Agility and Answers

Duane and Annie made their agility debut as a team this weekend.  We went to a NADAC trial, which was a first for all of us.  We were in an unheated, indoor horse arena, and it was COLD!  Duane and Annie did great.  Saturday started a little slow, with Annie looking around a lot and both of them getting used to each other, but they did qualify in 2 of their 6 runs. On Sunday they were on fire.  Annie qualified in all 6 runs, with 1st places in her standard runs for her NAC title, and they were 2nd in all their games classes.  Way to go!

Finally, after 6 1/2 years of school, we are getting some answers for Son.  We spent a large sum on private dyslexia testing, and now we know, that yes, he is dyslexic.  I've suspected he has dyslexia since 4th grade, and now he is in 6th grade, why did it take so long?  I guess the answer is because it is almost impossible to get information and testing in the public schools.  The good news is, now that we know, there is a lot we can do to help him, I just wish we had known sooner. The bad news is, that just like the testing, he is unlikely to get the help he needs in the public schools.  Legally, the schools are required to provide a free, appropriate education, but the reality is, that it's unlikely to happen.  I plan to provide the appropriate tutoring myself, so we'll see how it goes.

Find the Papillon in this pile of animals!  Too cute.

Puppy fever!

I am having a full blown case of puppy fever!  In just under four weeks, I go to pick up my new baby boy.  He is a bi blue sheltie with a lot of black.  I have named him, Brynley.  We need another dog in the house like we need a tornado to come through, yet this puppy is MINE, and I'm so excited!  It's actually been almost 10 years since I got a puppy that was for me, and even longer since I got one specifically to bring along as my agility dog.  Brynley is very well bred and comes from dogs specifically bred for agility and performance, as well as conformation.  For my interested dog friends, check out jusdandy.com.  Brynley is from the Gnat x Twila litter, if you'd like to see his breeding.

Meanwhile, I'm spending all my spare time dreaming of my trip east to pick up Brynley and fly home with him.  I'm imagining snuggling him for the first time, and bringing him home to meet our family.  I'm picturing training him with all the great information I've learned in recent years to be my fabulous agility partner, and probably obedience too. We may even try herding if I can find some where to try it. He has the breeding.  I'm picturing him as an adult dog in full coat with his beautiful coloring. 
Of course, in my daydreaming, I skip quickly over the thought of 5 hours traveling on a plane with a baby dog stuck in a sherpa bag.  I picture trooping outside at 5 in the morning with snow on the ground during housebreaking and pray for an early spring this year!  More sheltie hair in the house? I guess I'll be vacuuming even more.  I can't wait to bring my puppy home!

Obsessing

It seems like we've been pretty busy since Christmas.  We took Son to Colorado to a dyslexia testing specialist.  We think he is dyslexic, but we'll get her report back at the beginning of February.  I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to best help him.  Should we home school?  But I don't want to take him away from friends he is just starting to make, and I like our junior high that he will go to next year. So many questions...

On to the dogs.  Don't most people have a line of masking tape on their carpet, so they have a reward line for throwing hot dogs while teaching 2 x 2 weave poles?  Is throwing hot dogs on your carpet in the name of training an awesome agility dog a normal thing?  I thought so.  My Susan Garrett seminar is rescheduled for the very end of the month.  I'll be so happy to finally get to go!

Isn't he cute?
He's cute too, although not too happy at having pictures taken!