Discoroc

Tess - Countess of Butchercote

2011-10-06T10:10:00.005+08:00

I dedicate this post to Tess (Countess of Butchercote): December 1998 – June 2011. Such a majestic looking girl and a loving and sweet nature.

Tess is Samroc’s wee sister. She was born on Easterton farm, Scotland in December 1998 and was owned and loved by Lynne and her aunty Gwen.

Tess loved her agility and was truly awesome at it too – mega fast and extremely talented. She was a dog who gave her all and then some. Her and Lynne won into grade 7 in the UK.

Lynne and Tess were pairs partners with Gwen (Lynne's sister) and Abbey (Tess & Samroc's sister) and rocked in this too. Having the sisters winning at Dundee was such a highlight and a proud moment for Gwen and Lynne. Very proud of their girls.

Sadly Tess got cancer in June and lost her battle to survive at 12 years young.

My heart goes out to Lynne and Gwen who dearly miss wee special Tess. She's gone from this world but never forgotten. Remember the tears of joy and the smiles and laughs, the people you met and the places you were able to see together. How lucky you are to have had such a special wee life cross your path and give you such wonderful memories.

Rest in peace Tess - Countess of Butchercote: Agility legend & a dog of a lifetime xxxxx

Not blogged for a bit but missed my dogs.

2011-08-20T10:38:00.003+08:00

I haven't been updating my blog recently and for good reason too this time.

I've been really sick and didn't know it - until I was admitted into hospital and in ICU for 2 days and kept in a ward for a further 3 days - hmmmmm!!!!!!

My potassium levels dropped critically low - 1.5 and supposed to be 3.5 - 5. It's a scare 'cause such low potassium can cause cardiac arrest and death.

The doctors said it was from drinking too much Coke - WTF!!!!!! 4-6 litres per day is too much?????

So I'm on limited amounts of Coke now and drinking water mainly - along with the occassional tea and coffee. Missing it like mad but have to think of the dogs.

Angela and Tom were both Godsends and I couldn't have gotten by without them.

Angela took me into the hospital and has been my Angel ever since. Not only was she in the hospital visiting me all the time but also would bring me in clean clothes, went to the house and looked after the dogs and done the housework, not to mention umteen other stuff she done where she could've been at home with her own dogs and family.

Tom went over to mine after work and stayed over with the dogs - getting up at a such an early hour before work so he could walk my lot and his - in different batches.

Thank you soooooo much Angela and Tom for all you done - you are both champions xxx.

Also to Megan and my big sis Amanda, Nige and Jasmine for coming into see me and cheering me up. My poor wee Niece Jasmine got the fright of her life when she came into ICU and saw tubes connected from everywhere in my body - cheered her up when we said I would get cake and ice cream when in hospital.

And thanks to my mum and big sis and big bro in the UK. My mum was almost on a plane here and I had to make her promise not to come, i'd be fine and when she comes out it's to be on holiday and not as a carer. It was cute though when she asked if there was a spare bed she could have and move beside me in the ICU ward - mum it's ICU, lol. I have my own private nurse to watch me around the clock, lol.

I must also thank Jodes and Kriszty who were on the phone and let me know I'm loved :))) And to everyone who sent me well wishes.

Out now and heaps better. Gotta keep getting blood tests every 2 weeks to monitor my levels, etc.

Getting back into the swing of things - will take a good few months before I'm back to normal - as normal as I can be :))

Samroc's family

2011-03-13T07:40:00.023+08:00

Samroc's getting on a bit in years - he'll be 13yrs old on 6th July. He's still full of life and loves his toys.

Here's an amazing thing - Samroc doesn't do agility any more - no that's not the amazing thing though lol. Yesterday I was doing some training with the girls (believe it or not that's not the amazing thing either lol) and had Diva out at first - was working on contacts. Diva just continues to blow me away - she's friggin brilliant and puts 100% into everything she does - and has an absolute blast doing it too :)

I then took out Mini and Samroc came out too. We were working on the 2020 position as I found out that Mini clearly hasn't got a clue that you are to go to the end and do a 2020 and not just do a cute front paws in the air and place them in front of you half a metre up the down contact lol.

Well I was working with Mini and letting her find the position - "touch" she didn't get it - I moved slightly forward towards the end - "touch" didn't get it - took her off and positioned myself where I was last time - "touch" she got it - yay Minmin. So I moved back half a step - "touch" she didn't get it - back to where we were when she did last succeed - "touch" - at this point Samroc was somewhere behind me (now Mini's already below the down contact - Samroc came busting over, pushed mini off the contact and went into a 2020 position himself - awwww good boy :))). Now this is the amazing thing - I never ever done 2020 position on contacts with Samroc lol. This is obviously something he has picked up from watching me do it with Diva and Mini - wow - and he knew exactly where to stand.

Samroc doing a running contact at a trial

Now if that's not amazing I don't know what it - that dog is just soooooooooo awesome - he continues to stun me :) that's my boy. I'm gonna have my video camera on next time Mini's doing it - just in case he want's to do it again and I can get it on film :)

With all the new pups going around at the moment - it's amazing how quick they grow up into adult dogs - far too quickly :( I just have to add Samroc's pups photos in:

Left: Rocstar (Roc) Right: Solar Eclipse (Sol)

Left: Stormy Right: Lucy

Left: Jazzy 'G' (Jazz) Right: Roxy

I got an e-mail from Gwen in Scotland - she and her sister Lynne have Samroc's sisters and other relatives.

They all do agility and just like their big brother/uncle Samroc they are super fast :)

I am totally thrilled that she has managed to contact me and have lots of photos to share with you of Samroc's relatives - they are all absolutely stunning and I'm not being bias saying that - have a look for yourself:

Tess - Sam's little sister - from same parents a Samroc - 2nd litter. She is soooo like her big brother - wow.

Abby: Sam's little sister - from same parents as Samroc - 3rd litter. She's a beauty.

Abby and Tess winning pairs at Dundee

Brodie: Sam's wee brother - same dad different mum

Kel: Sam's wee sister - same dad different mum (from same litter as Brodie)

Lucy: Sam's wee sister - same dad different mum (from same litter as Brodie and Kel)

Robbie: Sam's wee brother - same parents as Brodie, Lucy & Kel - 2nd litter

Rory: Sam's wee brother - same parents as Robbie. OMG isn't he just a stunner - he is my ideal looking dog - wow he is gorgeous :)

Sally: Sam's niece - mum is Tess (different Tess from above - another sister named Tess :) - just to confuse you lol - both Tess's have same mum and dad as Samroc. Sally is named after her granny (Samroc's mummy).

Mini & Oliver: Samroc's nephew & niece from Rory (Sam's brother - different mum) and Sally (Sam's niece).

Jake: Samroc's adopted brother lol. Gwen's rescue BC X - will be 14 in April :)

Rory, Lucy & Jake all together at the beach :)

More of Sam's nieces and nephews at a training session :)

Here's some of Roc- Sam's daddy - old boy - awwwwwww

His coat turned red before he died

He was 14 years old when he went - not too bad for an old farm boy working dog

And he hated getting his photo taken - I remember when Sam Weaver would try and get Samroc's photo and he would look away or look at the ground - like father like son lol :)

There are more of Samroc's relatives doing agility in UK - will have to watch out for them and get out my pompoms to cheer them on

Guess who I'll be going to watch run when I go back on holiday :))

Who knows - in future years there might be a wee Samroc relative running around this house - Wouldn't that be nice :))

But I've got little Zumba to keep me occupied for a good wee while yet :)

6 weeks old and getting big

2010-12-13T12:46:00.009+08:00

OMG - the pups are so grown up and looking like little dogs rather than little slugs lol.

Here they are at 6 weeks old - note the new names :-)))

Pup 1 - Was Mini Mav - now Dice

Dice will be going to live with Pam, Kevin and their furkids

Dice is such a fun pup. He is the best tugger and gets into everything.

Pup 2 - was Eclipse - now Jive.

Little Jive will be going to live with Andrea and Keith and their furkids

Jive is such an awesome friendly pup she is with a great nature.

Pup 3 - was Madge - now Ripley 'cause she's a little Ripper :-)))

Ripley will be going to live with Nic, Andy, Ben and the furkids.

I love her new name - and aren't her eyes stunning...........

Pup 4 - Was Mac - now undecided between Whip and a few others which I can't recall.

Wee Whip will be going to live with Jodes, Greg and Nichol.

Thought these photos were the funniest thing - he obviously hasn't realised that he's grown much bigger and can't easily fit in the ceramic plate any more lol.

Pup 5 - was Mambo - now undecided between Mambo, Ginny, Gizzy, Guess lol.

Wee cutie will be going to live with Tom and his fur crew

Mambo loves Samroc to bits - think she's gonna be a ladies man lol. She is one of the 3 who keep escaping from the outside puppy pen so is nicknamed one of the 3 amigos - and look at her - you would think butter wouldnae melt - hmmmm :-)))

Pup 6 - was Groovy Fugleena - now undecided between RocDJ and Madge

Little Madgeena will be staying right here with me, Diva, Samroc and Mini.

I think she is such a cutie pie now - not fugly like she was when she was born - maybe I've got used to her vbg. She looooooooooves people and dogs and gets into everything. She is one of the 3 amigos along with Mambo and Vogue - these 3 escape from the outside puppy pen and run around.

Pup 7 - Was Vogue, now undecided between Spyder, Mambo & OB

Spymamob VBG will be living with Steve, Nicola, Finn and Bailey with there fur crew.

Vogue is such an outgoing pup = I love the photos of her playing tug with diva and mini. Vogue is the 3rd of the 3 amigos and a very determined pup. She found her way out of the inside puppy pen too and kept getting out - cheeky chops. Too cleaver for her own good, I'll tell you that much.........

More updates coming soon

5 weeks old - awwwww

2010-12-06T10:09:00.012+08:00

Well here's the pups at 5 weeks old.

There teeth are sharp and their little personalities are starting to shine

Having sooooooooo much fun with them.

Here's the week 5 photos :-)))

Pup 1 - Mini Mav

Mini Mav is sooooo full on. He is one of the best tuggers. He is a striking looking boy with a beautiful blue eye like his mummy. Has got an attitude on him. Likes his tucker too :-)

Pup 2 - Eclipse

Eclipse is one of the larger girls. She looks like an aussie shepherd pup when taken from her dark side, lol (diva what've you been up to vbg). She is a dominant pup and is very similar to vogue in nature. Loves to cuddle and loves people.

Pup 3 - Madge

Mage is a great wee pup. She is little miss attitude. She is one of the smaller girls but makes up with it with her personality. She's in there beating them all up (even the bigger boys, lol). She has 2 striking blue eyes and is such a cutie.

Pup 4 - Mac

Mac is such a sweetie. I think he's crossed with a dalmation with all his spots lol. He is the gentleman of the pack - however get him on the end of the tug toy and he means business. He is also Mr Adventurous - loves investigating new things. I absolutely adore his mesmerising blue eyes - and to think he was born with an almost all white head - look at him now, wow.

Pup 5 - Mambo

Mambo is the cutie of the pack. She reminds me of Gizmo from the Gremlins - I've tried not to get her wet or feed her after midnight vbg. Mambo loves cuddles (especially from Bailey) and her favourite game is to chomp on your hair. She might be only wee but when that wee buggar gets a hold of your locks all I can say is ooooouuuucccchhh!! :-)))) Don't be taken in with her sweet looks there's a gremlin in there vbg.

Pup 6 - Groove (aka fugleena)

Groove makes me smile. She is such a happy pup. I think she's been hit with the fugly stick but that all goes out the window when you meet her - she loves everything and is a great wee tugger too.

Pup 7 - Vogue

Vogue is such a star. She is the other large girl from the bunch. She is so full on and keeps escaping from the outside puppy pen - smart little tyke. She loves to get your shoe laces and is into everything. Wee Vogue is a miniture version of my Mini with the same colouring and the exact same pirate patch (for baby Jack) on her eye.

More updates coming soon :-)))

4 weeks on

2010-11-28T08:30:00.015+08:00

Well they did turn 5 weeks old yesterday - and I'll put updated photos of that shortly

Still catching up with week 4. Doesn't seem like they've been in the world for that long - wow time flies soooooo quickly.

They are all developing their little personalities and quirks - I keep changing who my favourites are - hmmmmmm!!!!!!! I still really like numbers 2 and 6 but I think that's because they are tricolour and I wanted a tricolour.

Anyway without further ado here's the bubbies :-)))

Pup 1 - Mini Mav

Black and white gorgeous boy with 1 blue eye

Pup 2 - Eclipse

Splitfaced tricolour girl with blue eye on dark side

Pup 3 - Madge

Split faced tricolour & speckled girl (phew) And.....possibly with 2 blue eyes :-))

Pup 4 - Mac

Speckled black and white boy with 2 blue eyes

Pup 5 - Mambo

Black and white beautiful girl

Pup 6 - Groove

splitfaced tricolour girl with blue eye on white side

Pup 7 - Vogue

Speckled black and white girl.

3 weeks old and getting goood :-)))

2010-11-17T19:51:00.017+08:00

SO the pups are 3 weeks old and I have updated photos - doing well.

They will venture out in the garden this week and also be introduced to puppy food - see how they go.

I'm loving them more and more each day - they are absolutely awesome to have around and keep a smile on my face - love having puppies around - they are soooooo cute and soooooo funny :-)))

I've put updated photos below:

Pup 1 - Boy AKA Mini Mav

This wee man has gorgeous markings and is a mini version of his uncle maverick. If he's half as handsome he'll be doing well.

This fella is such a wee superstar. He loves investigating things - very curious and seems to be very steady. He loves to play with his toys and toy fighting with his brothers and sisters. He was the one who was playing with diva - jumping on her paws, lol. SHe was loving it and playing back, awwwww - and that I didn't get OMG - the camera is never in the right place when you need it.

This is special boy - pup number 1 - wee man, awwwww, wee treasure :-))))

Pup 2 girl AKA Eclipse.

This little girl is such a cutie- a wee heartbreaker. She is another of one of the first who runs over to me soooo enthusiastically when I go in.

She is such a people dog - absolutely loves cuddles - wee treasure. Reminds me of a teddy bear.

pup 3 - Girl. AKA Madge.

This little girl is a little Diva, lol. She makes me laugh - such a wee go getter.

Loves exploring and playing with her brothers and sisters. She'll run over for cuddles and when she's in the livingroom she's the one I have to pull out from behind the TV or wherever else she's off exploring too. Little tyke vbg. Seems to be very comfortable in most situations so far - nothing much bothers her - takes it in her stride.

pup 4 - boy AKA Macros (Mac for short).

This little fella is so cool. He loves to play with the big triangle (A big puppy toy) Sam W bought the pups. He is soooo intrigued by the big dogs.

Have added a few more photos with him and Samroc. Samroc was sitting watching TV and usually gets up on the couch when a pup comes over to him. He was a bit like - "OMG go away" with the wee lad at first but the little pumpkin quite enjoyed Samroc's fur.

Soooooo cute :-))) See how settled they both are at the end - soooooo coool.

Pup 5 girl AKA Mambo

The name came from the pup number :-)))) She is SUCH a cutie pie.

Getting them to walk across different surfaces. Started her on the bathroom tiles and she ran across them no probs, across my beloved lino (hmmmmm) and into the livingroom onto the carpet - no worries there. She loves to race around but in contrast to when she's being held - loves cuddles and cuddles in like a little teddy bear - awwwwww.

