Ruby's New Title

Ruby finished her Rally Advanced title this past weekend at Rand Park Dog Training Club's Obedience & Rally Trial in Melrose Park, IL on Saturday, April 26th. She took 3rd place under judge Arlene King.

I have to say that I am very proud of her and she was a very good girl. The thing about Ruby is that not only is she a smart and beautiful dog but she is also biddable and very sweet. She makes new friends wherever she goes and people fall in love with her wonderful personality. I am a very lucky person to own such a wonderful dog and to share my life with her.

Here is a picture of my very tired girl on Sunday afternoon. She had quite the fun-filled day: a two-hour playdate with her best friend Libby, some shopping for treats at a couple doggie boutiques in the city and a bath at Soggy Paws. I love how cute she looks when she sleeps. :)

USDAA

I have decided to take over the blog from Ruby for a bit. She's been getting crumbs in my keyboard and there's drool on the computer screen. Apparently she's been surfing for treats. :)

I'd have to say that with the exception of the VERY long day on Saturday, our first USDAA experience was great. Ruby was a very good girl and she had 5 qualifying runs out of 8. Our first run on Saturday - Jumpers - was very nice but Ruby knocked two bars getting used to the higher jumps and different footing. We also ran Snooker, Standard and Gamblers, ending up with a third place in Gamblers and non-qualifying runs in Snooker and Standard due to some little bobbles(someone suddenly needs to be babysat on the table - the naughty girl).

Sunday was a lot better. We qualified again in Gamblers, took third place in Standard and qualified in Pairs Relay with Jake & Norm. We also qualified in Jumpers at the end of the day which - thank God - was much shorter than Saturday! :) You can see two of our runs on my friend Shawna's YouTube account http://www.youtube.com/user/1box1bc

It was great seeing everyone: Barb & Sheff - back after a short sabbatical :), Whitney & Dylan, Katie & Fergus, Shawna & Crush, Polly & Rainey, Steve & Meeker, Mary with Zane & Scout and Dana with Given & Bang! I think we all had a great time & even though we humans were exhausted the dogs all did very well. :)

I hope to post some more pictures soon.