On the road again...

We are off to the AKC National Agility Championships! I am so proud of Piper who will turn 8 next week. He's the first dog that I have trained to this level and I couldn't have asked for a more forgiving partner. I am still a work in progress as a handler and probably always will be. I've made plenty of mistakes along the way, but he forgives every last one. My training of him had a hit or miss beginning, but now, having Donna Rohaus as an instructor, has given me a system and direction. Thank you Donna.

I never thought I'd enjoy agility this much or compete at this level. I have Shane McConnell to thank for introducing me to agility. While my early dogs didn't really earn advanced titles, I learned to love the sport. Many thought i would never stick with it, but I proved them wrong because here we are on the way to VA and the AKC Nationals!

Seeker is a dad!!!

I got the notification this morning that Seeker and Pip produced 7 lovely puppies... 4 girls and 3 boys. Originally, Jack had emailed me with the number 6. Then only a short while ago, when he went down to check on them, number 7 had arrived. He thinks she's done... :-) Only time will tell. The pups are robust and healthy. If you are interested, or know someone who would like a nice working/performance prospect contact me. Jack is giving priority to my puppy people for placement. Pip is a black & white smooth coat sweetheart. She has a super temperament and working ability.

I honestly can't wait to see them! I hope we can stop on our way home from the Nationals. If not, I won't get the opportunity until the weekend before Easter! I can't wait that long!!!! Really, I can't. With luck, we'll be able to stop and get some quick pics of the little Guinea Pigs to post. I wonder if any of them are marked like their dad?...the Holstein boy as a baby. Now he's just handsome. ;-)

The PipSeeks are coming!!!!

Seeker became a stud dog back in January. Good grief... So, I just got word that Pip has gone into labor. We dubbed them PipSeeks for the two parents. Silly, I know, but whatcha gonna do? LOL! Pip is owned by Jack Monsour of Bedford, PA, our herding instructor. I can't wait to meet my grandpuppies!  More when they come.....

Nationals Bound!

Piper received a clean bill of health after his serious bout with uveitis in both eyes! We are unbelievably relieved at this news. He is such a sweet, loving, dedicated, focused boy. It is truly a joy to be his partner in everything we do. I am so blessed.

So it's time to stop procrastinating and to start getting things ready for the trip. My least favorite part of a trip actually. I'll try my hand at blogging from the Nationals about our adventure. I can't wait to run agility with Pi again!

Piper's eyes

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. That couldn't be more true in Piper's case. After a serious bout with uveitis, we are waiting to see if we will be able to go to the AKC National Agility Championships. It will be up to his vet in the morning. Fingers and paws still crossed...

Countdown to the AKC Nationals!

Piper qualified for the 2011 Agility Nationals which take place in Lexington, VA on April 1-3! We are hoping that a medical setback won't cancel our trip. We have worked so hard to get to this level. Only time and the vet will tell. Fingers and paws crossed!

Welcome!

I figured it was about time that I jumped into the twenty first century and started a blog for my wonderful Border Collies and their adventures. I have had this wonderful breed for twenty three years now and would have no other. Currently, we have three BCs at Applegarth. Eight year old Piper, six year old Ceilidh and four year old Seeker. In a few weeks, baby Gem will be joining us. More on that later. We compete in multiple venues including agility, herding, obedience, freestyle, rally and soon, tracking. Piper and Seeker are both therapy dogs as well doing visits at schools, hospitals and nursing homes. They fill the pawprints of past Applegarth therapy dogs, Kastle and Gage. I hope you enjoy reading and following their escapades!