Pup 6 - girl AKA Groove.

This little chickidee is such a gogetter. She always looks sooooooo happy to see me and is always one of the first ones to run over to me when i go into the "nursery" - groovy chick.

Pup 7 - Girl. AKA Vogue.

She loves to play with toys. Have had a "mini" game of tug with her. She is such a wee go'er. She'll run over to something then spin around on the spot and run over to something else - so funny to watch.

2 weeks gone by

2010-11-14T19:28:00.015+08:00

Well I've got some photos of 2 weeks old.

They are now actually 3 weeks old as of yesterday - and boy have they changed in a week.

I've taken more photos but haven't had a chance to upload them yet (hopefully they've come out ok).

The 2 week old photos (below) aren't the best shots and all I have but at least we can see them growing and changing.

Feels like ages ago that they were just 2 weeks old - awwwwwwww!!!!!

This is the time I have to start making notes as time passes sooooo quickly and we forget what's going on. They started toy fighting with each other, opened their eyes (started to), walking much better and running into things, lol.

So much fun already!!!!!

They're getting lots and lots of visitors (Samroc, Mini and Diva loving it too) - they're getting handled lots and of course lots and lots of kisses and cuddles.

Pup 1 (black and white boy)

Pup 2 (girl - not sure if she's B&W or Tri yet - she's still figuring it out vbg)

pup 3 (this girl wants a bit of everything - she's tricolour with speckles coming through now in her face and legs - greedy guts, lol)

Pup 4 (black and white boy - getting speckles through his legs and face)

Pup 5 (black and white girl)

Pup 6 (tricolour girl)

Pup 7 (black and white speckled girl)

Wee Diva's - 1 week old

2010-11-06T09:34:00.011+08:00

Well here are the pups at 1 week old.

They are 2 weeks old today but I have some photo taking to do today before I can post them. Most of them have their eyes open and all of them are walking around.

Well ok - enough rabbiting on - here's the pups - awwwwwwww.

Pup 1 - black and white blaze boy. Is a handsome little chap and I call him mini mav 'cause he looks like a miniture version of his uncle Maverick, owned by Graeme Fairley. He has his eyes open, and likes to explore. He wanders around and is stable on his wee legs.

Pup 2 - tricolour splitface girl. She loves to have cuddles and curls up in your arms. Seems like a very satisfied little pup. Still got her eyes to open yet. This girl is one of my favourites at the moment.

Pup 3 - Tricolour girl. This little girl is magic. She loves to sleep in your arms. She is very cute and has the cutest little bark when she's telling Diva she's hungry. Would say this little girl is another of my favourites.

Pup 4 - Black and white boy. This little fella is such a charmer. He had a very white face when he was born and because of all the pinkness around the eyes and face he was known as fugly the 2nd, lol. Now he has darkened up around the eyes and nose and has started to develop wee freckles on his face. His eyes are fully open now (as of yesterday) and he is a wee stunner. He likes to explore and loves cuddles. At the moment his wee man is one of my favourites - if not my favourite

Pup 5 - Black and White stripe girl - awwwwww. Have to get a photo of when she sits. She does it quite often and the party piece is when she does it and people are over I say "sit" and she's sitting - what a star, lol and it is sooooooooooo cute. Think this wee girl will be very pretty.

Pup 6 - Tricolour splitfaced girl. This wee lass is such a trooper. She was the first to walk and the first to open her eyes. Was soooo funny yesterday - she has had her eyes open for a few days now and not sure how much she can see - if anything yet, but they were all having a feed and she walked right up to diva's head, stopped and looked as if she was working out - I can see you mum, that's what you look like, and started checking out Diva's mouth then nose then ears - may be she can't see a thing but looked soooooo cute :-)))

Pup 7 - Black and White speckled splitfaced girl. This wee girl is such a cutie, can't help but pick her up and give her big hugs - wonder if she will have a speckled face like her daddy????? She still has her wee eyes to open. She has a wee black mark on her head that looks like a french berret.

Will post another update soon.

snow white and the seven dwarfs

2010-10-28T19:56:00.004+08:00

Well it's fantastic news to announce

Diva had her puppies - all ok including mum - wooooooohhhhhhoooooooo

She is such a good girl - yep she had the 3 pups that were spotted on the ultrasound - go Diva - not only that she had an extra 4 just for good luck.

Wee Diva managed to store 7 gorgeous puppies in that belly of hers.

It was on Saturday morning - around 1am ish and she was up and down, up and down off the bed. I knew the pups must be coming so of course had no intention of having a second of shut eye - even blinking became an annoyance, lol.

So of course she had puppy number one on my bed. The little munchkin was half out so I helped him all the way - then he didn't look like he was breathing - certainly wasn't moving - so now what - all that Deb Nook told me went out the window along with the "don't panic" - WTF.

So at this time it's 2.30 in the am - I called Megan and no answer - about 20 seconds later the phone goes - "She's had the first one" - "ok so is he breathing?" - "don't think so" - "ok get a towel" - and then the sound of - waaaaaahhhh waaaaaahhh - yip he's breathing - "so is she cleaning him and cutting the chord?" - "she's cleaning him but not cutting the chord" - "go get some cotton and scissors" - so though I go and grabbed the scissors and got some cotton wool to stop the bleeding - "ok got them - now what?" "you need to tie a knot on the chord - about 2-3cm from the pup" - what the...... the chords only about 4cm long - how can I tie a knot in this - so this conversation lasted about 3 or so minutes - me puzzled in the fact that the pup keeps moving, the chord is only short and how the heck am I going to get a knot in that - should have kept to the girl guides - sure they do knots - but the pup can't be looped around, pulled through and then the knot is tied - chord is way too short - "so tie the cotton around the chord and make a knot" - "ohhhh, cotton - I got cotton wool, doh - ok hang on - right got the cotton" "now tie the knot and cut the chord on Diva's side" "ok done that - awwwwww, thanks Megan - BTW how did you know it was a boy? hmmmm" - so I allowed Megan to go back to bed, lol and I carried little number one black and white boy with a more traditional markings into the nursery.

Not too long afterwards she had number 2 - a little split faced girl. She looked massive - wasn't any bigger than number one but I think the white on the face made her look bigger, awww, little black and white split faced girl. Number 3 can not too much later. Another little girl, awwwwwww. The third girl is very white faced, also black and white.

Then nothing for a while. I went through to put on the kettle to skull some more coffee - was around 5am at this point. I went back in and Diva was licking girl number 3 like mad - she was all soaking wet again - OMG she's trying to eat her - I rush over and grab the pup - hang on this one's a boy - what - oh sorry Diva - she had just had another pup. Another very white faced boy, black and white.

Not long after diva had another little girl - a gorgeous black and white little girl with a lovely wide white blaze that continues down through her collar.

At 7.30am Megan called to see how everything was and I was telling her about the other 4 and we were having a chuckle about me having a blonde moment with cotton wool - how funny - hang on the pups are crying - gotta go, she's probably lying on one of them - so I hang up and rush through - wow, she's just had another one - another split face little girl - quite white faced but more black than girl 3.

About 8.30 she had another girl - very very similar to the last one.

So that was that - 7 little dwarfs, all happy looking and pink nosed and squeeking, lol.

They were born on Saturday and this is now Thursday - day 5. Some of their markings have changed quite a lot already.

It looks at this point there will be 3 tri colours, 2 speckled black and white and 2 black and white - who knows though at this point, it could all change again in a week. The most important thing is that they are all ok, healthy and little fatties :-)

I'll do frequent updates on them and post some photos too.

Big thanks to Megan and Deb Nook, thank God all went ok and my little baby Diva is all ok - she may be a mummy now but is still my little blue eyed pup full of mischief - wonder what colour the pups eyes will be????

Cheers for now and here's a photo of the little tykes at 2 days old in order of birth

Recap and what's left to do

2010-08-06T08:08:00.002+08:00

Well it's way past the midyear point and I've been looking over my new years resolutions that I made. Some of them I have stuck to - others have been tossed to the side like an annoying fly that lands on the top of the chocolate mud cake and gets stuck in the creamy chocolate icing.

I'm now gonna start focusing on a few things and see if i can get them in the ring.

Diva - not wanting to try too much different with her - do want to get diva's contacts better and get her driving ahead on them. So as well as maintaining the skills she has I will start working on this with wee Diva.

Mini - OK here goes - getting a solid start line with mini. I've gotta be strong inside and if she breaks at a trial then either put her back and leave the ring or just leave the ring. I also want fast reliable contacts with mini. at the moment she's a hit or a miss in trials. she gets sooooo wound up and I've started not trusting her so will either get really slow contacts because I'm 'demanding' them in the ring because i don't trust her - or she does a fluke and runs through them or we don't get them at all. I want that 2o2o but fast - or faster than she gives in the ring when she has to stop at the end - play the game mini.

I also want her to turn with my body. The way it is at the moment is I'm running diva and she's like a Porche. handles smooth, turns at the touch of a finger, accelerates with power, can turn with speed and power on again - with mini it's like driving a truck at the mine site, not got a very good turning circle, if we take a corner too fast we can't get a tight turn in, noisy, have to make a 3 point turn to get a 180, lol - well may be not quite that bad but definitely not in the class of the porche.

The thing is with mini she picks some things up really really easily - just sometimes she thinks she has a better way of doing things than what I've shown her.

back to the drawing board - again.

Got til December then review the situation again - it's all on my shoulders now - just as well she's only wee :)

Nationals 2010

2010-05-21T10:09:00.005+08:00

Well I've been hanging off posting due to no photographs - but I've decided that I'd better update the blog and post the photos later on.

We’ve just had the Agility Nationals 2010 here in WA.

Boy what a nationals it was too.

Diva wasn’t supposed to be there (the plan was she would be having puppies).

The Nationals was on Thursday to Sunday. The Sunday was for the finals and the other 3 days had qualifying heats in the morning and games in the afternoon.

So the plan is to get into the finals on the Thursday and you can have a relaxing next 2 days. Well as we all know things don’t always go to plan – nowhere near.

The build up to the nationals was all but mental for me. As I mentioned Diva was supposed to be having pups - and if you read my last post you will know that it didn't work out.

We had just had the States a couple of weeks before and I knew Diva wasn't running right. I thought at the time it was due to her not doing any agility since January - not even training - but thought I'd better check her out anyway and managed to get an appointment with Deb Nook. Wee Diva's back was very sore so Deb done the acupuncture and I was giving her heat and massages.

Deb and I had spoken about the Southern River trial which was 2 days after her appointment and said see how she goes - well she worked brilliantly so that was good news. I was concerned about trialling for 4 days and Deb had said to me to make sure she was warmed up properly and if she looked sore at all to pull her out of the nationals - not a problem.

This year it was held right here in my “home state” of WA. I can now officially call this my home state since I’ve been here for 8 brilliant years and loving it still.

The setup, smooth running, prizes and goodies were fab. I have to say hats off to the WA team who made it such a memorable Nationals - was obvious how much work went into it - well done to they guys.

Note - there's the short version and the long version - if you want the long version keep reading all - but make sure you have a cup of coffee and a packed lunch by the computer, lol.

Short version:

Most importantly - no dogs were injured - phew!!!!! So regardless of the results this was a good trial :-)

Qualifying heats for the finals:

Thursday - Mini - nothing Diva - nothing
Friday - Mini - nothing Diva - nothing
Saturday - Mini - nothing Diva - masters jumping made finals

Games:

Thursday - Snooker

Novice snooker - Mini - 12th Diva - 1st woohooo (first time played)

Friday - Gamblers

Novice Gamblers - Mini - 9th - go the minmin
Excellent Gamblers - Diva - nothing

Saturday - Strat Pairs

Excellent strat pairs - Mini and Dancer - 6th

Masters strat pairs - Diva and Epic - 1st - woooohoooooo!!!!!

Finals: Masters jumping

Mac's Disco Diva - 1st 500 - woooohoooooo
Mac's Disco Diva - 1st overall - bigger woooooohooooooooooo!!!!!!

So big thanks to

Deb Nook for fixing her up and helping us get where we did
Di Rose for making it possible for us being in the Nationals

Wooohoooo - soooo proud of my wee Diva - to my buddy Sam W. - we done it :-)))

Long version:

Thursday:

Masters agility – Diva was soooooooo unlucky – I late called her after a tunnel and she had to pull off a dogwalk (which was in her line after the tunnel) but I didn’t properly work the bar she was supposed to take and she was upon it at 90 degrees and still tried to jump it – down it came, and only just too. The rest of the run was fantastic – but didn’t cut the mustard.

Masters jumping – not so kind to us this time. My head was elsewhere and Diva too – she dropped the spread on a straight line leadout, WTF. Very unlike her. I must’ve done something stupid though to give her another signal, that’s more like the real story, lol - continued on and got lost on the course (about jump number 6) – thanked the judge and out we came.

Mini in Novice agility. Awww – if I could just run faster, lol. Mini was on the homeward stretch and was to do a line of jumps after the tunnel – but spotted the table to the right and pulled off the tyre and headed to the table – No points for guessing what’s been a high reward obstacle vbg.

Excellent jumping – she was a superstar. I made the mistake of doing a cross at the wrong point and set up her line wrong so that she was heading to the tunnel and not the jump before it – awwwwwwww!!!!!!!

So definitely no relaxing 2 days ahead for us then.

Thursday afternoon we had Novice Snooker. I hadn’t ever played snooker with wee Diva before. And apart from me nearly stacking it on the course and diva doing half of the 3rd dogwalk with 3 legs (she mounted it funny and had only 3 legs on for the full of the up ramp and managed to correct herself on the along plank) we got clear, phew!!!! We knew it would be close ‘cause Jodes and Tivy had done a specky round, but also with a hiccup at a tunnel and Cathy and Snazzy done a lovely round and also done a widey like us at the 2nd jump, and another fast dog from over east, Jazz with Geraldine (which I hadn’t seen but was told) done an amazing run. Wee Diva got First place – woohoo. The times were incredibly tight from 1st to 3rd being half a second separating the 3.

Then I had the min in or as Jody calls her “de min” – She went over the first bar, cut behind me, managed to get on the walk, done the next jump, 2nd walk, 3rd jump and pulled off so I had to take her back to it, 3rd walk, then closing sequence, she barked and barked all the way around the course, headspace somewhere else but having a ball – yay she got clear – De Min got 12 place – go Minmin – so proud of her and she’s loving it 

Friday

I really wanted at least 1 pass out of the 2 dogs. Masters agility was over in a flash. I hadn’t walked the excellent jumping course yet and it was being called 5 minutes to walk it. I was getting myself all worked up and flustered. Agility started with a straight jump and then onto a perpendicular threadle and into the weaves. We love threadles and ever since Stacey Peardot came over I can now actually do them nicely – until this day. I called diva over the first bar was sent her behind the first bar of the threadle rather than straight over it – looking back I have absolutely no idea how we done that ‘cause if we really were supposed to do that there would be no way I would have ever thought I could get that manoeuvre from her from the distance and position I was standing - I thanked the judge and we came out so I could walk Mini’s course.

Masters jumping was also a hardline story. We started off beautiful and fast and out of a tunnel there were 2 jumps side by side – Diva was to take the one closest to me, I said her name – twice (in fact it was “div, div”) but obviously didn’t hold her to the bar and she took the wrong one. I called her back and we had a bit of a discussion that her name is Div and not actually Deafy, so we completed the course in a rather lovely manner – owwwwww.

