It’s a Hard Life
We had an AHBA (American Herding Breed Ass.) trial yesterday. We had two different judges and two different types of courses to run. This allowed us to enter both types of courses under each judge and if you get a qualifying score under each you could earn a title.
Singer went in for his first HRD-IIs (Herding Ranch Dog level II with sheep). Out of a score of 90 he got 84.5. Beat by two border collies with scores of 87 and a Terv with an 87.5 but still qualifying. Judges comment was “Great job. Some really nice work”. On his second HRD-IIs run I made a costly error and forgot to let some sheep out into an arena after splitting them up as part of the course. Even with this handler error which was a major deduction Singer finished with a score of 80 out of 90 and first place and qualifying. Judges comment “Nice run- Remember to bring second set back out”. On our first run for HTD-Is (Herding Trial Dog level I on sheep). This is held in an open field not an arena. Out of 90 Singer got an 88, first place and qualifying. Judges comment “Pretty run – looks like a walk in the park”. Singer’s second HTD-Is run he scored an 85.5 getting second place behind a beautiful run by one of our students with a GSD. Judges comment “Nice job, good handling”. All in all a great day for us. Two first a second and four qualifying runs. Singer earned two new titles. HRD-IIs and HTD-Is.
Sade update
Time is flying and I seem never to have the time to sit down and update everyone on Sade. Not sure when and how but she has become a lover and cuddler. She just can’t get enough cuddling and ear scrinches. Thinks she is a lap dog and uses very creative ways to get in your lap. Forever the athlete and show off. Obstacles are to go over, not around. I see her mind working. “Empty space next to mom on the far side of couch,…could walk around and jump up next to her. Boring…Let’s go flying over the ottoman, table and mom and land right next to her and give her a big, huge kiss. That’s a more memorable entrance.” And then today…”Hey, I think dad is going to sit next to mom but he’s taking the long way around, I can beat him to it. Hah, got here first!” You get the idea. No matter how I try, it is hard to keep all four of her feet on the ground.
For those of you just starting out with your A-T pups, enjoy every minute. An A-T pup is not for the faint of heart but I assure you that once in your home and heart, you cannot remember how you managed to enjoy a day without them.
At 13 months, my girl has grown and matured and I know our adventure is still just beginning.
One truth Julie should add to her guarantee: “An A-T dog is guaranteed to make every minute of every day special and to surprise and entertain when you least expect it.”