Reflections 2011...

As we near the end of 2011, it is time for my yearly accounting of just how this year played out. We definitely had our ups and downs. For me and Piper, there were successes and failures which were all learning experiences. I am disappointed in myself for not obtaining his elusive MACH title and only getting 3 QQs the entire trial season. But I am infinitely proud of him and his accomplishments, especially at the AKC Nationals where he had 2 clean runs and 1 run with 5 faults when we miscommunicated. What is more amazing is that only days before leaving for the National, he was diagnosed with uveitis in both eyes and could have lost his vision. Running at the National was a gift. One that I am thankful for... He spent most of the trial season not feeling well with various, but persistent ailments, but never once did he quit on me. He is my inspiration and I love him so much for showing me ( a dyed-in-the-wool obedience person) just how fun agility can be.

On the bright side, we finished his ASCA ATCH as well as his AKC Master Excellent FAST title. He is my Gamble dog! He absolutely loves that distance work and yelling at me when I am incorrect. He is an absolute joy to run and partner with, and I am truly blessed that he puts up with me. At times, I feel that I am failing him when I flounder as a handler, but he honestly doesn't care. It is all about stepping to the line and having a great time!

Seeker came into his own this year. He had a very good year which began with siring his first litter of puppies with Pip... 7 beautiful babies, 4 of which I keep close tabs on and love hearing about their escapades. Loki, Brenna, Inga and Karma are such joys and I am a proud grandma!

In agility, he did quite well earning 8 QQs this year and qualifying for the 2012 AKC Nationals, which unfortunately, we won't be able to attend because of the distance. He now has all of his points for his MACH and he too, needs those pesky QQS. He also earned his very first USDAA Super Q with a 2nd place and is close to qualifying for USDAA Nationals, but alas, we won't be going there either as they are also out West... We still need 3 Standard legs and a Pairs leg for his MAD in USDAA and he needs 30 Elite Gamble points for his ASCA ATCH. We need to work on distance work as he is not as comfortable as Piper is away from me. But he did complete his AKC Excellent FAST title, which proves he CAN do distance work. He is getting faster and more confident in agility and is so much fun to run!

His herding training is back in gear and I hope to have him ready to trial next summer. I also want to get his obedience and rally training back in line too. For sure, I want to trial him at the Border Collie Nationals next October. Goals are good... 

I have had my ups and downs as an agility trainer and handler this year. But I have made great strides from what a foul-up I once was as a handler. I still make mistakes and I will always be a work in progress, but I know that I CAN do this. When I first started training Piper I never thought I would get to the levels we have obtained. But we have done well and I am still evolving in my quest to be a better handler, but aren't we all? I will always remember watching Linda Mecklenberg run Steeplechase semis at the USDAA Nationals in 2010 with one of her young dogs... I think it was Wonder. As I sat in the stands, Linda did an absolutely human error as she front crossed herself into the jump upright, knocking the whole jump down. Hence the realization that even Linda makes mistakes! We all do and it is how we handle them that determines our future successes. At times, this lesson is difficult for me to learn as my friends are earning their MACHs and more MACHs. At some point, it became about the Q and not about the fun which made it NOT fun any longer. Point taken... It has to be about the FUN! Ego aside Jan...

Although it may not have been the year I envisioned when I made my list for 2011. Something that Donna Rohaus suggested I do so I have something tangible in front of me. Thank you for that Donna. As I cross achievements off the list, it gives me a huge sense of pride and accomplishment. It doesn't matter if I achieve the whole list or only one thing on the list. As they say, it is about the journey, not the destination. At times, it is easy to forget that. But only one thing really matters... stepping to that line with that dog and watching their sheer joy when they run.

So, it is once again time for me to make the list for next year... I will once again write down my goals for 2012. Whether I achieve all of them or not, remains to be seen. If nothing else, it will be FUN! Stay tuned!