Novice agility – Mini was great. She done almost all of the course – all we had left was a walk and a couple of jumps – so there was a straight line of jumps down and the dogs had to turn 180 degrees to get onto the walk – mini races down the line of jumps and to the side of the ring was a girl playing with her dog – Mini decided to take a wide turn, looking at the dog and by the time she looked back she had passed the plane of the walk, jumped onto the colour of the up ramp which was now facing 90 degrees of her and jumped off again – she’s such a nosey parker, lol.

Excellent jumping – Well as I mentioned earlier in Diva’s agility run they had called 5 minutes to walk the course when I was running her and we stuffed up so came out. I gave diva to Michelle and ran straight to the excellent course. I just got there and the steward was taking the flag down – I said to him – you’ve just called 5 minutes to walk this course – he said no the judge wants to get started now so we’re starting now – WTF. So I didn’t get to walk the course so had to pay particular attention as it wasn’t a straightforward round – a few twists and call offs. So in we go and OMG we almost got it. I had remembered most of the course – and things look completely different from looking at it from the sideline to when you’re actually upon the obstacles. So we’re nearly finished the course and I thought there was another turn or pinwheel and called mini off the bar straight ahead of her that she was heading to – Mini can obviously count as this was the correct obstacle next – doh!!!! All went to pot after that – we got DQ’d.

Again no quails for the finals – doh!!!

Gamblers in the afternoon was great. Diva was in excellent and done a million and one points and after 45 seconds of directing, calling and running all I needed to do was take a few extra steps put her in the tunnel and run down the gamble line of jumps – well fatty, get a move on she said to me – I truly ran out of steam – the buzzer went and the tunnel looked like a taxi trip away – I seriously can’t make it – OMG Jenny Craig’s gonna be calling me – I didn’t even work the tunnel and she went in the wrong end – doh. She also knocked a bar on the line back – I think that was the point where I collapsed on the ground, lol. Well not quite but almost.

Mini was in novice and I had a lovely course planned out for her. So off we go and she started off flying, but decided to jump off her walk contact – what the – so we go back over it and that’s my course stuffed up. But Mini did do a right hand weave – wooooooohooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! The most funniest thing though was as the buzzer called we were right there so her time would’ve been lovely (points not so good) – and I sent her into the tunnel and she was to do a straight of I think 4 jumps – so she pulled off the bar – straight in front of her – oh no, not again – so I called her back and around me and sent her out (luckily no refusals in gamblers) and she got the other jumps - Come on Minxter. Ended up getting 9th – phew!!!!! We were only 10 points and 6 seconds behind Snazzy (winner) – so close one there – lol, yeh right.

Saturday

Last day of the qualifying heats and I couldn’t even get my dogs around clear – making it to the finals or not – still couldn’t get a clear what-so-ever. It’s such a shunt to the confidence. I know there were almost’s and nearlies and if only’s – but that doesn’t help when your confidence is shattered.

Diva went into Masters jumping and on about bar number 4 I heard it skiff – whooooo horsey, take it easy – just get around clear. I’ll be spewing if I push her and we make a mistake – this is the last chance we have – so steadily we went around – and woooooohooooooooo, finally we got a clear round – yes. Now just have to hope that it was in the top 5 to make it to the finals. I honestly had my doubts as the calibre of dogs is just amazing and to get in the top 5 you really want to be pushing them all the way around. She ended up getting 2nd – wooohoooo, go Diva. It obviously was nowhere near as bad as I had though – phew, we made a final – yeeehaaaaa.

Masters agility was really hard lines. I thought she had got clear round with a specky time of 37.6 seconds (fastest was 39.49 seconds) – but she was called on the down dog walk contact – ohhhhhhhh, what a shame. Was still an awesome run though, unlucky Diva.

Mini in Novice agility – again what a shame – she had gotten around half the course, onto the table and it was a jump slightly offset to the right then a tyre back in line with the table then into a tunnel – I didn’t stand far enough over – just one step over to the right, silly me – but mini came off the table and done the tyre straight ahead – her only fault – again.

Excellent jumping – Owwwww, she was such a star – really, done some breathtaking stuff for the Minmin. Near the end I done a front cross to change her direction and she didn’t follow it and kept going straight – over a wrong bar, ooowwwwww. No matter she nailed the opposite end of the tunnel entry better than I ever thought she could be capable of and was bragging to Diva about it too, lol.

Strat pairs was on Saturday afternoon – my most favourite game ever – sooooo much fun. Megan and I have taken the light hearted approach to it and really have a whale of a time running it.

So we had Mini and Dancer in Excellent and Diva and Epic in Masters. The masters course was open for walking so we went to walk it. We started off walking it and excellent got called for open for walking – oh no. But what had been happening at the nationals all weekend was there were 3 course walks depending on the letter you had after your number was what course walk you were. It went A, B or C and A was first walk, B second and C third walk. So Megan looked at my number and it had B at the end B so we’ll go walk the excellent. That we did.

So Mini and Dancer are in Excellent Strat. Pairs. Mini was on the startline and barked soooo much she actually bounced herself to the side and off position to the line of jumps. Mini was soooo wound up – like a clock. Dancer was an absolute legend and didn’t put a foot wrong – she was a star. Mini was a bit more of, hhhmmmmm, she was definitely out to test me, little tyke, lol. They ended up getting 6th – wooohoooo!!!!

So we came out the ring and we had looked at the masters ring which was running – Megan looked at the catalogue and we were on in 3 pairs – can’t be right – we looked at her number and she was “A” – so in this instance the “A” and “B” were for the pairs only – aaaaaarrrrgggg. So we ran to our cars, stuck Dancer and Mini back and grabbed Diva and Epic. Dashed down to the ring to have a look where we were going since we’d only half walked the course. So there was a changeover and I was to do a pinwheel – so Megan – “bling” (which is our word for go, lol) – me “jump one, two, three, bling” – Megan “no you’ve to do the first jump then 1, 2, and back over the first jump for 3, the first jump isn’t in play” – oh ok, then we looked at what was after that and it was time to go in – not feeling very confident at all.

So on the startline and first few changeovers were unreal – then it comes to the pinwheel for me – jumps 1, 2, 3, bling – oh no not yet sorry – jump 4 – bling – but Megan was now set up wrong and had to bring epic back to correctly do the seesaw – silly me!!!! We ended up completing the course. It didn’t quite go to plan and wasn’t as smooth as it could’ve been – but on the other hand it was nowhere near as bad as it felt – they got 1st place – woooooohooooooooo. Their time was 35.90s and second was 39.64s so their round was much much better than we had anticipated.

Sunday came and we were only in the Masters jumping finals – the very last event of the day. Got to watch all the other rings and boy we have some truly amazing dogs. It was brilliant to watch all levels. Congratulations everyone on making the finals.

As master jumping was approaching I was getting more and more nervous. By the time we were ready to go in I was on my 3rd beer and had the bottle with me outside the ring. I placed it on the step ladders which was undercover from the sun and in we went. Phew, don’t think about the crowds, don’t think about it’s the finals – just go in and do it. And that we did – Diva got 1st in 500 and 1st overall – wooohooooo!!! Was very close between 1st and 2nd. Dan (Diva’s wee cousin) was 2nd and 0.3s behind her – which is absolutely nothing. Their times were 27.64s and 27.94s – oh boy, as one is jumping the bar the other is about to take off – wow.

SO this Nationals was great for me. Considering at the last nationals 2 years ago Samroc was so badly injured with the tyre.

So we have it

Mac’s Disco Diva – Master Jumping National Champion
Novice Snooker National champion
Masters Strategic Pairs National Champion

Still on cloud nine and know we will be slammed back to reality at the next trial with the fantastic dogs in WA so want to make the most of it whilst it lasts and bask in the glory for a wee bit longer - Goooooooo Diva!!!!!!

When we got there the cupboard was bare

2010-04-13T10:11:00.004+08:00

Well Diva had the ultrasound and ................ nope, nada, nought, nothing :-((

Well I've gotten over the disapointment (well getting over it) and not feeling as sorry for myself anymore - just wasn't meant to be. So no chance of ever having a wee Samroc running around this house but I'd much rather have the real thing.

SO what's been happening? Well Mini was in an ANKC trial last weekend - got her Novice agility title - FOR REAL - wooooohooooooo!!!!!!! She even got a quali in gamblers too - go the Minmin, she's getting there :-))) I was soooooo happy. Onya Mini.

We also had an ADAA trial this weekend. This was Diva's first trial for months. The last one we did was in January. We hadn't done any training either up until last week - oh boy, it showed.

Friday night was great - wee Mini got 2 passes, 1 in intermediate jumping and the other in open jumping - way to go wee lass. I couldn't get Diva around a course. I think I got so used to running Min that my reflexes and handling was all to pot when trying to run Diva. I'll tell you what though - even though we didn't get a quali it was fantastic to get her back out there - what a buzz it was running her, I was in my glory. We had a bit of an occurance in one of the rings - which paid off worse for me :-((( On the advanced jumping course there was a box which included 3 jumps and a tunnel (lets see if I can create a clear mental picture or if I completely stuff it up) so there was a jump (say jump 1) to the left and right of jump 1 there was perpendicular jumps (on either side) and straight ahead of jump 1 was a bendy tunnel. So we did jump 1 and into the tunnel, which was kinda straight so the dog came out a long way off - now we had to do a 270 and go over the jump to the right of jump 1 and straight over to the jump on the left of jump 1 - well I sent her through the tunnel and stood between jump 1 and the jump on the right of this (should have been on the tunnel side) so I called diva and she knew from my body language that she was gonna turn so I took off a nano second too soon and didn't straighten her up for the next 2 jumps, she took the jump at an angle and crashed into my leg - ouch!!!! she gave me a massive growl as if to say - stupid woman get out of my path, and continued running - wow that really hurt. Needless to say I had my kneebrace on for Saturday's run, lol.

Saturday didn't see Mini getting a clear round - we walked out of 1 ring only this time near the beginning of the trial. She was just being fruity and silly so I just stopped her and came out. She done really well for the rest of the night though- mainly just getting 1 refusal each time, awwwwwwwwww. This was my handling errors too (and a wee bit of experience lacking on Mini's part) but I was very proud of her and her attempts. Diva and me were more on the ball on the Saturday although I could still feel I wasn't connecting with her as well as we can do. She got a pass in Gamblers, Advanced agility and pairs - wooohooo.

We've got a fair few trials coming up in the next few weekends - we've got for ANKC the states, southern rivre, then the nationals and another ADAA at the end of May. Not really had a look at what's on after that so may be having a bit of a break after ADAA in May.

Well have a look at this picture which I nicked from Sam W (permission granted of course). There must've been something wrong with the camera because it doesn't look right - can you spot what's missing?

So have you guessed it yet? May be this will give you a hint!!!!!

well this will sort it.......

The beautiful wee girl in the first photo is Boylee Penny a working border collie, the other photos are of my wee Minmin a meerkat cross. It even got me stumped at first - just missing that patch over the eye, lol.

Waiting game

2010-03-29T10:38:00.002+08:00

Well it's 3 more sleeps now until I find out if I'm in the states and nationals with Diva or if she's got a belly full of walnuts :-))) I hate the anticipation but it is kinda exciting too.

Samroc's all fine after the operation - moving freely and not in pain - thankfully. We've been back to the vets 2ce now since the surgery. First time was last Saturday - the swelling had went down heaps but there looked to be a testicle still remaining. He also had a painful lump on the back of his neck - which I though was due to the head collar/bucket/leg bruiser :-))

So we went to the vets and I said to the girl behind the desk that he still has a testicle. She had told me that she was in on the surgery and there were definitely 2 removed - my reply was - well he's obviously had 3 then 'cause he's still got one. She came rushing around to have a look and said it was just swelling, because they were soooooo swollen. His lump on the back of the neck was due to an allergic reaction to the injections he had. I was told to give it another week and if the testicles hadn't went down to go back in.

So a week later and we went back in - no change at all and it still felt very much like a testicle. So the vet took his temperature and all was well. He had a look and said it was either a blood clot or scar tissue, either way it will go away on it's own.

So Sambo gets his stitches out when diva gets the ultrasound.

We had an ADAA competition on this weekend. I only had wee Minmin in it. We had only entered Fri and sat - not Sunday. Thought that was enough for me. Anyway we had 10 runs over the 2 days and I think we walked out of most of them. Mini was soooo hyped and was being silly (more than per norm) and was barking frantic, not listening and running around things - it's the Koolie :-)) Anyway she done 3 not bad runs - snooker, one of the intermediate or open jumping and the teams. The rest was mighty shocking. She was really chatty and not listening at all - oh boy I hope she settles down for the nationals and the states. Come one Mini. It'll be soooo embarrassing if we can't get around a course without having to pull out. I've entered her in 400 height to see if that makes it any easier for her to concentrate. It may fall flat in my face and she's even more mental - can only try though. If she is better on the 400 I may have to start competing on that height - or at least for a while until she gets the hang of what her job is out there. I'm nervous about the trials already and we've got ages to go - butterflies!!!!!

As long as she has fun and doesn't do stupid stuff that can cause injuries I'm happy - pass or not just enjoy it.

Linda and Sue sent me her run in ADAA snooker - thank you guys, I've posted it on youtube. I had to laugh - when I was watching it I was going - awwwwwww, lol. She's such a cutie and really fun to watch - makes me laugh. She's like a noisy teddy that you just wanna cuddle (after you've taken the voice box out, lol).

I love ADAA trials - they have 2 rings and everyone mucks in helping scribe, steward, setting up courses, taking them down and changing the heights. There's also no mucking about - the start line and finish lines are at the opposite ends so when the current dog is on the say 3rd last obstacle the next dog is lined up, collar off - ready to run. You can do a quick check with the table to see if they're ready then off you go. The only time you don't go right away is if the current dog doesn't do the last obstacle to stop the timing gates. Otherwise you just run as soon as the other dog has finished (unless the judge asks you to wait of course if they need to speak to the table). You also don't have to worry if you're in another ring as they take the next dog and everyone is lining up in as close order as possible but it doesn't matter if your say 4th in and you go 2nd or 3rd or 10th if the other dog isn't there or you aren't there - there's also no one pushing in because they have 20 dogs to run, or you're lining up at the gate then 10 people come over from another ring and push in front of you because they're before you in the catalogue and have just come from another ring so get to push in rather than joining the queue. It's great fun and the courses are always flowing and sensible. The style is more like what is adopted across the globe, if you have a look at the Olympia finals course or the AKC nationals courses they are beautiful and open and flowing with challenges, these are like the ADAA courses. Go ADAA I look forward to competing in many many more trials.

Well just a few more days now 'til my next blog post - ohhhhhh!!!! But as my Nana used to say "whit's fur ye'll no go by ye" - too true Nana.

Here's wee Mini's snooker run - thanks again Linda and Sue

Yin and Yang

2010-03-18T09:30:00.003+08:00

What is pain...........

Pain is having toothache when you eat and having to chew on the other side
Pain is not winning the lotto and having to go to work to pay the bills
Pain is waiting for news that you are so excited about you just wanna know now
The worst pain is watching your best pal suffering and nothing you can do to help.

