We certainly didn't think that would ever happen...and especially not today. All three dogs had runny noses and sneezes and their stamina was well below par. (Please note: four different vets said it was okay for them to be at a trial this weekend.)
The trial today was in Las Cruces, NM. This is our seventh or eighth time to trial here. Interestingly enough, even though this is a very challenging place to trial, we always seem to do very well here.
Mike says that Las Cruces suffers from a case of the Terrible Toos. Too hot, too cold, too windy, too many flies, too many bees, ... And he's right!
Today, however, was one of the nicer days we've had here for a trial. The day started off very pleasant, it was truly enjoyable. In the afternoon we started getting a couple flies (which scares Sparkie to her wit's end) and then the wind started coming up...just like usual for this time of year.
This is an aerial view of the near side of the field.
This is the far side of the field. Just beyond the (dead) grass field you can see cars. Normally that's where the horse lives. But during trials, this is where we all park - amid the horse poop. It's a great place to practice "Leave It." I think those are the two most common words heard all weekend. Boogie is our worst offender and he did so much better this weekend! In the distance you can see the beautiful Organ Mountains.
The runs offered today were much different than you'd usually find at a trial. We started off with a Jumpers run, followed by a Weavers run, back to another Jumpers run, and then another Weavers run.
The dogs each had enough energy to run very nicely in their runs then in between they'd zonk out in the car. In Jumpers, Sparkie really made things look easy...as did Wazzu. But in Wazzu's case it was easy - Novice runs aren't challenging for her at all...and that's just the way she likes it. The Elite runs were tricky but Sparkie acted like she'd walked the course with Mike so knew exactly where to go. There were a lot of really good dogs there (most if not all were dogs that vie for top spot at the Championships) and Sparkie got 1st place in both Jumpers runs.
Sparkie's favorite class is Weavers and she certainly showed that again today.
Due to her build she just can't keep up with the fastest of Border Collies but she was really on today and came in second by only .49 behind one of the fastest Border Collies around. Way to go Sparkie! Look at her bend those poles even with that skinny little body of hers.
And look at her perfect collection to get into the weaves after speeding out of a tunnel.
Wazzu acted like Weavers was her favorite class too. She was really moving through the course and one footed her way through every set of weaves! Slugger didn't one foot but he actually went fast for him - probably the fastest he's ever done in a trial. Wazzu and Slugger both got Q1 in their classes in both runs!
The day ended with two runs of Regular. Once again, Sparkie was brilliant! She got first place in both Regular runs too! She totally put on a clinic today - she didn't have one step out of line even today.
Look at her duck to get into the tunnels at speed.
And then come out even faster.
Sparkie loves to fly - but now she's figured out that it's totally okay to fly once her feet have hit the yellow. How fun is that!
Mike and Sparkie displayed some very nice distance work today too.
Good girl to keep going way out as Mike moves to the blue tunnel to get into position for the next move. I just love this aerial view - it is very rare to get the opportunity to get shots like this.
This is Sparkie telling her daddy that they should go around again - she thinks the courses are way too short!
Wazzu and Slugger were very impressive too. The best thing about Wazzu was that she was so happy. I can't count how many people came up to me saying that Wazzu looked like she was having a blast. And I think she really was! But no pictures as I don't think they'd let me run and take pictures at the same time. Hey, maybe I'll have to ask the judge about that next weekend!
I do have to say that NADAC folks are so wonderful. They are so very supportive and encouraging. Even though I notice this most everywhere we go, I always notice it most here in Las Cruces. Steve Stochaj, who runs the fundraisers here in Las Cruces, is always so nice and genuinely encouraging. One of NADAC's many really nice judges and all around nice person.
Slugger wasn't head bopping today but he did plenty well enough to Q in all his runs. During the run he did run a little...
But once he crossed the finish line, he was ready to just stroll!
We'll probably never have another perfect day but we sure enjoyed this one!
Debbie
3/15/08
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