Who Do You Blame?

We seem to be a society in which nothing is our fault.  For whatever reason, we can't seem to take accountability. or responsibility for our own actions.  Today, I'm going to jump on that "It's NOT my FAULT" band wagon and start pointing fingers!  It might be good for YOU to do this as well!!

So, who are we 'blaming'?  That person that got you involved in 'Dog Sports' of course!  You know, the one that said, "You might like this."  Next thing you know, you're gone every weekend, have put more miles on your vehicle in 5 years, then you have in previous 15 years!  Missing family functions, to the point where they no longer expect you to be there! Knowing exactly which event you'll be attending 'years' in advance.  Picking up a new date planner every November, so you can write down your Dog Sports weekends You don't miss them!  There's just GOT to be someone to blame!

For me, it was Amy Steinbeck.  I had started a new job, and Amy started there 3 months later, she was showing in Dog Obedience.  At the time, we had two older lab mixes, and I wanted a little dog.  Bill wasn't all that keen on it, but I kept pushing.  Amy tried to get me interested in Min Pins, but I ended up with a little Bichon, Molly.  That was in December of 1991. 

Amy suggested I get into a class with Melinda Wichmann, this resulted in taking additional obedience classes at Kirkwood Community College.  There I met Linda and Judy and started Flyball.  Between Flyball practice and Obedience training, we stayed pretty busy, but what's just one more event?  Agility entered the picture. 

I was skeptical at first, would this really be all that much fun?   The local club offered NCDA back then, which would become UKC several years later.  Involved were Michele, Beth, Kay, Amy, Sheryl, Sue, Mary, and Patty. 

I was looking for a larger dog to run in agility, something that didn't shed!  With two older labs in the house, the last thing I wanted was more dog hair!  Watching Westminster in 1993, the Portuguese Water Dog caught my attention.  Several letters and phone calls later, in 1994, Rocky entered our lives.  I think I'll have to blame him on "Animal Planet"? 

This lead to participating in Portuguese Water Dog Water Trials.  Since we're in the Midwest, trialing is pretty limited, but you do need to condition them to swimming.  It's also helpful if you train!   

In 1996, AKC decided that agility was no longer a FAD, and jumped in with all four paws!  Great, now yet another venue.  My weekends were filling up like crazy!

A couple years later, Dena Brown, said, "If you're going to do agility and flyball, you should probably look at getting a Border Collie.  I know just the litter!  There are 3 boys to pick from."  Thus, Kruz came home with us in 1998.   Dena had another great idea, "Why don't you try some NADAC agility too!"  So, that was Dena and Sandy's fault. 

By 1999, something had to give.  We were just too busy.  So, we all but stopped flyball and focused more on Agility.  Sadly, Rocky passed away that year, he'd had various health conditions throughout his short life.  Luckily Linda and Krista Hunt from St. Paul MN that had a litter of PWD puppies that spring.  Yep, it's there fault that I brought home my Nina.  I'm sure by now you're thinking, "You had a choice in this."  I swear I did not!  They all made me do it!! 

We moved out to an acreage in the Fall of '99, somewhere we could set up some agility classes.  This 'might' have been my fault, but I can't remember. I think the dogs made me do it!

Mary Lowder had always enjoyed tracking, and I will admit being intrigued.  So, with her help, and that of Jerry Lewis, In the spring of 2001, Nina became my one, and only, (to date), TD.  Thanks guys, I'll be sending you a bill! 

Mad Dog came to 'visit' for some water training in 2002, to never return home.  Bill is pretty sure Linda and Krista PLANNED it this way.  We've learned we are NOT good 'foster/socializing' people.  We get too attached. 

Dena called on May 31, 2007 to tell us our new Border Collie puppy was just born.  Seeker is Kruz's nephew.  In July, we brought home, the newest addition to our dog family.  DENA'S FAULT!

I'm wondering if I took the all to court, if I'd have a case.  I suppose they might think I had a choice in this?  I honestly did not.  It's some kink of addiction that takes over your life.  There are times I sit back and wonder what I did with all that time!  With my life "BD". Before Dogs!

My dog friends are truly family.  We love to be together, we laugh, cheer, groan, and cry together.  As Don Smith said, "These dogs have brought me more wealth than anything else in my life.  I am healthier than I've ever been. I've seen more of the country.  I've met more people, than I ever would have without them."

Dogs are truly amazing animals, and Dog People are the absolute BEST! I love you guys!

Here's wishing you all a Wonderful Holiday Season!

My Attorney will be in touch.........