So there are different types of pain and suffering. For me out of the list above the worst pain is number 4 – and that is just agonising.

Samroc’s back has been playing up – which it sometimes does. This is usually fixed with a massage and either heat and rest, or exercise – which is usually a walk then a swim with his floaty jacket on to take the strain out of his back.

He wasn’t himself for a few days and getting stiffer and stiffer. At late the worst case scenario is his muscles needing to warm up – rather than the whole rest thing – this was an issue in the earlier stages after his recovery period of his injury. Nevertheless he is older and rest is a thing the body needs to recover. We had tried the light walk and swim but this didn’t seem to fix. So we’ll do the heat and rest.

On Monday morning he was still stiff so I decided to rest him and just took the girls out. Got home and went to work. The trials and tribulations of getting old I suppose, my wee man is old and very stiff. I got home from work that evening and he was ten times worse, he could hardly move his back legs apart and stumbled over – I rushed over to pick him up and feel his muscles – on feeling his back legs my thumb brushed against something weird feeling – which was under his tail – what the......... moved his tail to the side and OMG – VET NOW...........

I lifted him as gentle as possible and proceeded to rush to the car – put him in the car and rushed down to the vet. One of his testicles had swollen to the size of a tennis ball. The vet said it was an infection. There were 2 possibilities – 1 it was just an infection and antibiotics would take away this, or 2 it was a torsed testicle, which means it was in torsion i.e. had rotated and was blocking off blood supply – this would mean surgery. They gave him 3 injections and said to come back in the morning for another appointment. That whole night was hell. We spent the most of the night on the floor having hugs and watching TV.

We waited on the vets opening at 8am – by this time the testis were like a balloon - larger than a grapefruit and his back was like an arch. He couldn’t move his back legs – OMG how much pain is this dog in and he’s not saying a word. Got to the vets and I told the girl at the front to take him through for surgery and not worry about the consultation. I give him a big hug and kiss and they took him though the back. I had been told to call after 3pm.

I cried all the way to work. I know he needs the surgery but the thought of my wee man going under – with his age and all..... So I tidy myself up – breath hard and get myself together and proceeded to walk into work. My mobile goes – it’s the vets – OMG what’s happened, phew they haven’t started yet. Done a test and his kidneys and liver are fine and he should be ok under anaesthetic but they would like to give him fluids – anything he needs give him it. He said they would be doing surgery in the next half hour and to call at 11am. You can imagine the wait.

11am – the call. I spoke to the receptionist and she put me on hold to go and find out. I felt like I was on hold for aaaagggeeeessssss........she came back and said the surgery was all fine and blah blah blah – I couldn’t hear her, is Sam ok, the surgery all went well, blah blah, blah – but is HE OK???? – “yes”! OMG, when can I pick him up – 3pm, phone down, head down and crying like a child. OMG they tears that are just incontrollable and like a waterfall – but with relief.

So I’ve got my boy home again. He was still very drowsy and not sure what the heck was going on. We got home and lay on the floor watching TV. I was supposed to go to training to instruct but I couldn’t leave him like that. I felt bad for not going down to help but my boy needed me and I couldn’t take him with me. Later on he started coming too again and wanted food. He ate slowly but was at least eating.

He’s got a bucket on and got 2 drains sticking outside his has-been testis to remove the excess fluid. Thank the lord he is safe and sound and it is over. He goes back on Friday to have the drains removed and in a fortnight to have the stitches out. Just time now to heal him – I bet he’s relieved he’s got them off. He’s punishing me with that bucket though you know. I won’t need to shave my legs for a while – Sam’s decided to shave them for me with the edge of his bucket – oh well we can be in pain together – owch!

I'm only going as long as NO ONE sees me with this on

Much more comfy now!!!

Tis the season to be jolly........

2010-02-26T09:16:00.002+08:00

No I'm not loosing my marbles - well to be debated.
No I'm not celebrating X-mas in July early; and
No my time machine isn't working and it's December again

So we've got the Western Classic coming up this weekend. One of WA's greatest and biggest agility comps of the year where you win clocks and plates and other goodies. If you win a class you also get your photo in the Canine news, which mine tend to turn out like something from Shrek - sure the post should read "princess Fiona with ............" That's what happened to my modelling career, the camera's wouldn't work right, lol - yeh right.

So I've got Diva and Mini entered in the teams event on Monday. Both in the same team, along with Brynn with Tom and Epic with Megan. No reserve as per norm.
I've got them in the individual events on the Sunday - think it's just their classes though and no opens (which I normally enter at the big ones - will have to wait and see the catalogue as I've had sooooo much going on - especially with work and not sure if I'm arthur or martha at the mo.

I like the classic - it's a good event. At night time too, which is much cooler considering the blistering hot conditions during the day - and I'm not just saying that because I'm Scottish - even the Aussies agree.

I had both Diva and Mini in last year. Wee Mini was in Novice agility and Novice jumping - this year she's still in Novice agility (lol - sorry Mini) and Excellent jumping - wooohoooo Minmin :-)))
My wee Diva was in excellent jumping and excellent agility - she's now in Masters for both - and may I add has her Masters jumping title too - go the Divster. We only have 2 passes in Masters Agility but we won't go there (silly handler, lol).

So on Monday I went into work and didn't get home until about 8.30pm. Had left the house about 7.15ish so it's a long day. Stopped off a HJ's to get a burger and also the dogs a cone each (they love the ice-cream). Got in with a normal overwhelming greating from them all. Later in the evening as I was sitting infront of the laptop (yeh I know workaholic) I noticed someone giving someone else a bit more attention than normal and that someone else not liking it at all).

What.....it can't be yet....you're early....way early......

So I got a tissue and done the check and yep - that someone is Samroc and that someone else is Diva. She's in season.

Just one more week - oh well, when you argue with mother nature you're not only gonna loose, you're gonna get beaten to a pulp.

I went and spoke with the vet regarding AI a few months ago and they said to bring her in when she comes into season.

I finished work on Tuesday and took her into the vets to be tested. Got results back on Wednesday and went back in on thursday to get more tests done. I've to go back in on Saturday and see the vet. I've got a feeling they're gonna call me in on either Sunday or Monday - just my luck. Oh well if they do then I have to go - it's my priority over a trial.

Sorry wee Mini - I'm sure you won't mind too much.

So fingers x'd "'tis the season to be jolly".

I'll keep the blog updated with any news.

I said heyeyeyey, I said hey - what's going on :-)

2010-02-18T08:41:00.002+08:00

Well time flies when you're getting old :-))

It's now February 2010, and my last blog post was last year, lol. So what's going on - hmmmmmmm Well apart from having been REALLLY REEEAAALLLLY sick and getting better, starting back at work after having a nice break off, having to withstand consecutive days of heat above 43 degrees and of course starting a new year there's been heaps in my agility life.

Well Diva gained her Masters jumping title at the end of last year - wooohoooo. 1 down 1 to go. She now has 2 passes in masters agility - 2 down 5 to go, lol.

Mini's doing really well too - only thing was I thought she had her ANKC novice agility title - had stopped trialling her because we'd be in excellent which has the seesaw and we're working on that - turns out I was getting confused with her titles and passes with ADAA and she actually still needs one pass in ANKC to get into excellent - what the....... the worst thing about it was at the end of the year when she got a clear in novice agility I was dancing around and weeeeeeeee - shouted out at the presentation "title" and got a great cheer and clap - oops. So when she does get a clear (note I'm not saying if - finger's x'd, lol) then I have 2 options - 1 to take it happily and quietly and really be jumping for joy in my head - or 2, shout out "title for real" and get rotten eggs and tomatoes thrown at me, lol. Either way I want that pass now - come on Mini - and what's the odds I try too hard and will be writing on this blog next february - "mini nearly got that pass in novice agility ........"

I've been doing training with them and got a good wee routine now - Diva goes on a tuesday, both train on a thursday and Mini on a Friday. Samroc can have mondays and wednesdays all to himself, lol.

I've stopped taking Diva training on a Friday altogether. Until the club gets new equipment in I can't chance it with her - she goes too fast - and wee Mini is starting to pick up the pace too so it may be the case with her on a Friday too and I may have to switch days (or clubs) to take wee Mini's solo act.

I got a real fright a few weeks ago which made me sick to my stomach. I was working on the walk with wee Diva and working on sending her on without having to have me at the end - also working on speed - which she was doing awesome. On our last turn on the dog-walk (last turn not because we had done enough but because of the following) - she screamed up the up ramp, her back legs were just on the along ramp and the up ramp of the walk fell on the floor - OMG. After Samroc I get all nervous, anxious and sickly when I see things like this happen - so I continued on and went to the seesaw - I didn't want to affect her at all and as she had just gotten into the "safe zone" of the along ramp she wasn't injured. So wee Diva doesn't play on a Friday. Mini's not as fast as Diva but she's starting to get her speed up the more we do and the more it sinks in the quicker she's getting.

Apart from that all's good. I really need to work on my handling skills though. This is our biggest downfall in the ring. My fitness level for one is a major flop and is holding us back in heaps - then I'll blame my handling. You can train your dogs to be awesome, fast and accurate but that means nothing if you can't help them out in the ring - so........

New Years ressie(s) ........

1. work on fitness
2. work on handling
3. keep training the dogs in a regular routine

Aims for this year:

ANKC

Help Diva achieve her Masters Agility title
Help Mini achieve her Excellent jumping title
Help Mini achieve her Novice agility title
Get at least 3 passes in Excellent agility with Mini

ADAA

Help Diva achieve her seniors title
Help Mini achieve her Intermediate title

Agility general:

Have Mini doing all contacts well
Have Diva sending onto all contacts well Have Diva's seesaw down pact
Have Mini's weaves fast and independant - including doing a RHS weave - oh boy
Not have as much handling errors on the course by me - bigger oh boy.

Well that's the plan. So I don't have any photos to put on or many videos - I'm working on another movie which isn't complete as yet.

In the meantime I'll get back to dressmaking (that's for Simonne and Robin).

I've posted a video for my buddies Nicola and Steve. Nicola normally runs Sage (an awesome fast BC), but this time Steve runs her down in Albany in Masters Jumping and does a phenom run with her and wins the class.

Cheers for now and remember to have fun with your dog - play hard and safe and remember to have fun :-)))

Trials to date

2009-12-05T12:07:00.007+08:00

Well I managed to get a few more trials in since the west coast challenge with the German Shepherd Club on 17/10/09. Unfortunately I’ve had more hard luck stories (or more like bad handling stories lol) than good.

As we are coming to the end of the year and agility has a wee break over the summer we only have a few trials left. I’ll post about the trials we have done since the west coast challenge on one post rather than heaps of individuals (since I’m still slack at updating this blog)

Trial: Rockingham double header, 18/10/09 – didn’t do. Ok off to a bad start but here are the ones we did do, lol.

CAWA fundraiser jumping double header, 30/10/09

Diva: zero .Mini: zero

Comments: Had a crash with Richard the judge in excellent jumping when running Mini, lol. He was running to get out of the way and it so happened that was the way I was running and yep we crashed. Richard was lovely and gave me a re-run, but I think I rushed to much, didn't give wee Mini a solid enough cue for the tunnel, I started running diagonally away and yep she came with me, got a refusal, doh!, that was her only fault though, owch! At least I got a dance on the course though, lol.

CAWA fundraiser agility double header, 31/10/09

Diva: zero .Mini: zero

Comments: Mini wasn’t entered so zero, lol. I'd pulled Mini out of agility for a few trials since she only needs one pass to get her novice title and move into excellent. Seeing she can't do the seesaw I thought I'd hang fire until the last few of the year and try and get a pass - now thinking I probably should've entered all to try for the pass then pull her out once she got her title - oh well, to late now, lol.

ACWA jumping trial, 04/11/09

Diva: 2^nd Masters Jumping .Mini: zero

Comments: Was a fun round with Diva, got pinched at the post by Andrea and Smudge by 0.02s – OMG, how close. Agility has gotten really exciting over here in recent times. The dogs are running at fab speed with great tightness. It's now down to who done a certain cross or pull or whatever that split second time quicker - and if you make a minor stuff up you've lost it. It's great to see and exciting to be part of.

Perth training trial, 07/11/09

Diva: 1^st Masters Jumping .Mini: zero

Comments: We had a chuckle about this one, Andrea beat me last week, I beat Frank this week so Frank has to beat Andrea next week and we're all square, lol. Like I said before it is sooooo close with our WA Masters dogs it's really anyones game.

Rottie Club, 14/11/09

Diva: Zero Mini: 1^st Excellent jumping

Comments: This is the only trial in my life that I have actually been really upset. Not just saying this but Diva done the most awesome run ever in Masters Agility – up until the a-frame. We were working really well as a team and she was having a run to remember – she was truly awesome. Then after the a-frame I shut down. Dunno what was going through my head. I think I panicked about nearly getting around clear and got myself way into the wrong position, stuffed up a pull through (OMG majorly) – got back on track and again was on the wrong side – we had one bar to go to get a clear and that was a jump to the left – what did I do – OMG not sure if I can relive this again, lol – I sent her over the bar to the right – WTF. I honestly wanted to go home, and I never get like that. Poor Diva, what am I thinking.

And for wee Mini she got a clear, go girlfriend - and since I was in such a huff with myself I wasn't really in the mood - gave myself a shake and went "whatever" with Diva's run - hey as long as we're having FUN that's what counts - wake up Jules and smell the roses, live in the moment and enjoy!

Albany 22/11/09: didn’t do, lol. Come on I have done heaps of others J

Southern River, 28/11/09

Diva: Zero Mini: Zero

Comments: Mini should have gotten 2 clear rounds here. If you read my other posts you will know that I have no problems at all about blaming the handler (i.e. me) for stuffing up 99.9% of the course. HOWEVER, and I say this with a grin, knowing this trial was not my fault, and no it’s not even a training issue – YAY, I can escape the blame on this one – or actually these 2, lol. Mini in excellent jumping – got almost all the way around the course – wasn’t the smoothest run but hey she’s still learning, get the straight jumps on the way home and voila we’re done. But my wee Minmin decides to do one of the 5 jumps then veer off to the other side of the ring to the start line. I actually stopped and watched in amazement – where is she going????? Hmmm, we will never know what she was thinking – was funny though. She had a sniff of my hat which was at the marshalling area at the start then seemed to be most interested in the timing gates and had a good long sniff of them before coming back to me – Mini you’re a star, lol.

What tops it off though is her agility round. Again got all the way round and had a straight line left – 4 obstacles, she done 1, then was hooning to 2, I’m running behind her and she’s getting further ahead, over 3, yes we’ve done it, I’m still running behind a little further back now and mini runs AROUND the last jump, WTF. It took her more effort to run around it that over it, lol. What a wally. She cracks me up. Not sure if it’s the timing gates or if she just really is blonde, lol.

CAWA trials I have left before January ’10.

ACWA 09/12/09,

Dobe 12/12/09,

Dogswest 13/12/09

I have 3 CAWA trials left to achieve my target which I set a while back. I have also added a new target to the list - get a clear round with both Diva and Mini on the same night, lol.

ADAA

We have 2 ADAA trials in December. Both double headers. The first is on this weekend then the other in a few weeks.

Both Diva and Mini are in the International program and both jump 550mm. Mini is in starters and Diva is in Intermediate. Both of them need one more pass in agility to move up to the next level – Mini will be intermediate and not sure what Diva’s is (still learning about ADAA) – it may be Open or Advanced??? Will have to check on that one

I love ADAA and really enjoy their trials and mostly the courses.

