There comes a time when you have to take a look at your life and count your blessings and be thankful. When I was recently injured, it was incredibly difficult for me to see past the present, the near future and accept the end of my yearly agility goals. I didn't reach the 3 major goals... which still saddens me, but I learned from the failures, relished in the successes and enjoyed the time with my dogs and my friends. No... Piper still does not have his MACH. No... Seeker didn't get his MAD, ATCH or finish his MACH either. But Piper competed at the AKC Nationals and had 2 clean runs when we thought he would lose his vision from uveitis just days before the competition. He also completed his Master FAST title and earned his ASCA ATCH. Seeker completed his MX, MXJ and XF and his USDAA Master Jumper title along with getting his very first Super Q and a 2nd behind Mary Ellen Barry. Not too shabby...
I am thankful for many things in this life of mine. At times, we all get too busy and forget to be grateful. I am thankful that I have a husband that loves me and our dogs and "tolerates" my dog habit. I am thankful that we have a roof over our heads, food on the table and a warm place to sleep at night. I am thankful that we both have jobs in this relatively unstable economy. I am thankful for my small family... my Dad, sister, brother-in-law and my nephew... and of course my furry nephew as well, Golden Retriever Archer. I am thankful for my friends, both dog and non-dog who listen to me brag and complain about my Border Collie kids and their escapades.
I am thankful for Piper... the senior statesman of the house now... His joy and happiness never more apparent than when he is running agility. He's quirky, serious, goofy, focused, smart and at times independent, all rolled into one fabulous creature...I am blessed to be his partner and friend. I hope some day that he will stop growling at Gem and learn that he will never be an only child... <3 
I am thankful for Ceilidh... the wild child... Her joy lies in chasing tennis balls and sheep, but not necessarily in that order. She is sweet, silly, driven and a wonderful big sister to baby Gem. Her reactivity has made progress and she has become more focused on doing the right thing in the last several months. She is still and always will be reactive, but we have made progress with help from Patricia McConnell. <3
I am thankful for Seeker... He is a wonderfully complex individual that never ceases to amaze me. He's sweet, loving, intelligent, strong, driven, silly, clownish and the absolute Border Collie gentleman. He produced a beautiful litter of babies which are loved by their people. The next time, with the right girl of my choosing, a Seeker son will stay here.<3
I am thankful for little Gem... Gemstone, Gemmie, Gemmiedoodle, The
Gemster, The Sprite, The Elf... A little ball of energy, stubborness, focus, stamina and unending curiosity. Her life and training journeys have just begun. And I am in for a ride I am sure...<3
Where life's journey takes me next is happenstance. Is it planned, ordained or just plain luck... who knows? But I am just thankful to be taking this journey with people and animals that I love and love me right back.
Happy Thanksgiving to all... and don't forget to remember to be thankful for all of your blessings.
