"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom."

I am working hard on not being depressed and bitter today. Today would have been Pizza's due date, if we were having puppies. I do feel overwhelmed with bitterness at times, but I am trying hard to look forward and ahead and let it go. Yeah, easier said than done!

Today I entered Pizza in two runs at a USDAA agility trial nearby. It was a great setting for her first trial back in a year - very few dogs, and pretty low-key environment. Oh yeah, and only one bar setter in the corner for each class!

Our first class was steeplechase. Pizza took off like a rocket ship at the beginning, did the first 4 jumps into the corner and then went on a 7-second visit to the bar setter in that corner. I got her back and we finished clean and strong, and HAPPY! Our second run was Grand Prix. It was a weird start to the course with a straight tunnel in the middle of the course going straight ahead to a jump right by the entrance gate. She took the jump and then went to the gate to check out the people standing there, but came right back and we went on. I didn't support the jump after the A-frame very well and she missed it so we had to circle back to get it. the rest of the run was clean and awesome, and she jumped right into the corner where the bar setter was...I did a nice rear cross and she read it and stayed on course, no visit!

The best part about this course was her weaves. She came out of the tunnel with big speed, and skidded into the weaves and fought for the entrance, nailed it, and stayed clean! This girl has hear...where other dogs would have bailed on the weave entrance, she worked hard and got it! All in all it was a darn good day, and a great first trial back in a year.

Noodle update: She had her second epidural/cortisone shot on Wednesday. The vet was very very happy with how great she looked. Me too! Not a lame step in over two weeks! Two more weeks of leash walking and then we start some light exercise. Her third and final epidural will be in a little less than a month.

I received this in an e-mail...AKC is delaying the transfer of MACH points and double QQs to PACH until January 1st. I am so bummed! The original date was July 2, and I had planned on entering a trial July 6th to just run for a Q with Noodle and then do our celebratory PACH run. SO DISAPPOINTED! I know that in reality it's probably a good thing, as we won't be rushed trying to get back to agility next month, but still! I just hope she is still able to run agility come January. She will be 9 1/2 then.