found. Tazzie is here. Maddie is here. Fin was with me, so no worries there. Where is Rocks?

I run out to the front asking Greg if he has seen Rocky. He (of course) is concerned and says he only had the gate open for a few minutes to toss trash in the back and never touched the inner fence. Somehow, Rocky found a way to get through the inner fence and took the opportunity while Greg was tossing trash to sneek out. No way did I ever think that any of the dogs would be out in the yard so I didn't even think to tell the guys to be careful with the gate.

I take off up the hill (our usual walk) and Greg jumps in his truck and takes off in the other direction.

The good news, Greg found him. He was behind a fence (someone must have found him and put him there). He must have been out a while as he was covered in fox tails.

Poor guy is exhausted. He was really stressed when Greg found him and did not want Greg picking him up, but Greg was NOT going to let Rocky walk home. Poor Greg has scratches all over his arms, but I know he is happy too. THANK YOU GREG!!!

After Rocky was safe home, I burst out crying....I guess the stress caught up with me.

I am so happy that everyone is safe. I will NEVER leave that back door open for them when I am not home AGAIN! Learned my lesson for sure.

Camera Broke

Very sad.

I wanted an ADCH but what I got was an OUCH

Logically I know that I can not plan out my agility future. For me agility is for the fun not the titles. Always has been.

But running Fin this past year has given me hope that we will be able to get titles that I once thought would be out of my grasp. I know I'll get those titles.

As she and I begin our getting back in shape for agility training:

• recalls (to side and to front)
• heeling
• fast walking circle work
• etc.

I think about how lucky I am. Fin is a one in a million and it is my job to take care of her.

Tazzie is also one in a million. He makes me laugh, makes me feel loved above all others, and is loyal to a fault. He might not be the fastest dog out there (ok, he probably more like one of the slowest) but he is all mine.

Maddie is the sweetest dog ever. As she moves to 11 years old, she is totally deaf. She lives in her own little world and lots of times doesn't seem aware of what's happening around her. Then there are moments during the day that she is there 100% and it is joyful.

Rocks is my loyal companion. My big guy who sticks with me no matter what. The joy radiates from him when I bring out the "orange" ball. It is contagious.

Yes, Fin is gonna turn 3 and I haven't gotten my ADCH yet. But I have so much more.

World Team Tryouts

World Team Tryouts!

Four weeks and counting or "can I run yet?"

Works been real busy. Big deadline looming. Work'n hard.

Visit with Dr. Sam's at 28 days. Very good news. Fin is progressing. She is not well yet. However, her soreness is significantly reduced and she is clear for some additional therapy. This week I get to slowly introduce boxes (she walks from one to the other). This will provide her with the opportunity to use her leg. Still no specific work on the leg, no running, no free play. Just her walks.

Next week we get to start trot work. In addition I need to start hiking up hills again. They want me to continue my 2 mile on the flat, but add hill work to the mix (maybe a mile to start). They suggested that she be on a flexi so she can walk back and forth on the hill and even trot a little. Laura has offered to jog with her (on the flat - no one is stepping up to volunteer running up hill yet!).

Still can't play with the other dogs. Too soon. Could re injure herself.

I'm very optimistic. Things are looking good.

Next check in five weeks. June 10. If all goes well, she'll be able to be re-introduced to agility equipment then.