To say that this year has been challenging, would be the understatement of the century. To say that it was all bad, would be untrue. Despite the really bad things that happened, the dogs were stellar, completing goals that I set for us. The dogs are always amazing and competing with them is an honor and a privilege.
The year began with polar vortexes, snow, cold, a case of frost nipped fingertips for me and a flood which resulted in Bob's first of 3 hospitalizations this year. We also suffered through a wrecking crew of waterproofers which just did about as much damage as the flood did. However, we survived and with the help of my brother-in-law Joe, got things set to rights.
February brought a bright spot with Piper completing his CPE C-ATCH with the last 2 Colors Qs he needed. This was his 5th agility championship and he completed it on my nephew Jason's birthday. I'm sure we had a few angels guiding us that day.
In April, Ceilidh got her first taste of Barn Hunt and loved it! Not a surprise really.
Also in April, Piper did a very special therapy dog visit right after his 11th birthday. We were part of the teams that went to Franklin Regional High School after the stabbings. He was amazing as always and I was SO proud of him.
In May, Seeker gave me a Mother's Day present by finishing his USDAA Bronze ADCH. He also completed his Jumpers Silver and Bronze Relay titles that weekend too. Gem got to run in her first Coursing Ability Tests and came away with 2 Qs towards her first level title.
June came with Piper having nasal discharge and sneezing, but he was otherwise feeling great as he ran in a CPE trial. It was to be his last trial weekend ever. Seeker continued to garner Qs for his CPE C-ATCH and work on his USDAA LAA Bronze.
July was the worst... Piper suffered a severe bout of pancreatitis and had to be taken to the emergency vet on July 4th. On July 10th, my awesome brother-in-law Joe, was killed in a motorcycle accident when someone in an SUV pulled out in front of him from a side road. He never had a chance. He was doing everything right, helmet, headlight, within the speed limit, but the driver's moment of stupidity, inattentiveness, or whatever, cost Joe his life. Ours will never be the same. My sister dealt with her wedding anniversary the day after we buried Joe. A week after that, she had to cope with the 4 year anniversary of the loss of her son and my oldest nephew Jason. My sister is the strongest person I know.
Fifteen days later, on July 25th... Piper was diagnosed with an aggressive nasal tumor. I hoped for months, but it was not to be. We lost him 2 days later on July 27th. The cancer had advanced quickly and has destroyed the crib form plate and part of his right eye socket. His pain was probably off the charts, but he gave me the gift of one more day which was filled with frozen yogurt with whipped cream and sprinkles, a trip to see Daddy at work, ball playing and snuggles. He died in my arms the next day with the help of our wonderful vet. My heart is still in pieces...
In August, Seeker finished his CPE C-ATCH with the last 2 Standard Qs we needed. I was so emotional and was barely able to complete his runs. This was Seeker's 5th agility title also. We also did some USDAA, still working on his LAA Bronze. My awesome friends pulled together and helped me raise enough money to pay off Piper's medical bills and make a donation to a BC rescue. I can never thank them enough.
September came with the Highland Games. This was the first year I had gone alone with the dogs and it was difficult. I retired Piper there in 2013 from his freestyle demos, but I had to carry on. Seeker stunned me with 2 very nice routines off the cuff and Gem held it together to show off some of her skills as well. Seeker was back in the agility ring at the end of the month earning some of his Qs towards his qualification for Cynosport 2015. Ceilidh earned her RATI and one leg towards her RATN with a 2nd place in Barn Hunt too.
Gem finished her CA and earned a leg towards her next level in November. She really loves this game! Chasing the bunny is her thing for sure. She continues to train in agility with no real aspirations for competition. I'm glad she enjoys the training and maybe some day, she'll decide that the ring isn't a scary place any longer. Seeker qualified for Cynosport 2015 in Performance and earned his P3 Jumpers title.
December was Ceilidh's turn again with Barn Hunt. We had hoped to go in November, but her lameness kept us from making a trip to the competition. With some acupuncture on board and a change in herbs, she made it through this weekend and earned her RATN (novice) title with 2 first place ribbons. I moved her up to Open, but she wasn't quite ready for the challenges the extra tubes and rats presented.
This year has been one of if it didn't kill me, it made me stronger. After this year, I know who my friends are and who were just pretending. I know that time lost is gone forever. I know that I will tell those that I love that I love them every day because life can change in an instant. Onward to 2015...