I also have set myself goals for the 2 ADAA trials coming up to achieve before the end of the year.

Diva to get an agility pass this weekend to gain her Intermediate title.

Mini to get an agility pass this weekend to gain her starters title.

New plan of action here - stop over thinking and go out there and have fun. Take the good with the bad but enjoy it always.

Jules

17/10/09 - West Coast Challenge (GSDA)

2009-11-13T13:58:00.004+08:00

The GSDA West Coast Challenge is one of my favourite trials of the year.

It's a big one for me. This is the trial I remember the most about when Samroc and I first came over to OZ and started competing here.

Not only do they have spectacular trophies, they used to invite the winners from the agility and jumping classes along to their AGM which is all about the members. Boy the club really is a good one for the members. It was a really feel good night, all the GSDA presentations were done and there was food and drinks too - a real club party and real celebration of the year just gone.

Unfortunately this no longer happens. They still give out the fab trophies but no longer an invite. That's ok - I still have the memories and I think this is why this trial is so special to me.

So on the day - we get there and it's an afternoon trial as per norm. Well what on earth is mother nature thinking - it was 38 degrees. OMG talk about a heatwave.

Masters agility with my wee Diva was such a shame - again the handler let her down. She done all the hard bits and only had a short jumping sequence to go and yep - I royally screwed up. I sent her on to go though the tunnel and bolted diagonally away, trying to get into position. Now that's ok if a) I've got a much slower dog and can get there before she comes out the tunnel, b) I keep my eye on my dog coming out of the tunnel in case she comes out quicker than anticipated, c) I'm an Olympian sprinter. We'll unfortunately none of the above in this instance - and a definate ruling out of "a" and "c" for future reference too BTW. As I got into position I turned around to see wee Diva had shot out the tunnel and had already taken the tyre which was straight ahead of her path - good girl - silly handler -aaaarrrrgggg!!!!!! The dog is absolutely great - it's the handler than needs to learn to cope with such a fast dog - out of practise on the masters courses I think.

Novice agility - another oops. The 3rd or 4th obstacle was the weaves and mini missed the correct entry - aw well she waited on the start line :-) good girl mini

Excellent jumping. This was a real shame. It was a lovely course and a real "mini" course too. This was the kind of course mini really enjoys and powers through too. So what happened????? well guess who didn't walk it?? hmmmmmm - yep me. I thought it was the open jumping course (didn't enter open) - so I went in kinda blind. I came straight out of novice agility and had to bolt over to the excellent jumping ring. There was only 1 dog left to run before the luck last - mini and me. That;s not too bad I'll watch the dog go around and see where we have to go. The course had a lot of spirals in it which was kinda hard to read the numbers as you go around, lol. So the 2nd last dog goes in before us and nooooooooooooooooooo - gets and off course and retires, aarrrrggg.

I got a lead out and frantically trying to read the numbers as I'm leading out to see where I'm going - GO - we almost got it - 1 refusal, owch. I was reading the numbers as we were going and mucked up a section - I started heading off the tunnel to another jump and mini came with me - awwwwwww. Sorry mini - she done a lovely round besides that though. Shame.

So lets leave the best til last. Masters jumping. A trickey course. Had to really work it but lovely and flowing if you got it right. On the collapsible tunnel there was a massive thud - I think diva had smacked into the inside. The grip at the bottom of this tunnel is way insufficient and that's probably to do with it. I hadn't realised at first - head the noise but she came shooting out and on fire so we continued the course. She got a nice clear round but it wasn't until the run home I realised in my head what had happened back there and started freaking out. We crossed the finish line and i cuddled her and checked her out - she was fine thank God.

Well we ended up getting a first and wee diva was all fine - not injured at all. So she can stick the trophy where the sun don't shine - giving me a fright like that, lol. Well done little Div - very proud of you!

11/11/09 ACWA agility trial

2009-10-29T09:04:00.005+08:00

Sunday 11th October ’09 we had the ACWA agility trial.

ACWA trial had individuals then strategic pairs. I love playing strat. pairs – such a hoot.

We had individuals first. This was to be Diva’s first Masters agility – oooohhhh!!!

Mini was up first in novice agility. She only needs one more pass to get her title and graduate into excellent – which has the seesaw and yep we can’t do that just yet. So there is no hurry at the moment to get out of Novice. (She’s still not “great” on her other contacts, start line or weaves either so there’s definitely no rush. We got a refusal on a collapsible tunnel – go figure, the wee scaff ran past it barking at me, lol. That’s cool though ‘cause she got all her contacts and weaves – yey minmin.

I think it was excellent jumping next (can’t remember too well) but I think she broke the start line and I would’ve made some stupid handling faux pas which I am obviously blocking from my memory, lol. No pass their either.

Wee Diva’s turn and we had Masters agility. Lovely challenging course and I stuffed up big time. Handling at one section was a crock and I made her pull down a bar. Dam it – sorry Diva. She had a close call on the seesaw and didn’t give the wait at the end I want (and it looked like she came off early too) – I stuck her back on; got the seesaw I wanted then retired. Looking back on Jens video she actually did get the seesaw but it still isn’t what I want so glad I did what I did – sorry for mucking up the jump Diva.

Masters jumping was the last of the individuals and boy if I had a gun I’d ask someone to shoot me. It was a nice challenging course and we got the pull through and just a 180 (or more like a 230) on another jump next – that’s cool – “out” would’ve probably been suffice – but what actually came out was “go tunnel” (which was in fact the next obstacle after the "230" jump) – well before I realised what I had done wee div had shot through the tunnel – what the........ OMG, good girl.

If there was a first place for the worst handling I’d definitely win the masters class in that easy. I even think I’m currently winning for worst handler of the year award, lol. I must say though I’m not entirely to blame. Some of this blame must go to Stacy P. Since she’s not been over to do a seminar this year and kick my butt then I have to put some of the blame onto her. Sorry Stace but the facts are the facts, lol. I’ll just have to keep on failing miserably and plodding along until you come over and show me what’s up with me (besides the obvious), lol. Feeling guilty yet, vbg – got your flight booked yet, lol. – Just remember to bring Jule P with you – she doesn’t know it yet but she gets to run Mini :-) Now that’ an experience and a half – you’ll thank me one day Jule (or never speak to me again) lol.

So we have strat. pairs in the afternoon. I love strat. pairs. I had done so miserable in the previous rounds that I was gonna try really, really hard. Well do my best anyway.

Mini and Dancer were on first. They are in Novice S.P’s. When we started strat pairs a year ago it included Mini only doing the a-frame and jumps, wee Dancer had to do majority of the course. Mini got to do contacts, the weaves and jumps – yay mini.

Dancer is blinding quick and was owning the course – go Dancer. Wee Mini isn’t exactly slow and was screaming too. We lost a bit of time on one of the change over’s. I was getting Mini lined up for the weaves and forgot you could hold the dog still when you’re not in play – so mini’s bark bark bark and dancer had already done the tunnel and jumps before I knew it. I forgot how fast Dancer is and I’m sure her feet didn’t touch the ground over the line of jumps after the tunnel, lol. There was smoke coming off her she was going that fast. Anyway I managed to get Mini lined up again and into the weaves, jump and a-frame. Phew!! The rest of the course was awesome for them.

This was the best strat pairs Mini and Dancer had had together (now that Mini’s getting her act together and not the spare wheel anymore, lol). They both did an awesome job.

They now just need 1 more pass to get into excellent. It’s got the seesaw in it so that’ll have to definitely be Dancer’s thing until Mini learns it and shares the burden, lol. Hey Dancer’s got an awesome seesaw anyway so that’s fine by me.

To top it off they ended up getting first place, yay girls. As you can imagine Megan and I were over the moon. They won a rosette and a bottle of wine each – yummy.

Diva and Epic were next. It was their first masters strat pairs and boy did they do their thing. Diva was absolutely on fire and I couldn’t ask any more of her than what she gave. Epic was hooning round too.

We kinda mistimed one thing on a change over which was near the end. Diva came out the tunnel over a jump, change over; epic to do the a-frame, change over again and diva do the jumps out.

This would make it flowing and quick as Diva comes out the tunnel and takes the jump in the sequence, continue over the not in play jump straight ahead of us and continue down the “in play” line of jumps home. As wee Div’ was taking the not in play jump Epic would do the a-frame.

Well didn’t quite flow like that. As I said Div was screaming and did the jump after the tunnel, the not in play jump then the start of the line home jumps in a nano second, crap, we had to pull back and do the jump again.

We haven’t done strat pairs for a year and are a bit rusty with our timing – but they had both screamed around the rest of the course and obviously made up heaps of time there because they still got first place – wooohoooo!!!

On top of the world is only a portion of what Megan and I were feeling. So we won another rosette and another bottle of wine – hangover waiting to happen, lol.

Jasmine's 4th Birthday

2009-10-24T08:09:00.007+08:00

Saturday 10th October ’09 my wee “baby” niece turned 4. Not so much a baby anymore, how time flies.

I had spoken to my big sis’ and we were all going to AQUA to celebrate her wee birthday.

Made my way onto the motor way (oops I mean freeway in Oz, lol) and proceeded to get to my destination of AQUA. Well I thought I’d gone too far and missed the exit then came off, made my way back and ended up back in the city again – doh!!! Back on the Freeway again and Amanda (my big sis’) called to say they were about 20minutes away – also gave me tips on what exit to take, lol – thank you big sis’. I just had to go another 5 minutes from where I first turned off and would have got there – oh well. Got there second time round – where’s the GPS when you need them???

I met Amanda, Nige and Jasmine there at lunchtime and we went it. The weather was a bit drizzly but most of AQUA is indoors anyway so that wasn’t a bother.

I gave wee Jazz her prezzie outside and she was rather pleased with them. I got her a Dora the explorer wee hidey tent and sweeties, and Samroc, Diva & Mini got her (awwww) a wee shitsu toy dog that walks, barks wags its tail and is very well house trained, lol.

Wee Jasmine was all excited and loved seeing all the sharks, stingrays, giant turtles, crocs, jellyfish, etc. I think the touch pool was a big hit too. They even have a place where the youngies can colour and make their own badges (they wouldn't let me and Amanda do it though since we are too old, lol).

It was such a great day and we all had a “whale” of a time.

It was absolutely fantastic spending time with my big sis, Nige and my wee niece Jasmine.

We went to the Sorrento acrade to look around the shops and have some lunch.

The day was topped off with us hitting the UK sweetie shop - OMG, Christmas come early. Drifters, Wotsits, Smokey Bacon Walkers crisps, jelly babies, wham, whispa's, the list goes on and on.

Happy 4th birthday Jazz, not long now until you can come out clubbing, lol :-)

Perth Royal Show 2009

2009-10-22T18:43:00.001+08:00

Well it's been a while since my last post and I have a lot of updating to do.

Will start with the Perth Royal Show.

The "Royal" is one of the big agility events of the year for me and a whopper of an "agricultural" show for Perth. I say agricultural with a smirk 'cause although that's what it actually is I think the kids nowadays go for the rides and show bags.

The agility was on Saturday 26th September and Monday 29th Sept. Teams and open were on the Sat and individuals were on the Mon.

The build up to the Royal for me was shocking. 4 weeks before Diva came into season and didn't get down training or trialling at all. The week before saw me coming down with an almighty cold - very ill. I was in bed from the Wednesday afternoon until the Saturday morning.

As Diva and Mini were in the same team (with Epic and Brynn) I couldn't very well scratch as I was half the team. I had no energy and was feeling really bad. Tom was a gem and came through to pick me and the girls up (I didn't even have energy to drive).

We got there way early and waited on the trial starting at 9am. I had already told Tom and Megan I couldn't run and Megan opted to run Diva and Tom decided to take on the Minxter.

Both had very good job considering they don't normally run them. Megan was unlucky with open jumping with a last bar - doh! and Tom done superb with Mini - she actually stayed with him most of the time and didn't run out looking for me (wee Minmin and her seperation anxiety) - well done guys.

The open came in the afternoon and as Diva had jumped off her a-frame in the teams agility round I had said to Megan I would take her and Mini in just to get their contacts and that would be that.

Wee mini went in open agility (I keep forgetting the seesaw is in it and mini hasn't reached that obstacle yet - doh!). Anyhoo we plodded along got the a-frame, walk and weaves then retired.

Diva was a wee bit after. I had mustered up some energy from somewhere????? We get on the start line and the rest is really a blur. I can remember her running into her 2o2o position on the a-frame and I gave her a quick release. I done the same for all the contacts - supposed to be proofing them my butt - I honestly can't remember much and we didn't get it taped to look back over - oh well. The highlight of my day was the little buggar ended up getting first place in the open agility - OMG what - hang on, what happened again, lol. I was very surprised and very proud - although all I wanted to do was go home to bed. Well done little Diva and thank you!

Monday had me feeling a little bit brighter - not fab but at least I didn't want to just lie down all day and suffer, lol.

Mini had novice agility first and bombed out with breaking her start line - this is dejavu from last year - little minx :-)

Mini done such a good job in excellent jumping although I nearly missed a jump and was heading off for another jump - by the time I tried to rectify it the game was all over - I wasn't quick enough and the minxter got a refusal on the jump - doh! after that I kinda gave up and just wanted outa there - well done mini, great effort wee lass :-))

Diva had masters jumping next and it was an awesome course. Fast, flowing and challenging too. We did an awesome round. A couple of very minor hiccups but nothing to write home about. We got 4th place. On watching the top 3 runs I was very honoured to come 4th to them. I'll tell you though it was a very exciting course to watch. The difference between 1st and 10th was less than 2 seconds, and watching the other 9 rounds I was lucky to come 4th too - that was also special for me - go Diva.

Our last run of the day was the one I had went to the royal for - excellent agility. I desperately wanted a pass in this. It was the final leg/pass we needed to get her excellent agility title and I wanted this bad. We're in excellent longer than I wanted so was very very nervous about this one. Diva's wee brother Maverick came over and had a word with us too about getting our act together and take out this round "FFS" or he would loose all respect for his big 'sis, lol. Thanks Graeme, this actually calmed me down a bit (just a smidge) :-))

Mav egging his big sis' Diva on It had to be said - now come on

Well she done it - CLEAR, woohoo. I almost mucked up the last jump. I ran out of steam (fatty) and nearly made her take the wrong jump. I just had enough energy to get another few steps in and keep her on track - thank the lord. I would've been kicking myself for years to come otherwise. Anyhoo to top it off we won it - yay!!! She was such a good girl (pity about the other half of the team - i.e. me, lol).

I've got some of the runs on video - unfortunately not the open agility as that was supposedly a cracker. I'll put them on my video tab as soon as I get my act together.

Other news from the Royal (yes, yes it's not all about me, lol).

Sam Weaver and Billbee qualified to run in the main arena in the 3 sheep trial. (Only the top 3 sheep dogs with accumulated points throughout trials from the year are invited too). Go Sam and Bill.

Kriszty's Jess - agility and obedience champion - had her final agility and jumping runs in the team’s event. They went out with a bang and won both agility and jumping teams.

Tom got 3rd in Masters jumping with Brynn - Royally beating mine and Diva's ass to the ground, lol.

Megan and Epic got 5th in Masters Agility.

