A Long Cold Saturday in May

Sun, 24 May 2009 13:21:00 -0500

2009-05-2414:25:26

Last Saturday I took Norma Jean to her first Rally competition at Vactionland's show at Wasumski Springs in Saco. It was nice and sunny when we arrived at 8:45 am, Norma's ring time was 10am and we were happily practicing and waiting for our class.

It then turned dark,cloudy and cold, the classes were falling behind schedule and finally at almost 1pm. Norma Jean and I entered the ring. I know to alot of people we probably looked awful, Norma was tired and easily distracted, but she really has been trained and if I had waited that long, I probably would be distracted too.

She did everything I asked although a little clumsily and we scored an 81 and she got her first leg. I was happy, and bursting with pride for her. After such a long wait, Dr. Rizner came to see her but had to leave for another engagement, we were so behind,Norma performed far better than I expected when we walked into the ring. She is young, 16 months, and it was her first show, there was alot to see and hear and I was cold and stiff, and trying my best to stay upbeat for her this whole time.

So, we celebrated with a new toy, a treat of Monterey Jack cheese and set off for home after we got our ribbon. I skipped Sunday's show, the rain, the cold and a popped hip from Saturday's wait, I decided to stay home fix my hip and be ready to go to work Monday and earn a paycheck.

Norma Jean is still training with me and Sue Walsh, her teacher, and we are going to classes June 3rd, so I expect if we don't have to wait forever at the next show she will really shine.

I love to Rally, but I don't strive for the top score. If my dog gets it, fine. I am more into qualifying and performing to my satisfaction that we have performed well. I do it for the chance to take the time and work I have put into my dog and put it to the test and to have fun.

Levi has been having trouble with Advanced class, he wanted to play when the leash came off, so we fixed that.(we thought) Then he decided to have an anxiety attack and felt he was being punished and crept out of the ring Saturday, I assure you, he has never been hit. He is though, very sensitive and gets his signals mixed up sometimes, so Levi and I are going back to work with Sue's to help him realize that he can do off lead and it is not punishment.

I need work too and I admit it, I knew he was sensitive, but not this sensitive and I have to learn how to talk and signal him better to instill better confidance in him. Who would've thought removing the leash, basically cutting the cord from me and asking him to think on his own more, would be so hard for him, but it is and he is getting better about it and will be back to classes after a small vacation for his too busy little mind.

Still, all in all, I am happy with both Levi and Norma Jean, they are after all only dogs and are doing their best to make me happy, and if we have a bad or off day, can't they too?

So, no matter what the score, love your dog, kiss 'em and hug 'em give a treat and remember, a wagging tail is much more valuable then a 3 cent ribbon and there's always the next show!

Rally On Levi

A Long Cold Saturday in May