The first day was AWFUL! It rained and was very muddy. I don't know about you, but I don't work in the rain--and I told her---by my behavior of course. I am a civilized Westie. I don't yell at my mother.
At one time my mom and I were running the course (well, actually I was walking) and I looked up and she is wearing pants, a jacket, a hat and hood! I am am out there running/walking al naturelle! Of course I am squinting up at her wondering why I am being tortured. Even though I did NOT like the rain and mud, I was still able to win her one of those darn ribbons and Q's that she is always talking about. I got 1st place ---not that you can eat 1st place or a ribbon(well, I have heard some dogs do--but I have a discerning palate).
At the trial I also met 3 Glen of Imal's like my cousin Winston. Here are couple pics of them.
On Wednesday, my FAST class challenge was going well. For those of you who don't know, there is the ritual the humans want us to perform where we work away from them---at least 15 feet. This time it was 3 jumps at wonky angles. I go the 1st one--and then I felt like I missed my mom and looked toward her. She then said "Barclay, OUT" and since that is clearly two messages in one...."Barclay"--which means "come to me" in human speak and "OUT" which means "work away from me" I chose the "come to me" one. That took a few seconds of time but I got the send---the buzzer went off so we didn't get points for it, but for a dog working with "operator trouble" I personally think I did well.
Later that day, I earned two of those coveted ribbons! At one point, my mom and I were called to the trial secretary's tent and was told I was in a tie for 2nd and 3rd and they wanted us to do a run off. My mom was smart enough to take the 3rd instead of making me run a course a 4th time in one day! We got a really pretty yellow ribbon for 3rd and a blue one for 1st in Standard class. That folks is what they call a Double Q and my mom was crazy happy about that one! That was our 7th Double Q--mom is keeping track of them for some silly award...it probably doesn't taste good either.
We saw a beautiful rainbow on this trip---it was very pretty and most interestingly enough we saw the end! The humans were very excited and upset there was no pot of gold...guess you can't eat that either!
I also met the cutest puppies at this trial....they were baby Bedlington's and they were so cute! I was amazed at how fluffy they were. I LOVE babies!
On Thursday, I was a tad slower--3 days at a trial are VERY taxing. You get up early and wait in your crate for most of the day. A dog's life is tough! However, I was able to make my human happy again with another Double Q. My friends Sassy and Parker brought home ribbons and Q's too! I also got some toys that you get when you Q.
On Friday I ran the back yard, chased squirrels and just hung out. Then that evening I noticed that mom was gathering up all of our agility stuff again. Sure enough, come Saturday morning we were off to another agility trial! I did ok--but really folks, 3 days is more than enough! I got a 3rd place ribbon and Q and did enjoy running with my friend Wendy in Jumpers on Sunday. I have been feeling really itchy today and I had to stop and scratch while I was in the weave poles....that took up some time...but Wendy waited for me. Later, I ran with my sister Sammi--that was really fun too. I listened to her and was generally happy.
I am really glad that there is no agility this week! I am on Doggie Vacay!
Keep the faith my doggie friends...and hope for me that I can catch a squirrel this week!
My best,
Barclay Quinn, reluctant agility dog
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