Graeme and the awesome Maverick (Diva's wee brother) got 2nd in CD (Obedience), 3nd in Novice agility with a couple of penalties and 2nd in novice jumping with a bar down - wow. Just wait until he gets clear - watch out Diva he's coming to get ya :-)))

Well this years Royal's was one of the best ever. I really enjoyed myself (besides the cold). And will more than likely be there next year.

Diva can hold her head up high with her wee bro' Mav - well done to them both!!!

Aim for next year's Royal show:

Diva - to be a master in her seesaw and me not baby it

Mini - get a comfy lead out and get a clear round :-))

Who know's though - it is the Royal show and anything goes - as long as we have fun :-)))

Pleasantly surprised

2009-09-17T09:04:00.006+08:00

We had a big weekend of agility last weekend. On Saturday we had a double header with Gosnells dog club and on Sunday another agility trial – fundraiser for the nationals. Yes I actually trialled - woohooo!!!!

Photo by Gillian Self -
www.flickr.com/photos/gillianself
We rocked up to Gosnells trial on the Saturday morning and our first run wasn’t until the second half of the morning so we pottered about and watched others do some spiffy runs and others doing some specky stuff but with hard luck stories, then it was our wee turn. We went into excellent jumping first. It was Richard’s course and such a lovely course too. Anyhoo, we get to the start line and Mini’s her usual “barky” self. Little scab broke her start before I was in place but she done brilliant. If her handler wasn’t such a baboon she would’ve got around clear. The novice agility again was a great wee attempt on Mini’s behalf. Vicki was judging and set which I may add a challenging section in the course for novice dogs – wee Mini managed to get it (although I nearly stuffed it up with a “late” front cross and she had to jump out the way of my fat ass, lol). The last 3 obstacles to go were “jump, spread and jump”. Mini has a problem with straight lines and will tend to run around them (she wants more of a challenge) I think it’s just a novice thing – although I’ve been told it’s a Koolie thing. So she does the jump, starts to veer off the spread, I stop to pull her back onto the line of the spread, she’s taking off and crashes the spread – why oh why did I stop?????? Aaaaaarrrrgggggg. Sorry Mini. Was way happy though – she got her weaves and contacts (which we are very novice at and need lots of practise with) – go the minxter!!

Gosnells PM trial – well I was over the moon at Mini’s performance from the morning and although no qualifier I was still on a high. We went into excellent jumping, Cindy had set up an awesome jumping course – again if mini’s handler aka me could actually handle we would’ve gotten around the course – kick me!!!! Oh well she had fun and barked all the way around.

Novice agility was judged by Nic Forde – again a lovely novice course. Wee Minmin got all her contacts, her weaves and actually got around clear – yay Mini – to top it off she won – woooohooooo!!!!! (Hence the photo at the beginning with the quail card and Rosette – thanks again to Gillian Self for the photo). On a high doesn’t even come close.

I did notice something though – Mini needs a lot of help on the course – I think after going through all that stage with diva and now having a more confident dog and well basically a dog that’s been trained lol I have been not lazy but expecting too much of wee Mini. I have to take that extra step or tell her “jump” at that point – she needs that extra helping hand at the moment. This will differ as her experience grows but I need to “baby” her at the moment. Glad to have found it out now though than stuffing her up. Feel free to kick my butt if I’m slack with Mini and not helping her out.

So we had it all to do on the Sunday again. We rocked up to CAWA for the fundraiser trial and had excellent jumping first. Cindy was judging again and set up a great jumping course. Wee Mini goes in – on the starline and “woof woof woof woof” – I wasn’t confident on the start at all. I wanted to get into a spot and do a front cross but released her and wasn’t even in the spot to do a fc so we done a rear instead (Mini’s learning rears and picking it up not too badly) – anyway she was listening to me all the way around and – yep we got clear – OMG Mini got clear in excellent jumping – guess what – guess what else – she won it!!!!!!!!! Yippppeeeeeeeeee. Way to go Mini.

We had novice agility next and she done really well up until the weaves – owwwwww she went into the wrong entrance side – she really tried though. All we had left after the weaves was table and jump – nearly Mini – she tried soooooo hard too. Great effort mini well done wee chicken.

Don't have much video footage of mini but managed to capture some on the weekend and have her runs from the classic in march (lol - if you seen it you'd know :-) ) So I'll have to put together a wee movie for Mini with her runs on it.

I'm pleased at how mini is coming along - especially with our lack of training. Mini is supposed to be a 400 dog in CAWA but we now jump 500. She can cope easily. She's obviously much slower on 500 than 400 but I have confidence that she will speed up. I'll let her do that in her own time though and make it as fun as possible along the way. Sure we're gonna have some hiccups and setbacks but that is the game of dog training. It has to be fun for her and I have to make it fun. Afterall I have to remember she's doing it for me.

Thank you Mini xxx

Contact debate

2009-09-03T11:01:00.002+08:00

Well well well, I have to talk about contacts and a little debate I'm having at the moment.

I have taught Diva a 2020 for both a-frame and dog-walk. This enables me to have a quick release if I need it but ensures I have a reliable dog on her contacts (obviously not 100% as she is not a robot although she is a magic dog, lol) :-) The last time at training I quick released Diva every time and she nailed them - very naughty of me as I didn't go back and hold them before the session was over. Nevertheless, next time at training I will do a few quick releases but more holding them - hopefully I haven't lost them :-S She has very fast contacts and I have put in a lot of hard work and time into them so I don't want to stuff them up.

Now what to do with Mini??? She had a fast dog walk and I have been teaching a 2020 and now completely stuffed up her walk- doh!!! I think I may stick with the 2020 on the walk and work on improving it - as I am in 2 minds I don't want to work on 1 method then change my mind and ask for something else along the line - this will just lead to confusion and totally stuff her up. So I'm not sure if I want a 2020 or a running???? hmmmm. The other thing is the a-frame. We have been working on a running a-frame and when she gets it - boy she gets it. Move over Diva 'casue the Minxter is coming through. I am again half hearted in a running a-frame but she can do it sooooooooo fast and am thinking about persuing this - again in 2 minds and don't want to stuff her up. I have been slack in training mini in agility and want to get her properly going for next year. I want good contacts that I can come out the ring thinking "yeh that was nice - good job" rather than "OMG my heart skipped a beat and almost completely stopped".

Since I have been searching for Mini's best methods and what she can do quickest and easiest naturally I have been faced with another question which seems to be varied in answers - how to time your contacts and how long to hold them for? I will be working on this with mainly diva for the next few weeks. I have an idea in my head what I want to do but am I wrong?

If I am timing her contacts do I time them from the point she touches the up to the point she leaves the contact? From the point she touches the up to the point she touches the down contact? Remembering I will be holding her on 75% of the sessions? hmmmmm.

On this note do I have a standard time to hold her on? one second, two seconds, five seconds? Do I be consistant on the timing?

Do I then count the 2 seconds from the point she hits the up contact - one, two, then release her or do I hold her on the down contact, one, two then release her? To me it makes sense to hold her on the down contact for one, two, five, etc, seconds then release but others seem to be doing this a bit different?

Over the next few weeks I'll work on contacts and keep with a 2020 for the walk and running frame for now, and also diva's contact - I'll work on my own timing methods i.e. count when she is at the end "one, two, disco" and will also vary the timing length - but have it in my head before we do the obstacle. I am interested in your opinion though - what do you think about the contacts?

agility nationals fundraiser agility trial

2009-08-23T18:18:00.003+08:00

Well we actually entered an agility trial today - wooohooo :-)

Have to say - although I had a stinker of a headache (think it was the lack of food and water) I had an absolute blast.

The weather was very kind to us - only had a couple of little spurts of rain - so can't complain at that - considering the grey clouds that were upon us.

The jumping rings were a bit soggy though - no fault to anyone except mother nature :-) Made it very hard to run and the dogs were sliding about too - poor mini and her face plant - she's all good though - in fact I think around 50 per cent of the dogs and handlers either slipped or landed on their rear - poor Erica Pope running Roy feet slipped away from her and she still got up and ran - the second slip was a bit hard to recover from - luckily she was allowed a re-run and performed an awesome run with Roy.

I didn't have luck on my side today at all - was wanting my final leg in Excellent agility - Diva managed to nail the seesaw (along with all the other contacts and weaves) - it was just a jumping sequence left - normally diva would have nailed the jumps if I could help her out and actually tell her where to go - my legs were like lead - my quads were throbbing for some reason - must've hurt them from friday?? not sure - anyhoo she went to do a wrong jump (where my body was telling her to go) - managed to push her off the wrong one and by the time she was at the "next" jump to do she was upon it and dropped it - doh!!! I stopped after that - my legs were sore and gave up - she was a good girl, and she got the seesaw - yey Diva.

Masters jumping was a bit of a disappointment too - I sent her in the wrong end of the tunnel - doh!!! it was as if I was watching someone else run and didn't work her at all - oops - again my wee diva I'm sorry for stuffing it up. We got in the correct end of the tunnel and done a rather nice round - not like a normal blitzing diva run but nice all the same - just that one thing - if only..... hmmmm!!!!

And wee mini was in too. She done her first excellent jumping - I was terrified and not sure how she would cope - must say even though we didn't come close to clear she done a not too bad round - along with a face plant. She's getting there - starting to understand the obstacles and what I am asking of her.

Wee minmin was also in Novice agility - OMG - she got 1 fault - and it was dropping the first bar - awch. I mean the round wasn't very pretty at all but go minmin. Trying to think back what happened - she was funny on the walk - didn't jump off at the end - rather done a 2o2o position but at the beginning of the contact zone on the down ramp instead of actually on the grass. I asked again and she moved slightly further down - 3rd time she done it correctly - tells me she's trying to work it out - kinda getting the idea - that's cool - indicated what level she's at and clearly doesn't understand that the position I am after is at the end of the contact rather than there abouts - she's thinking though and not just blowing me off - which is nice. She stayed on the table and let me get a bit away from her - good girl, after the table there was about 2 or 3 jumps then the weaves - still learning the weaves - have to help her into the entry (not practised them nearly enough) so I mucked about with her and got her lined up nice and easy and she done them all - yay- it was just the a-frame and last jump (think it was a spread or broad - can't remember now) - anyhoo she nailed the a-frame with a running (which is what we are doing - well for now :-) - then she went to deviate from the last jump straight in from of her - hey blondie you've gotta finish correctly - not sure where she was going but kinda went behind me or something - was weird - I called her though and like little harry potter she reappeared as fast as she had vanished and done the last jump - great effort mini - well done wee chicken.

There were some awesome runs and heaps of hardline stories too.

Megan had an awesome day - Epic got 3rd in Masters jumping with a lovely run, she also done a fab round with Dancer and won Excellent agility - well done Megan. Tom done a few specy runs too - think it was masters agility they were hooning around the course and got 1 bar down - what a shame it was a blinder too. Steve done a fab round with Spud - nailed the contacts and got a refusal on one jump - lovely contacts though. Tracey ran a great round with Makko and just got a penalty on the seesaw - owwww. Nicola ran a smashing round with Kite - he's coming on fab and with super fast contacts - as per normal for nic's dogs. There were other's too which I can't name right at this second but will remember as soon as I post this blog.

Tell you though I got a bit of a wakeup call and a motivator today when I saw Karen had her young dog Sonic in Masters agility and Masters jumping. She's doing a bloody good job with him. I can remember him and mini both being in novice together and now he's further ahead than diva who's about a year older than him. Kriszty had a bit of a laugh and said I had to actually enter trials to get qualies - yeh yeh - I know I have been soooo slack so need to get my but back into gear and back into the ring. I mean taking nothing away from Karen - she's progressed sooo quickly and so well - but she's give me a shake - thanks Karen - you've motivated me to get my butt back into the ring.

So my goals for this year (yes I am going to trial):

Get Diva her Excellent agility title
Gain 2 legs towards Diva's masters agility title
Gain 2 legs towards Diva's masters jumping title (she's got 1 so far - woohoo)
Achieve 1 good clear round with Mini in excellent jumping
Achieve 1 good clear round with Mini in novice agility

Note: by clear I mean no mucking about or babying - getting the job done and done right!!

Well that's the target for this year - now I think our next trial is the end of september (I think it's the Royal which I never have any expectations of going clear due the atmosphere so it's probably october) so we've got a lot of time for me to get my fitness up and to practice and pray :-)))

Blame it on the rain

2009-06-28T12:14:00.002+08:00

Well here are 2 little stories I have to add – kept for a rainy day

Story #1: know your surroundings

Well since moving into my new place – a whole new area, I have found a smashing place to take the dogs for a run. Just round the corner from me there’s an empty riverbank and beyond that a large open area for the dogs to run their wee socks off ;-) On the first spell of rain we had I drove to the normal spot – parked the car up and let the dogs out – it was raining, but not too heavy like it had been earlier. I had a pair of jean on and trainers so my feet weren’t that well protected but I had a nice warm jacket on, snugly. I discovered the empty river bed was no longer empty – filled to the brim – no way have we had that much rain over night – hmmmm. Well I can’t cross here without my canoe so I decided to walk down-stream a bit to see if there was a place I could cross. Sure enough further up the road there was a wee island thingamajig I could jump onto and then get on the bank at the other side. We done our walk and just as we got near where I normally cross the heavens opened up – it was soooooo heavy rain, I was walking backwards and looked at wee Samroc who was walking beside me – his head was lowered and he was closing his eyes best he could. Stuff this, come on boy, I ran to where I normally cross the river to see if there was a way we could all get over. Diva and Mini jumped straight in, had a wee swim and over the other side. I’m looking frantically for somewhere to cross – then I spotted it. Someone had placed a largish tree branch to use as a crossing point – why didn’t I see that before? The thickest part of the branch was about a metre from the bank so I got my footing right, careful not to slip and fall into the burn – counted in my head – 1, 2, 3 – and made the jump onto the branch. Doesn’t quite end there though – the branch wasn’t actually a crossing point which someone had kindly placed – it was a random branch which had been washed up and was momentarily having a rest from its journey down stream and beyond. Now here’s me up to my waste in skanky water – freezing cold and completely soaked through. My first reaction wasn’t to scream out or immediately get out the water – my first response was to look about to see if anyone saw me – how embarrassing, then I waded over to the other side. Once I was out I couldn’t stop laughing, what a walley - even the dogs were laughing. I got in the car covered in crap that was skimming on the top of the water and went to the wee local shop – I squelched into the shop and squelched out – went home dried the dogs off and had the best bath ever – moral of the story – if you’re gonna do stupid stuff take someone along and a video camera – TV shows give you money for that :-)

Story #2: take your time

Again another poring day – I was sitting in the house with the dogs and doing some work. The back door was left open the dogs could come and go as they pleased. I had a pair of short and a t-shirt on, along with a big granny housecoat – which mum insisted on giving me – bright purple with flowers on – not very sexy but warm all the same. I had finished my last cigarette and was putting off going out to the car to get the full packet sitting on the front seat. Stuff it, if I go now then it’s over and done with. I opened the front door and saw the downpour. I used the bleeper on the car keys to open the car up – the car keys are on the same key ring as the house keys which are in the house door. The dogs all came running toward the door, trying to be fly I pulled the door kinda closed to stop them running out into the rain which would have included me running to the car with my sexy housecoat, opening the car door, all the dogs jumping in the car, me telling them to get out, grabbing the smokes, closing the car door and running back into the house – me soaking and all 3 dogs the same. So I tried to beat them at the game and kinda pulled the door shut and made a dash for it – wee mini was too quick and managed to get out – but I must’ve pulled too hard and heard the door close. I jumped in the car and went “oh no”. I’ve got a deadbolt on my door you see so it can’t be opened from the outside. I’ve got no shoes on and not really dressed for the occasion – WTF. So I had a cigarette and pondered on what my next move was. The back door is open – I could possibly jump the fence if I had something on my feet (British feet can’t handle outdoors uncovered). I looked around the car and saw gleaming at me a pair of steel toe cap boots which I like to wear at herding (sheep can’t hurt your toes if they stand on them) – so I put them on and went to the side of the house where the fence is the lowest. It was hammering with rain now – how the heck am I going to get wee Minmin over – I lifted her up and bent across the fence and lowered her as best as I could – she jumped down and barked at me – go in the house Mini – again I have to stress it was teeming with rain – she barked again – such a loyal dog, not wanting to leave her master out in the rain on her own – go on Mini, in the house your getting soaked – little loyal mini my butt – she took off around the corner and obviously ran into the house – God now the others are gonna come running out and get in my way when I’m trying to do the krypton factor and get over this fence – not a bloody sign of them – selfish buggars  So I lifted off the wooden slat thingys I put on the fence to make it higher and tossed it on the ground – right on the section I’m jumping down onto – so I managed to get up on the fence with my bright purple granny housecoat and very heavy steel toe caps, look at where I could land so as not to snap the wooden slat fency thing and make sure my housecoat wasn’t hanging over anything to get caught on and have me dangling in mid air – JUMP – I made it – whooohooooo!!! I put the fence back together and wandered back into the house – all 3 dogs are sitting in the lounge – looking at me drenched. I imagined if I was looking out my window and saw one of the neighbours doing exactly what I had just done, including wearing what I was, it would either be time to move or time to start a blog and write about it. Moral of the story – never wear anything embarrassing in case you get spotted with in on in public 

home at last

2009-06-06T10:05:00.001+08:00

Well it’s been a long time since rock and roll and far too long since my last post – with a good excuse may I add.

