2018 has been quite a year, both good and bad. In March I noticed a lump on my back. To make a long story short it was cancerous. 6 weeks of daily radiation was followed by surgery to remove the mass the end of July. On August 1st , while I was still in the hospital, Ziva received an invitation to the AKC national Tracking invitational held the first weekend in October. Only dogs that are Champion Trackers can compete in this event. She earned her qualifying Champion Tracker title in October.
After I got home from my surgery on August 3rd, I received another lovely surprise. Ziva qualified and was invited to compete in the Annual Top 20 Agility Preferred Invitational event at the German Shepherd Nationals . During my treatments, we were able to continue to compete until the end of May, when I just was not up to running her anymore, or doing much else for that matter. Considering we were only able to compete for 5 months out of the qualification period I must say this was totally unexpected.
It has been 3 weeks since my surgery. The biopsy and lung scan were both clean. Now it is rehab for me bigtime. Ziva and Libby were excellent and attentive nurses during my illness, but they are both happy to be getting some “normal” back in their lives. I have entered Ziva in the tracking invitational and am working hard on being ready if she is selected for the draw. Taking one day at a time, but planning for the future again 🙂
Wow!! what a huge accomplishment! You have done an incredible job with your girls. I am so happy to hear that you are recovering, you gave us quite a scare!