This was a decidedly dog-centric weekend, and it was a good one at that.
A couple of years ago I started Gracie in agility. She excelled at it and it was good for her because she’s a smart dog that needs to be given tasks that challenge her. We did it for a couple of months with the goal of eventually competing, but my work got in the way. The class was about 20 miles from my office—and nearly 50 miles from my house—so I’d bring her to my office and we’d drive out there after work. The arrangement worked out well until I started working late and missed too many classes. We had to stop because I just couldn’t get there.
Fast-forward to a month ago. I saw in our local events calendar that an agility class was starting up every Saturday morning at a local park and I promptly signed us up.
Saturday was the first class and I was looking forward to it, but when I showed up there were about 20 dogs and 2–3 people with every dog. I was mildly concerned how that many dogs would get enough attention in an hour, but it rapidly became clear that my bigger concern should be the fact that half of the people there had zero control over their dogs. One woman had a Labradoodle named Annie that almost outweighed her and Annie kept taking off, dragging her owner through the park. At one point, another woman had to help restrain the exuberant Annie (who was supposedly a therapy dog). The woman was worse. She was a know-it-all who dominated the class—a class she’s already taken three times. I was so annoyed with the woman that I almost hoped Annie would chase a squirrel and drag her owner down the block.
Another woman had a beautiful Aussie, but he kept getting in Gracie’s face and up her butt. I realize that’s how dogs get to know each other but Gracie made it clear she wasn’t a fan and didn’t want him in her business so I politely asked the woman to give Gracie her space and I moved away. I wasn’t looking forward to breaking up a dog fight so I didn’t think I was being unreasonable, but she gave me a dirty look and kept her leash loose.
I was so irritated by the irresponsible behavior but Bill reminded me that most people aren’t like the dog people I’m usually around. I’m used to being around professional dog people—handlers, groomers, trainers—who keep their dogs under control at all times and who know how to read a bad situation and prevent problems before they happen.
I know—I’m a dog snob.
Once Gracie sorted it out, we had a pretty good time. This class is definitely not designed for competing—it’s more for fun—but it was a good way to get some exercise and re-introduce Gracie to agility. I am, however, going to look into getting back into a class geared toward competition.
She's a bit of a spaz, but she's excited!
Meanwhile, Penny was in San Diego for the weekend competing in conformation.
I think she was about eight months old when I entered her in her first dog show and she got her first point. I was so excited that day. And then….nothing. I knew what it was—she was just growing into herself. Just like people, some dogs mature faster than others and she just wasn’t there yet. When Bill would grumble about the money I was spending for her not to win, I’d tell him that I though she’d start doing well by the time she was 2.
Well, she turned 2 on Valentine’s Day and a week later she won both days, adding four points toward her championship. Her handler said the judges loved her and she looked awesome. She’s leaving for Arizona tomorrow (this dog travels way more than I do) for a five-day show, and I feel like it’s going to be a successful trip.
Wish us luck!
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