The last post was about my new car (still loving it) in January. I’ve had more changes in my life since then – I changed jobs and started in February – loving that too.

I love a job where you really enjoy being there and are enthusiastic about your work. It’s a great feeling waking up in the morning and not dread going into work, but to actually look forward to it

More changes after that – I bought a house. The settlement went through in April. Such a great feeling having your own place – no more renting for me

The house itself needs heaps of work done to it and I need to get a bobcat or dingo in to flatten off the yard for the dogs and to get reticulation in to make it my agility space – will get there though. I want to get things done right rather than half heartedly so I’m in the process of saving to get the stuff done. The house itself is absolutely tiny but it’s a nice size for me – and less cleaning

It’s great having my own place – funny story too. I came around for the inspection with Ray from my old work. The house itself was filthy, smelly, cracks on the walls, windows broken and missing, every room is like a shoebox, holes in the doors and walls, no locks on the windows, front door needing replaced, nail holes in every wall (big ones at that), carpets with candle wax embedded in them or stains and holes, lino coming up and needing redone - not much of a looker.

I went out the back garden and heard the bell ringing in my head – ding dong!!!! I didn’t want to seem too eager to the agent and tried my hardest not to let my jaw drop or smile – it’s not the biggest garden by any means but it’s flat and all I could imagine was an a-frame there and a dog-walk there and seesaw probably there – could fit a tunnel there and some jumps too (may be not all at once) I could get a shed put there with a concrete slab for my agility equipment, and I suppose I could get a wee’er (lol) shed there for my gardening stuff and other stuff that’s supposed to go in sheds (think that’s all the stuff that doesn’t fit in the spare room or attic).

I had been looking for about 6 months and the quality of houses was much better – in fact, I’d go as far as saying far superior – but most of the gardens weren’t right for the dogs. Well as soon as I’ve unpacked my camera (can’t find it at the moment) I’m going to take before and after shots. As long as the dogs are happy I’m happy. I mean I’d love 10ha but 900sqm isn’t a bad start.

Do you know the other thing – since buying my own house, this is the first time I feel like I actually am meant to be here. Staying with my sister before and then renting wasn’t my own – now actually having a place where you can settle and call HOME – I actually have used that in a sentence you know regarding this place rather than saying I’m going to my house or I’m gonna go tae ma hoose, I tend to say I’m going home  silly mind thing I’m sure – not intended but it’s been a battle to get here – after all the caper.

I have to also say a big major major thank you to Tom and John who not only helped me move but helped me tidy up the rental – thanks guys you are legends.
Another wee thing – just before I moved in here I got professional cleaners in to gut the place and a gardener who removed all the debris from the garden, cleaned the gutters, removed waste, etc, a handyman to replace all the doors and locks (still to get the windows done) – 1 step at a time.

On the final move day which was just the smaller stuff – Tom and I came here and it was the first night I would be staying here – all the dogs were here – I let them out the back and all 3 of them were sniffing and peeing everywhere (could obviously smell the other previous dogs) – anyway Samroc came over and gave me a cuddle – I crouched down to him and started crying – I told him thanks for being such a great wee man and putting up with all the Sh*t for the last 6 years – for leaving a great loving home in Scotland (mum & dad) and that we had finally got our own place  (means so much to me I’m actually teary at the moment writing this). Me and my boy (and of course my girls too) have got our own place where they can do whatever they want to and have not a house or a place to live, but a home at last

The plan – I want to get a dingo or bobcat in to level both sides of the garden – Aaron (my buddy Corrine’s hubby) has made me promise to let him do the levelling with the bobcat when I hire it – I said only if he doesn’t knock down the house or fences – or any trees that may fall onto the house or fences  lol.

There are 2 sides to the garden – the bigger section for the dogs agility – round the corner from that there is a wee area where I can get my veggie patch and herb garden going – then there’s a separate section to the right – fenced off from the other area where will be my entertainment area – only small but I want to get a built in bbq (I think) a wee undercover area and may be way in the future a small pool or spa????? Would love to have a pool – coming from Scotland I’ve never had a pool and although heaps of folks say to me – “don’t get a pool they’re sooooo much work” I’d love to get one for the sake of saying (especially to folk back home) – think I’ll get in the pool today for a swim – it’s very hot here

Although the area isn’t that big (and that’s the bit where I hang out my washing) I think it may be more of a big puddle than a pool – not sure if pools come in mini size – i could always get a kids paddling pool and just leave the “paddling” part off when I’m describing it

Well since I’ve no photo’s to put on here and it’s pretty boring just reading I think I will leave it there. I want to get photos of how the place looks now (not very pretty) and what it looks like after I have done – this too will inspire me to get stuff done around the place.

I must admit though I am looking forward to making mine, Samroc, Diva and Mini’s home better - don't mid a bit of DIY and love when you look back at old photo's and say - did that really look like that :-) Oh well I know it will take a long while to do up MY HOME but it's worth it :-)

The year has already begun - Jules style

2009-01-29T20:00:00.005+09:00

Well I had to say a sad farewell to an old friend on Tuesday. I hate goodbyes, I love the saying “see you later” instead but in this case it probably isn’t true.

My dear old friend – we have been on many a journey together. I would never have ventured to the places in Australia without you.

You have been my old faithful and for that I thank you.

Because of you I made an effort to go to many places in Western Australia – we travelled to Geraldton, Denmark, Kojonup, Bunbury, Mandurah often, Darkan, Toodyay and many other places I would never have visited without you.

Sadly our journey together ended on Tuesday and I will never forget you. But as age creeps up on us all, sadly we cannot go on forever.............

To my old white Toyota Corona '85 I have to say cheerio, you done me well.

So what’s new in the car field then????

Hmmmm, well I need something that’s economical but will also comply with all my needs and requirements – of course along with the dog’s needs and requirements (this is a must).

Well what has replaced the old faithful then, nothing too exciting really, just something small and reliable and will get me from A to B, or in my case with the dogs from A to Z.

The funny thing is it was the first car I saw. I wasn’t sure what I wanted – quite clueless in fact. I went to a yard and saw it along with 1 other of a different sort. I left the car yard and had a look at a few others – same make and a range of others too – I ended up going back to the first one I spotted. Fate if you will.
As I claim not to be a material person (after having Diva who was one of the most destructive pups known to date I learned not to cherish material things J ) I wasn’t after anything flashy with all the bling so my non-materialistic heart was won over with.................................................

OMG I Love it - not got a "name" yet but me wee Rav 4 has made me a material person again :-)

It's worked out really well for the dogs too. When I saw it I thought the boot was really small and would just be able to fit wee Minmin in and that would be it

The back seats fold down completely flat so I can fit in at least 3 crates in the back

Well I picked it up on Tuesday and got prepared to go training on Tuesday night

No probs for the big man - what was I worrying about?

You see the other problem was Samroc has always sat in the front seat beside me - since he was 6 weeks old, a little bundle of fur who started off sitting on my lap as we drove and then eventually as he got bigger his spot was the passanger front seat.

So we drove around the block and he was absolutely fine. I think he did think at first hang on woman I've got a grate thing here blocking me from getting in the front beside you - but then the view from being higher up on the road allowed him to see a heck of a lot more that sitting in the car.

We got home and I put Sambo back in the house and loaded up the girls - it's heaps more room than I thought.

The girls seem to like it too - good.

Emmm mum this is my spot and nope I'm not sharing with the ratbags.....

Yeh right big man - this is the Diva car.............

Whatever you 2 - mum said the boot was only just big enough for me so this is my spot - talk to the paw!!!!!

But what about when I take them all to the river together - will the 3 of them be able to fit or am I going to have to take out the grate, fold down the seats, put in crates - or not?????

I said I didn't want to share the back, no I said it first, well I'm the oldest and biggest so I still think this should be for me only......

They all can fit in nice - and stand up or lie down with pleanty of space to be comfy, phew.

Also Samroc jumps in and out as if it was on the ground - mega phew!!!!!

OK then, there's heaps of room for all of us, lets share and pose for the camera - cheese :-)))

Now I can relax and drive in comfort - my year has already begun, yeah baby!!!!!!!

Fancy food or horror film prop

2009-01-04T20:02:00.002+09:00

Well getting into this life approach in 2009 I thought I'd be ever so daring and try something new - I'm not much into cooking - can do not too badly when I actually take the prep. time and have my heart into it - on the whole though my dinners compile of random acts of food - depending on the mood of the day - not usually a proper healthy cooked meal though. I don't really like Italian food - well at least the strong tomato paste based dishes, and mexican too for the same reason - oriental is nice when you're in the mood and Indian is yum - but can't seem to find a decent take away - got an indian cook book and it provides me the means to making a flamin' good curry - takes heaps of time though (not to mention all the dishes to clean afterwards) and it uses tomato paste - but I cannot taste in these dishes unlike the sauces you get from a jar - ewwww - so the quick alternative is something quick and usually unhealthy - I do eat a lot of fruit so I believe this is a good balance :-))

So I was in IGA and they have a range of weird and wacky foods in their deli section - well coming from a background where haggis, tatties and neeps, stovies, hotpot or a stew was a regular on the table I think the range of foods is weird.

I bought a tub of pasta with the dressing and it had spinach and sundried toms, which is ok and then I saw it - octopus, it was in some marinade and I just had to get a bit. So for tea I had the pasta and octopus.

Not sure at first if I could actually eat it so I just had to take some photos of the dish first. So do I actually have enough courage to put this to my mouth, open and chew - hmmmm!!! the tentacle thingys look like they could be used to sucker onto the wall and hang pictures from - although I'm sure the aroma or old octopus would overrule the beauty of the picture after a while.

Well I ate it - I must admit it was bizarre. Now looking back at the photo's I can't believe that this actually went into my mouth, OMG. I mean am I being outright daft here? Is this a common dish to which families sit around the table eating whilst discussing their daily activities and pass the salt please honey??? hmmmm!!!!

The pasta was nice though - plain and simple. The first bit of the suckers was a bit - rubbery :-)) didn't taste fishy or seafoody - the texture was a bit slimy and sluggish like - not that I eat many slugs (or can remember as an infant that is), and the pickle it was in seemed to overrule the actual flavour of the meat (rubber). The longer thinner piece was probably the worst - I swear it was still moving as it was being gnarled and ground about my mouth.

Well now as a well cultured food connoisseur (lol) and when I hold the dinner party with your invite in the post - guess what you'll be having -

.......probably a take away from the local Chinese :-)

Wonders of nature with the dogs

2009-01-02T11:19:00.010+09:00

Down the river with the dogs where we venture each morning and if time permits each night too. They love to run and swim. I enjoy walking around with them and Samroc gets great exercise for his back swimming after the ball.

So the other day we're all down there and I have Samroc's daughter Jazz staying here too to make the gang a bit bigger. All 4 are in swimming, Mini and Samroc go the furthest out to swim for the ball, Diva really just goes along for the ride and Jazz is still a bit unsure of how to swim - unco would be a good old auzzie word for it :-).

Anyhoo, to make life easy I use 2 tennis balls, 1 for Sam and the other for Mini. Diva and Jazzy just play with them. So Mini's well far out and Sammy was on his way back to shore. Diva and Jazz are hanging around the shallow along with a few randoms who came down to play. I look up to see wee Mini and about 30m from her I saw a fin go underwater.

Panic alert - the news is full of shark sightings at the moment and it has been known for a shark to come this far up the river - what do I do if I see it going for her, OMG - I gave myself a shake and tried to think rationally - but it's my Minmin out there........

I called for her to hurry up and took off all the leads which were hanging over my shoulder and threw them on the ground - do I take my shoes off to swim faster - what will I do if I get there and it's munching into her - aaarrgggg, she was gaining in the shoreline and all the others were jumping and barking in the water - stop the attention, get the others out of the water and if I walk away may be Mini will swim faster. I picked up the leads again and started walking backwards, calling her with a slight desperation in my voice.......

Have you ever noticed when you are all hyped up and in a bit of a state everything seems to go every other way than what you want. I got the dogs out the water - Diva runs back in and lies down there, I get her out and Jazz does the same thing, I get her out and one of the randoms comes running over and jumping about splashing in the water, jumping onto mine, egging them on, then Diva and Jazz are scattered again - Mini for god's sake hurry up.......

She's now about say 10m from shore and I'm about to either have a fit or faint and she didn't have a care in the world. The positive words of encouragement had now flown out the window along with the keeping the others out and my words resorted to things like "just hurry up or you'll never get to swim again - hurry up or I'll take the ball off you" - what the......

Again the fin apears but this time it was say 50m out - and there were 3 of them - after all that it was dolphins..........

I love watching them swim down there and have only seen them 1ce before. The panic mode turned to a state of awe. I was staring at them in amazement and glee until I was disturbed by a high pitched squeek - and again - Mini shouting to me to throw the ball back in again......... awww wee Minmin :-))

The start of a new year – the year that will be mine!!!

2008-12-30T21:11:00.006+09:00

Well the end of 2008 is nigh and I must admit it is a year I am glad to say goodbye to. Reminiscing over the past year it has good memories, but unfortunately the bad ones outweigh the good ones by a hundred fold. I believe writing this down will allow me to get the bad ones out of my system and start off the New Year with a clean slate and optimism I thought may never be possible again.

