BC and Yukon Agility Championships!

Competed in our first regionals in beautiful Campbell River. Although we haven't competed at the masters level yet, this would be a good introduction and a chance to see how we compare with the top dogs in the province.

In the six events over two days, I did poorly in 3 of them and fantastic at the other 3, even earning a 2nd place finish in one of the Standard runs! Sassy's not the only one that does tricks...so does my knee. It popped again on the first day at the end (fortunately) of a fast Jumpers run. Ran the second day lame and in pain but that was when our best run was....go figure.

Sassy qualified for the National Championships, being held in Ottawa this year. Not crating her on a plane....so we won't be going, but next year the Nationals will be in Calgary I think.

Handlers and dogs in both my classes, Paws Ahead and Superfly did really well this weekend. The weekend was a lot of fun and we even met Sassy's uncle, Sabre

Thanks for the photos, Frank!

Here is the Paws Ahead class....all Qualifiers!

And here is my very successful Superfly group. Great showing from them too! Thanks for all your help and advice, Julia!

Another Title: Advanced Agility Dog of Canada!

Today we ran three events in Matsqui: Steeplechase and two advanced standard runs. Nothing great until the last standard, which we Q'd, giving Sassy the next title. Now we're running in the top category: Masters level. Going to be a lot more difficult. Still working on our Advanced Games events.

March Madness in Cloverdale!

Here are five runs we did last Sunday. Four runs, four first place finishes (and a fourth place, in Steeplechase), though there were some mistakes (due to my handling). Still, Sassy earned three "Q"'s that puts us closer to the Masters level! Advancement details and trials history can be found on the right in the sidebar.

Cloverdale Trial - Jan 19

Just two Standard events today (now at the Advanced level), but we took 1st place in both! And one was a qualifying score so we just need two more standards to get to the masters level.

It's Snow Time!

We rarely get snow here but it's been cold and we got a good snowfall last night. Chasing frisbees in the snow has got to rank right up there with agility!

Matsqui Trial - 5 events, 4 1st place wins, 3 Q's, 2 Titles!

Sunday the 23rd of November was good for us. We had clean runs on the two Starters Standards to take the "Agility Dog of Canada" title and the last game we needed for the "Starters Games Dog of Canada". Thanks for the photography, Frank!

Cloverdale Trial - 5 Runs, 3 "Q"s!

Two Years Old Today!

Sassy celebrated her 2nd birthday this morning with a salami and Zukes treats pie. Yum.

Superfly Fun Match - Cleveland Dam

With 12 dogs in the 16" Special class, Sassy ran in all five events plus a musical fun run and was in the top three in all of them! Not much thanks to me though...it's like she knows how to count the cone numbers! Next week will be the real test: our first AAC sanctioned agility trial at Burnaby Lake!

Fun Match Jumpers

Here's an example of Sassy's smooth style and my awkward handling! Thanks to Sassy, we still managed to take first place and a "Q" (i.e. no faults).

Fun Match Glory!

Took Sassy to a fun match today (our third) and did really well! Out of 5 competitions, we took first place in 4 of them (2nd place in the other) and "Q'd" in all five! We also won three special prizes: Top score (of all the dogs at the event) for the Gamblers Events, Best Dog in it's class (Specials/Vets) and I won the "Best Sportsmanship" award, which was a shock. Anyway, here are the ribbons and prizes....have enough treats to last a while now.

First Ribbons (fun match)

There was a fun match (an agility competitions with real judging/timing/scorekeeping, but not for official ranking...just a chance to play and practice)on and we went into all six competitions and much to our surprise, ended up with these! We've improved a lot in the last month. Maybe we'll do a real competition this summer....

Weave Poles

In two agility courses now....Weave Poles: 12 poles, 20 inches apart. The idea is to weave through quickly (entering the first gap on the right of the pole) without missing any. It's a tough one because it's the only obstacle that dogs are not natural to its normal movement (as jumps and tunnels are). Sassy can't compete yet as she's not old enough. Dogs need to be 18 months.....2 more months to go!

At Harbourside

Here's a shot of Sassy sitting in a stay position by our favourite meeting place. It was where she learned to socialize with other dogs.

Sit and Stay, Whistle training

Trained to sit and stay for a long time while I walk/run away. Then, on a whistle blast, comes running to me.

Sheltie Club

Here are Chelsea and Sundance (on the left). Sass hangs with other dogs but her Sheltie pals are special!

North Van

Great trails in North Vancouver. We're going to try them all this summer!

Happy Dog

Happiest when chasing the frisbee in the park.

Laid Back Pup

Sassy's favourite position...even without the lap for support.

Sisters

Sassy and her sister. Quite a size difference.

Sassy Comes Home - 5 months

Trying to guilt trip me because I can't play fetch the poodle with her at that very moment!

Sassy the Pup - Summer 2006

We didn't know her then, but this is what she looked like at 5 weeks.