Agility folks and Nationals prep

I've been officially unemployed for a week. Can't say my mood has improved too much, but luckily I've been pretty busy with Nationals and my club's upcoming show. But, I have to admit that agility folks are pretty darned cool.

The day I got laid off, Jam and I had agility class. I walked out of agility class with a job! I am now teaching 2 classes for this group and that's great. I also came out of class after talking to two other folks who said they'd send my resume on to their HR folks at their companies. Cool!

Then, I had a show that weekend and was talking to the judge about my malady. He works for a company that has headquarters in the valley and he said he'd circulate my resume as well. Wonderful! Then, yet another agility buddy said she had lots of contacts and would pass my resume around. Fabulous! And THEN, one of my blog readers had me send my resume to her as well...it's a longshot, but heck...I'll take/do anything! Terrific!! I tell ya...agility folks are truly the best folks on Earth! I haven't received any word from anyone regarding a job offer, but getting my name out there is key. I thank all of them profusely as my mood gets lifted with each and every offer of support.

And then there's Nationals prep. Most of my efforts have been focused on volunteers. I am working feverishly on getting my schedule in order and being sure that I communicate adequately to everyone who is helping out. Not to mention that I have a dog to prep as well! I set up some back yard drills today. I have a friend (and Toller teammate) coming on Monday and we're going to head over to where I take classes and do some practice. I could also go to class Tuesday night, but I think I'll spend the time with my girls instead since I won't see them (except for Halloween night) for 5 nights. If Jam and I aren't ready now, we'll never be! :)

And then there's Quila. She and Jam are playing a LOT. I think they actually like each other!! She's still not 100% on potty training, but we're close. She is still nipping quite a bit, but it's getting better. She's definitely a cutie-patootie and somewhat of a troublemaker! :)

Can't finish without pictures...





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The Black Cloud

It's settled over our heads and seems to want to stay for a while. It is amazing how bad things happen in big, huge clumps. Amazing.

Started last week. Had a hefty vet bill and some more not-so-good news regarding Calvin. His protein levels seem to be down so there is a definite possiblity that either the Valley Fever has settled in his bones, or he has cancer. We opted out of the invasive tests (given his age) and instead have forged ahead with drug therapy.

That very same day, my back right tire on my SUV went flat. Really flat. While driving. With the girls. I was able to get my husband out to help me and another kind soul pulled over as well, but this all resulted in $400 for two new tires. Blah.

We had a wonderful hike in Sedona this past weekend (my birthday wish) but in the process we hurt Jeff's mom's feelings by not inviting her.

And then, the biggie...I lost my job on Tuesday. This job was a risk when I took it, in that it depended a lot on the economy. I just hoped for the best...and got the worst. So now, I am jobless...in what has to be the worst economy since the depression. To say I'm scared is an understatement. I have gone through all the emotions, but the one that stands out is an enormous feeling of terror.

Perhaps the only good thing that happened this past weeks is that I got to do a TV segment to promote the Cynosport games (dog sport) to be held at WestWorld here in Phoenix in less than 2 weeks. Jam and I taped it on Thursday and got to watch it this morning. (Of course, I had major issues with DirectTV and finally got it resolved within seconds of the start of my segment.)

I think I did a pretty good job...what do you think?

More puppy pictures!!

It's hard to get a bad picture of her! :) Day 3 and she's doing great! The potty training is progressing, though she's had a couple of oops's. She's also sleeping better and woke us up at 5:45...about 45 minutes later than yesterday. Slowly we'll work her to 6 - 6:30. She's also figured out the doggie doors...just gotta get her to use them to go outside on a regular basis!

She's also taken to the ball, though Jam is NOT impressed! Jam is still quite growly with her, but I have no doubt they'll be fast friends. She's such a cute fluffball!!







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Introducing Baby Quila!

Here she is...


And again...running in from the backyard...


And playing with the girls...


She traveled very well, never making a peep from her Sherpa bag. When I brought her home, Jam was a bit growly with her, but they are slowly warming up to each other. Quila loves her puppy toys and has chewed on every single one. She also likes to lie in wait while Jam runs out to retrieve a ball, and then pounce on her when she comes back to me! :)

She kept us up a bit of the night whining, but otherwise, she's acclimated very well. She doesn't seem to be fearful of much and is being a pretty good puppy so far!!

Kinda weird to have a "baby" in the house again!!