This made all of our three dogs extremely frisky – especially Wazzu. And it made all the people look like a bunch of Pillsbury Dough Boys running around as we all had so many clothes on we looked soft and fluffy and could barely move. In fact, I had so many hats on that my peripheral vision was non-existent and I found myself trying to push my hats away from my eyes during my runs – amazingly enough I didn’t confuse Wazzu too much with all that extra movement.
People for this trial come from a long ways away. Besides us, there were people from Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and California. So to help everyone get an early start home they only offered five classes today – much to Sparkie’s dismay!
The dogs all did very well today. Unfortunately, Chances, although not as hard as yesterday, was really hard again today. Well, unless of course you are as talented as little Slugger. Both girls missed it but Slugger did it absolutely perfectly! We’re going to start having to enter him in more things as he is just becoming quite the little star.
Other than Chances, Wazzu Q’d in every run today – getting 1st in a few of them. One of the runs was even Weavers – whoo hoo! I don’t know if it is just the cold weather or if she is also feeling better now that we reduced her meds but she is one frisky little puppy again. Between runs she was actually playing chase and wrestle with Sparkie a lot. It was so fun to watch. She even engaged in play with another dog who we were told never plays with other dogs. But Wazzu was flirting and play bowing and the other dog was giving it right back. The other dog’s owner was extremely happy to see his dog interacting with another dog. Wazzu just seems to have that effect on others when she is feeling good.
Sparkie ran nicely too getting some 1st and 2nd place finishes as well. As always, everyone was very impressed with Sparkie and just loved to watch her run. I truly don’t think any dog has as much fun out there as Sparkie. However, she really thought it was a little cold today. Mike left her on a stay at the start line and she sat there just as small as could be and was shivering really hard. It really did look pathetic. Mike was going to lead out farther but when he looked back and saw her in her tight little sit shivering away he released her. She went like a shot and ended up getting 1st place in that run.
Finally it was Slugger’s turn for his second run of the day – Regular. He really ran his little heart out. The run was beautiful – they had just one little bobble as he doesn’t understand rear crosses (why would he as he never gets to practice) but other than that it was perfect. He ended up 24 seconds under course time and got 1st place. Can you believe it – this run earned Slugger his Novice Regular Title! Way to go, Slug-a-bug. Just goes to show that persistence does pay off. Heck it’s only been five and a half years!
Today they stopped the trial midday to hold the raffle and silent auction. We had bid on a couple things in the silent auction throughout the weekend. Close to the end of the auction someone outbid us on one of the items for which we were actually a little relieved. And someone (another Debbie of all things) kept bidding against me on the other item. But I was relentless – after all, the money is going to a great charity – and put in the last bid with less than 30 seconds to go. We won a couple little things in the raffle as well. I’m guessing there were over 200 items in the raffle. Mike got a big fancy wrench and a bottle of wine. I got a big green monkey. Everyone needs one of those – especially someone living in an RV. Ha ha.
To help give you an idea of the raffle size here are a few pictures - but even this doesn't show quite a bit of what was there.
Near the end of the trial they stopped and made an announcement that it looks like they raised close to $10,000 for canine cancer research just from this trial alone. How wonderful is that. There was a representative from the Morris Animal Foundation there all weekend as well. She stated that if they can raise enough money they believe they will have a cure for canine cancer within the next ten years. Too many of us have had cancer take our dogs away from us way too early. And unfortunately, many more will be taken from us before a cure is found. I urge each of you to start thinking about something you could donate to this raffle/auction for next year’s Pepper Memorial Classic. It can be something big or small – everything helps. Of course, a cash donation is always welcome as well. The judge at this year’s trial donated her complete judging fee to the fund. How wonderful is that.
Other than the announcement of the amount of money raised, the highlight of the day came when they announced the High In Trial awards. They had nice award cups and ribbons for some High In Trial awards (Elite, Open, Novice, Veteran, and Jr. Handler). Our dear sweet happy Wazzu won High In Trial Veteran. That is icing on the cake! First Wazzu is feeling good and looking happy (plenty of an award for me) but on top of that she wins HIT. I am so very proud of my Wazzu Puppy. And what an honor to win it at the Pepper Memorial Classic.
Here is Wazzu with her awards, her amazing handler (tee hee) and Lin Battaglia - the wonderful person in charge of this fantastic event.
The people that put on this particular trial have offered to let us stay in our RV at their house for a while. They are such wonderful people. So after the trial the Morris Animal Foundation rep, the trial organizers, our competitor friend from Idaho, and Mike and I stopped at a Chinese restaurant for dinner. Everyone was pretty worn out so a nice quick but tasty meal was just perfect.
From there it was just over an hour to their house in Sparks, NV. We got in at 10pm – way past time for doggy dinner so they thought!
Debbie
4/15/07
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