The Ups and Downs of Nationals

It's over. Whew. Another year of chaos by the wayside. Thank God it's over. There were some ups and downs as usual...

Downer #1:

A wonderful agility dog lost her life on the way to the Nationals. Local folks know her as Mesa, the little black dog that ran like the wind. She was loved and owned by Wishy and her family. She touched the lives of many of us here in Arizona and we will miss seeing her run with glee on each course she tackeled. It was a tough weekend for Wishy's family, but they still came and cried and laughed with so many. I don't think they knew how many lives were touched by their little "Spaz dog." We will miss her.

Downer #2 (sorta):

They did a balloon release in which anyone who's lost a dog to cancer could release a balloon in honor of their canine angels. I had 2 balloons to release...one for Fred who died of Osteosarcoma in May, 2003 and one for Chakotay who died of Myeloma in November, 2003. A poem was read and tears were shed. I miss my little Iggies. I hope they were looking down on me during the release cuz I was looking up at them.

OK...we need some uppers...

Upper #1:

Jam had an AWESOME Nationals!!! I am so PROUD of her!! She started with European Standard in which she ran clean. She didn't place, but she fared very well in the results.

Thursday she started with the Steeplechase Quarters. She ran fast and made the cut-off for the Semi's!!! I couldn't believe it! She just rocks!!

Then came Team Jumpers. Again, moderately fast and clean...no faults.

Then came Team Snooker. She ROCKED! She got 48 points...WooHoo! Again, no placement, but was within the top 15 dogs!

Friday we started with Steeplechase Semi's. She had to do the weaves twice so I didn't think she'd be fast enough for the Finals and sure enough, she wasn't. She ran it in 38 seconds though which is fabulous for us!

Then we did Team Standard. She ran that course beautifully!! No faults and a decent time. She was really doing well.

Then came the GP Quarterfinals. I really wanted to make it into the Semi's and we did!!! She ran so well and we ended up 11th...I am so freakin' PROUD!!!

Saturday was the GP Semi's and Team Gamblers. In the Semi's she had the fastest weave poles I've ever seen...they were awesome!! Then, she went into the tunnel...and popped right back out...a refusal. No Finals for us, though making it into the Finals was a longshot at best. I was insanely happy with her poles though, so no biggie.

Gamblers went very well. I think we got a bunch of points, but I never did check.

Regardless, our team ended up 67th out of 174 teams...not bad for all Tollers!!

Upper #2:

The volunteers. They were great!! They worked hard in the 90-degree heat and remained upbeat and happy. I couldn't have asked for a better crew. I don't think they know how much I appreciate them.

Upper #3:

I got to see and talk to so many people...I had a fabulous time chatting with friends that I get to see only a few times a year.

All in all, a good time. I'm glad it's over as I'm just spent, but I had a great time.