Putting it all into Perspective!

We were in Lake St. Louis, MO over the weekend for 

the annual 3 day AKC Agility Trial.  

There were 2 great judges, 6 fantastic courses, 

and lots of agility friends, both human and canine. 

Dog people are 'funny'.  If you've ever watched 

the movie, "Best In Show", you get the general idea. 

Although that movie might be a bit extreme, 

it's not all  that far off either. 

We spend more time with our dogs, 

than most people do with their children.

We adore our dogs. 

When one of our dog friends pass away, 

we all mourn them.  

Our dogs in a sense, belong to everyone. 

We might have come up through the classes together, 

stood in line together, or

participated in National Events together. 

 

Handlers have walked courses together, 

provided strategy ideas, both good and bad.

We have watched each other run, numerous times.

Congratulated, consoled, eaten cake, and signed 'bars'. 

So, when one of our 'kids' are lost suddenly, 

it's both shocking and sad. 

It brings us together too. 

On Saturday, 11/27/10, Craig Josling lost

his 9 year old Keeshond, MACH4 Ben XF suddenly.  

Our hearts go out to him.  What a terrible loss. 

I've heard that Hemangiosarcoma is suspected. 

If you don't know much about Hemangio, 

I would suggest you do some research. 

This silent killer has struck many of our dogs, 

many, like Ben, were competing at agility trials. 

If you're looking to make some donations 

this year, might I suggest some canine health organizations.

This one happens to be my choice, 

but there are others.

http://www.modianolab.org/cancer/cancer_hemangiosarcoma.shtml

I know it's been said, many times.

We pay the entry fees, drive the hundreds of miles, 

use our vacation time, stay at hotels, 

or sleep in our vans to attend trials.

Our dogs go, because we take them. 

They would be just as happy to stay home, go for a walk, 

play with a ball, or chase a jet stream of water from the hose. 

There are going to be times when your

agility runs don't go according to plan. 

There are going to be times when you aren't

sure you're 'team' is running the same course, 

are in the same ring, or even on the same Planet!

Regardless, if you get to take your partner home, 

healthy and happy, that's all that really matters.

There are many of us that have not been that lucky.

Hug your dogs, and go get them a cookie....

Just because you can!!