Some upbeatness

We had a show this weekend. It was my club's show for which I am the secretary. This is typically our small show...we usually get about 145 entries. Well, we had 193...YIKES! We offered Team/PVP, but that wasn't the draw as we had only 9 Teams and 9 PVP's.

I wasn't going to be on a Team because A. I don't need it and B. I couldn't afford it. But, I was approached by a couple people, one of which needed the Team Q, to be on their Team to help her qualify. I said Yes, but only if they pay my entry. They agreed, so Jam and I ran Team. I then entered her in just the other classes we need for our ADCH...Jumpers, Gamblers and Pairs.

Well, Jam did GREAT! We didn't get a gamble, but came mighty close. She ran very well regardless. She did get a Jumpers leg, which gave us our Jumpers Master...WOOHOO!!! In Pairs, my partner did great, I was an idiot. I ended up handling Jam on the wrong side and she took an off course. Oh well.

As for Team, Jam turned out to be the anchor! She got lots of gamble points (didn't get the gamble though), got the most Snooker points of ALL the dogs entered in Team :), won Jumpers and Standard and stayed clean in Relay! We ended up 3rd and Q'd so we helped the one member of our team who hadn't...I'm so happy for her!!

Quila is finally getting to be "of age" to come with me to shows. She gets her last set of shots on Wednesday, and then she'll be "free." She is SO CUTE!




And here's one of Jam doing what she does best...bark for the ball!



:-)

Can't cut a break

I'd like to write more upbeat posts...but I can't.

My husband was laid off from his job last Thursday. He received a generous severance package, which is good, but is now looking for a job in this crappy market...which is bad. Same place I am. No jobs.

The same day he got laid off, I ended up bending the door on my SUV (long story) so it's now in the shop. Been there a while. Not sure when I'll get it back.

I had an interview that I thought was a good one, but it turns out I'm over-qualified. Story of my life right now. I was also submitted via a headhunter for another job, but they haven't called for an interview.

Erin is now out of daycare. And I suck as a stay-at-home-mom. Especially since I just want to keep looking for a job...ANY job.

It can't get any worse, can it?

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.

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...





:-)

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!!







:-)

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!!