Not a good day for us in the Rally ring. Although we have practiced, we have never trialed in an outdoor ring before. Both dogs were completely distracted. All they wanted to do was sniff and explore. A very embarrassing and humbling experience. Between the morning and afternoon trial I spent some time walking each of them around and letting them sniff everything and meet people. They were a little more focused in the afternoon but still quite distracted. Spirit managed to squeak by with a 72 (a very generous judge) and get her first Q in advanced rally. I know that I have a lot of work to do so that both dogs find being with me more rewarding than all the distractions in a trial environment. I learned a big and very valuable lesson.
Advertisements
We’ve had Wally’s ashes for almost a month but I have not been able to force myself to spread them somewhere. I woke up this morning and knew today was the day. What better day than Father’s Day to celebrate my Golden boy’s 17 beautiful years of life. He sired 7 litters of guide and service dog puppies (over 50 puppies). Although he has outlived many of them, there are still numerous Wally babies working with their partners to make their lives better. His ashes joined our beloved Tango’s ashes in a beautiful wildlife park. They are back together again. I know they are both waiting faithfully for me to join them.