In 2008 my best friend was seriously injured by no fault of his own. In agility he hit a tyre jump and as it wasn’t pegged or fixed it moved, by this time he was through the hole in the tyre, and the tyre and heavy metal frame collapsed on his back. His back legs weren’t moving although he was trying to pull himself up with his front legs. We were over in Melbourne when the incident occurred, far away from home and your “usual” surroundings. A big thank you to everyone at the trial that day who did rush in and help both him and I (as I was the one going into shock).

He was rushed into the vet hospital and was given the best care. He saw a neurological specialist who prepared me for the worst in that he may never walk again. As he is such an energetic and active dog, living a life with paralysis or semi-paralysis would be no joy to him and the unspeakable would have to happen. We returned home to have him strictly rested. I was sleeping on the floor with him as he wasn’t allowed to jump up on any beds, couches, etc. Each day went by and I’d say a prayer for him as we were told we would know by 12 weeks what the state of his condition would be. I cherished every second I had with him, although in the beginning most of that was spent with my head burrowed in my sopping pillow or sitting in a corner with a box of tissues to hand.

Now though by best friend in the whole world is walking again, may be a little funny at times and is pain free for most (although he doesn’t always let on). Samroc to you I want to say how sorry I am for the pain you incurred whilst trying to please me, and I would never ever hurt my wee man in any way. I love you boy and as long as I have my boy by my side I am a happy person. You may now be retired and unable to do the things we used to do, but you’re still my best friend and we have many a great time still to share – luv ya Samroc xxx

Now I’ve got that out of the way I want to focus on the future as we cannot change the past.

I have my best friend Samroc and my special girls Diva and Mini and we are going to have a blast in 2009. This is going to be a great if not fabulous year for us and I was told by someone very special to me that you make your own luck in this world – that is exactly what I am going to do. From the chime of midnight tomorrow night the world will be a different place - I will stop and smell the roses, listen to the birds singing to me so joyful and make sure I wear a smile :-)

I have made up a few New Year resolutions:

1: Stop working as much and spend more time with the fur kids
2: Do more training with the dogs
3: quit smoking – hard one but hey I’ve gotta do it
4: get motivated in agility again and enter more trials
5: do a lot more sheep herding – at least 1ce a week.
6: get fit
7: get a new car
8: be more optimistic

Some I will keep others I will probably sweep under the carpet for a later date, on the whole if I aim towards them and have a fun and prosperous new year then who cares?

This song brings many a good memory to me and as I sing it with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face. I invite you to sing along this very famous Scottish poem, associated with Rabbie Burns:

Auld Lang syne – English Translation = Old times (old long ago)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o' auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !And surely I’ll be mine !
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,For auld lang syne.

Sing CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes, And pu’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,Sin auld lang syne.

Sing CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn, Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’dSin auld lang syne.

Sing CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !And gie's a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught, For auld lang syne.

Sing CHORUS.

Have an awesome Hogmanay and all the best for the new year xxx

Harry and the mysterious chord

2008-12-06T10:49:00.034+09:00

I'm so glad it's the weekend. I now have time to put on my Sherlock hat and investigate the chronicle of the mysterious chord. This past week has been sort of self enlightening :-)) I have found out that as much as Madonna is my idle I am certainly not a "material girl". I think having my Diva as a pup helped me through the materialistic phase and little harry has completed my journey :-) There's the video camera remote control with lovely little teethmarks through it, my mobile phone charger in 2 pieces, one half you can plug into the wall at home and the other half you can plug into the phone from anywhere in the country - but since the wire is not complete anymore it doesn't seem to charge the phone up??? any suggestions, lol, then there's the sleeping bag from the spare room with the fuzzy inside now out and holes over it, the seat covers from the kitchen with the fuzz out and of course the odd pair of socks. The one thing I cannot figure out is where in the heck does the chord come from? I've searched high and low and cannot find where the rest of the item it has been separated from is hiding. My suspicions are - buried in the garden somewhere, in a total random place where I would never think of looking or it magically appeared.

I've woken up a few times this past week with a dog snuggled up next to me, this is sometimes a trait of Mini Minx - however, I've discovered the dog has a different coat texture to Min and once I've come around and gotten my eyes open it has actually been Wee Harry doing the snuggling. Sound asleep, snoring away, showing off his tummy :-)) awww, wee Harry. I think he's gotten comfortable with being a house dog and loves the bed :-))

He loves going down the river and running with my lot as well as the other randoms :-)) I saw the cutest thing the other day down the river. My 3 were in swimming and Harry was lying at the side waiting on them coming out the water - a Great Dane approached him - it was David and Goliath - harry didn't shy at all - he stood there looking up to see if he could see the head of the Dane through the clouds and the Dane bent over and the both of them gave each other a kiss - Kodak moment - why is it times like this we never carry a camera with us????

I have taken my camera down to the river since then and of course nothing like this will happen when I have my camera to hand :-)) Here are some photos of them all down the river anyway -

Who do you think he is stalking?

Could it be Samroc & Mini swimming????

What are you looking at Harry boy????

Aaaahhh yes the view is very nice :-)

Will I play with Mini?.....or big sis' Diva??.....or big man Samroc?

Silly Question :-))

Harry loves to play with Mini, he thinks Diva is sooooo exciting and tries to run around with her, but if Samroc comes on the scene he only has eyes for him :-))

Exciting news - well I think it is and cute :-)) We were in the house the other night and I decided to teach Harry to sit - guess what................. Harry now sits on command :-))))) Well I thought it was cute - here's some more photos :-)

Diva showing off her 2o2o stuff

Awww, nearly wee man..............................

Diva will hold the board for you :-))

Hanging with Samroc.......... Mini............and big sis' :-)

Hey what's the noise?..I want in on the action ...take that Mini

can't keep my eyes open...............Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...............

What...he's sleeping, do the others know??.....phew, we're stuffed!

Get some peace..........SWEET!!!!!!!

Wee Harry Potters around the garden

2008-11-29T14:25:00.008+09:00

Well call me a glutton for punnishment but I've got another puppy at home :-))

Unfortunately he's not mine for keeping - that darn thing called work gets in the way of most of the things I want.

So little Harry came to live with us last Friday and it has now been just over a week with him living in the Discoroc house.

My 3 were a bit put out at first - in fact let me rephrase that - my 3 were a LOT put out at first. Diva had the major huff, Samroc wasn't very amused and Mini kinda kept out of the scene a bit. I think it was because we had just had Rocstar come live with us the week before and he is well full on will all 3 of mine. Well suck it up princesses :-))

He's such a magic wee pup though. He is definately on the potential "special dog" category and I'd very much love to keep him - 1 powerball eh!!!

In the first few days he was a little tiger - with an attitude. He was aggro with Mini and Diva mainly and tried to be with Samroc - until the big lion came over and said "whatever sweetpea, don't give me your lip" - that was his one and only "go" at big Sam. Diva and Mini have started saying the "sweetpea" to him and he's learned not to be so stupid - I've even chased him for beign snippy to Diva but I can't tell him off in the way the dogs can - the downfall of being human I suppose :-))

He's settled in fab now and absolutely dotes on Samroc - as do most younger dogs (and some older ones too). Mini has become his wrestling partner and Diva is good for a toy fight now and again :-) Mini's more his size though and has a lot more tolerence towards him.

So what's happened in a week? Well Diva has told Harry off, Samroc has told Harry off, Samroc has told Harry off and Samroc has told Harry off again :-))

Samroc & Harry - hang out and play tug

Mini & Harry - Mini getting beaten up by the evil one :-)

Diva (big sis') with little bro' Harry - don't try that crap with me ya wee scaff!!!

Harry's been down to an agility trial and down to training 3 times now. He seems to be very interested in the dogs doing agility. He plays with the other dogs like he's one of the big ones - he runs about with the toys letting the others chase him and runs along with the other dogs chansing the other if someone else has the toy. He is still very "me" focused though. I can call him and he'll come running back to me - good wee man. I am starting to fall for him but I have to be strong as I am desperately seeking a Sam/Diva pup next year (if it happens) and need to keep a clear head - and space for him/her.

I just hope the home he gets is loving and caring and he gets everything he deserves in this life, he is special and I will never forget the special time I got to share with puppy Harry and the smiles he brought to the house :-)) love you Harry boy!

WCRC WA Agility & Jumping Trial 22/11/08

2008-11-23T10:07:00.003+09:00

Well we finally got back into the ring. I had wee Mini entered in Novice jumping and Diva entered in Excellent agility and Masters jumping - was her first Masters jumping run.....

So how did it all go. We started with little Mini in Novice jumping. It was a nice open flowing course - as I walked it I thought probably too open for Mini - she is still "green" and with gaps between obstacles mainly 8m there is too much room for error and her to shut down from the jumps. Of course the obstacles all being so far spread apart meant I had to move my butt and work every obstacle - that was probably the real challenge :-)). We were first in and I must apologise my little Minmin - she done a very nice round and clear - yay, she nailed it. Would've been nice to get it on tape though so I could look back and see it again to see what really happened rather than my recollection of the events whilst running her. Very proud of my Mini Minx :-)) The SCT was 40s and the wee Minxter done it in 18.42s so she was doing not too bad in time. In comparison, Diva and Samroc done their Novice runs in between 15 to 18 seconds so she's not too far behind them - go Mini. And to make it a bonus the trial was run in separate height classes so as Mini was the only 400 dog she also won :-))) Go Mini, she got a win, lol. The dog who got 2nd had a time of 24.95 so she didn't waste any time. Have to make room on the trophy cabinet for her wee Rosette, awww Mini, who said rescue dogs couldn't do it :-))

I ran Diva next in Excellent jumping and oh boy, Diva certainly wasn't Diva. She done about a +3 second dog walk (in comparison to 1.5s), her a-frame was slow and weaves felt about 10 minutes long - even her jumping wasn't like her normal zippy self. She nailed the seesaw, then we had 5 obstacles after that - this is when she turned into Diva. We got clear (2nd leg in EA) and was pleased with her getting clear but very worried with her style. After Samroc's accident I am such a worry wart. Sam W. was down watching as said the same as what I was thinking. Recall to earlier events in the day. Down at the river a guy had a ridgeback x bully (well that's what it looked like) - it was wearing a muzzle but the guy let it off to run - of course I had to be there at that point - well it nailed Diva 2ce - I had puppy Harry and he was screaming - I couldn't let the lead go or pup would've been off - Diva had got away and then it nailed her again - I rushed over as soon as I could and went to boot the dog off her but the owner was there pulling it off Diva. Had to pick up poor Harry who was still screaming and get over to check out Diva - tried to walk off as soon as I could, got about 20m and the dog came screaming past me and nailed diva again. The owner was running behind and had grabbed his dog "again" before I could even react. Now this is just down right daft to me. Why do people like this have dogs - especially big powerful ones that are likely to cause damage to other dogs, people and even itself?????? So back to the Diva and agility story - now I'm all worried thinking she's hurt and got Kriszty to have a look at her. Her back was all twitchy and sore so Kriszty kindly put her massage machine thingamajig over Diva and the flinching of the back went away after a few minutes - big thanks to Kriszty. With much apprehension I put her in Masters jumping - with the thought if she runs slow again or drops bars I'm pulling her - I'm glad I did put her in - peace of mind for me - she was running beautifully. I royally stuffed up the course though. It was a fantastic challenging course set by Jill Houston. A true masters level course which I look forward to seeing more of this standard - pity I couldn't remember it and had even walked the end bit wrong, OMG - the way the numbers were I had it in my mind to jump the jumps the opposite way - thank god we hadn't got that far - I really stuffed up before that point. But I still have to say a big thanks to Helen S. who told me the correct way of the end bit. So Diva got her quali and still got 2nd in 500 (not sure if there were only 2 qualies though in this class, lol). Cathy with the awesome Snazzy got 1st place so we can't moan at coming 2nd to him and Cathy. Well done Snooky and Snazzy :-)) Their round was fantastic too and a well deserved win.

It ended up being an awesome night after all. I had such a great time and getting back into that ring was such a high - I LOVE AGILITY :-)) The competitors and judges are fab too and make the scene. I'm looking forward to getting back into the ring at the next trial we enter (probably Dobe club) with the girls who ma

ke me so proud - with qualifiers or not - they do it for me and I truly love them whether we make it round the course the judges way or our way :-))

Samroc / Bundy pups birthday - 1 year old

2008-11-19T11:35:00.018+09:00

Well it was the birthday of the Samroc / Bundy pups on 18/11/08 and we had a party down at Riverside gardens (a beautiful off lead dog park). All the pups were there and also of course mum (Bundy) and dad (Samroc). It was awesome to see them all together again. Gosh how much they have changed and all grown up - I'm a very proud grandma :-)) This is a photo of the poster which Blake, Luke and Chanel made for the pups as a birthday gift. how sweet!!! it has all pups photos in the middle and mum Bundy looking to the furkids on the top left and dad Samroc looking to the furkids on the top right - legend poster - and oi you guys I didn't get to take it home for the wall :-))

There are 6 from the litter. 4 girls and 2 boys. The 2 boys (Solar Eclipse and Rocstar) are totally different from the rest of the litter and both don't have the "traditional" markings. Sol has a split face where Roc has a back head. The girls are quite amusing. out of the 4 there are 2 pairs of almost identical(s). Jazz and Roxy are very similar in looks, and Stormy and Lucy are very similar in looks - more so in fact that it is very hard to tell them apart.

Dad (Samroc) and Mum (Bundy)

The Boys

Rocstar (AKA Roc) & Solar Eclipse (AKA Sol)

The Girls

Jazzy 'G' (AKA Jazz) & Roxy

Stormy & Lucy

From the litter there are 4 of them doing agility - Jazz and Roc does agility down at Perth training, where Sol and Roxy do agility (along with mum Bundy) at Rockingham. Will be great to see them all competing. Jazz is doing awesome and I think she will give my Diva a run for her money.

Here's some more photos of the birthday bash :-)

I hope we can get them all together again as they all had a fab time running and playing together. Diva and Mini had an absolute ball too, and even Jo's old Bonnie was getting in on the action. Looking at them and seeing their natures, if I was to have kept one of the pups I wouldn't be disappointed with whatever one I got - they are all equally great, and I'm not just saying that as a bias Nana :-))

The starting of Blogging

2008-11-10T14:29:00.005+09:00

Well I've decided to do a Blog as it is much easier to maintain than my website - http://www.discoroc.com/ BTW if you want to go and sign my guest book :-))

Well since this is my first post I'll have a bit of a natter about me and my dogs.

I'm Jules (21yo - yeh right) and I do agility and jumping with my fur family. I dabble in sheep herding from time to time. Both are very enjoyable and very different - agility is easier to get to train for me so most of my time goes into training agility. Hopefully win lotto and I can stop working and do more sheep herding :-)

So at the moment I have got 3 dogs (come back to that). Samroc Gem of Jewels (Working Border Collie all the way from Bonnie Scotland), Mac's Disco Diva (Working Border Collie from Kojonup, WA) and Mini Minx (German Koolie X, from the APS rescue). The "at the moment" part is added because I hope to have a Sam/Diva pup next year, fingers x'd and will keep the update posted.

Well enough blabering and get some photos posted of the fur kids :-))

Samroc, Mini and Diva

Mini, Samroc with son Rocstar and Diva

Sam, Mini & Diva down at the farm in Kojonup