GRRR....TUFF ENUFF TO RUN FOR THE CURE"

I am very forunate that for the last 5 winters to be able to rent the arena in town from the Ag Society. Heated and washrooms.
This is our last week at the arena until next Oct. My clients and myself are praying for an early spring. A few years ago we were able to start classes the middle of April.( we can only hope)

I have such a great group of girls and 1 guy ( he really loves it, and he gets to visit with the other husbands that come out to watch and support their wives ).

They are devoted to the sport and love to learn their handling. They never complain about helping set up or take down equipment. They arrive on time and stay late to help. They support and encourage each other.
Gals,all of you did so well in class last night and this morning. Thank-you for allowing me to be a part of your life. It is so wonderful to watch you run with your dogs and to see the team that is developing.

This year, in Olds, April 4th, we are having our 2nd annual AAC Sanctioned Agility Trial.
It is called "Grrr...Tuff Enuff To Run For The Cure". After expenses, all profit is donated to the Tom Baker Cancer Center for research to find the cure for breast and prostrate cancer.
I decided to organize this as a dear client was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2007. My dad had died from prostrate cancer in 2006 and my brother-in-law was diagnosed a year ago. A dear friend/client 's best friend just died and had been dealing with breast cancer and now this friend is going through tests also. The more I listened to people the more I realized how many people were dealing with this disease themselves or family members.
So the idea came to life.

Our dogs are our greatest comfort and support. They listen, they let us cry without interruption, kiss us better and keep us company at all hours. They are truly remarkable animals to give so much.
What better way then to have our 4 legged friends help us to help their families have hope for a cure.
Hug your dogs tonight and be grateful that we have had the opportunity to share their lives.
Take care

Cavall, Coolhand Luc & stuff

I have been busy teaching and training. Gotta say I have a great bunch of gals (and one guy) that are very devoted to the game. We had a wonderful class last night. We set up an advance level standard course. Boy did it have some challenging handling opportunities in it. I have to remind my clients to not just do things they know because then they are just practicing, but to train so you and your dog can learn and progress. the best is when they are successful at a new skill and walk away feeling good about what they just did with their dog.

Now for my own dogs, Cavall and I, as most of you know have a "little" start line issue. I know that to get him more comfortable at the start line his emotional state has to change. We have been training lots with that. I know with him turning 6 yrs old next month that this will be a "management" behavior for the rest of his agility career. I just want to help him out as much as I can, because damn when the dog and I are on , well...... he smokes!

Coolhand Luc is growing into the "man". He is 10 months old on the 6th of this month.
We have just started weave pole training, been doing lots of jump foundation training :jump chute, bended grids, set point. also front cross, rear cross and serpentine cues. and start line work!!!!
We have just raised the jumps to 12 inches.
Luc is now starting to show some adolescent behavior,

"oh did you call?"
Oh yes I did!
"oops I am so sorry.. I am coming now"
Right choice little guy!

The other morning I was walking in our field with Cavall, Reba and Luc.
Francis ( hubby ) comes around the far corner out of the tree line and Luc figures "hey who are you?" barking and hackles up and running towards Francis. We got that under control quickly. Luc was very apologetic when he realized the err of his ways.
guess he is trying to find himself, hopefully he will not go overseas to Singapore, Bali etc like our 3rd oldest son who I miss dearly.