Helen's Home World: Regionals Round-up

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Regionals Round-up

This past weekend we went to the AAC Eastern Ontario Regional Agility Championships. They were held in Harrowsmith, Ontario which is about two and half hours from Ottawa so we went on Thursday afternoon and stayed in a hotel about 20 minutes from the trial site. We arrived at the trial site at about 12:45 and helped offloading equipment until about 5 pm. We, then, headed off to check in at our hotel and get something to eat.

Friday was warm-ups and a sanctioned AAC trial. I hadn't entered the warm-ups so I had the morning to set up and walk the dogs. Our events didn't start until noon. Beckett had a Masters Standard run and Keltic had a Steeplechase run. Beckett had a beautiful clean Standard, for first place with a Q; that also won me $15 as the top dog in his height class, that paid for pizza on Saturday night. Thanks, Beckett. Keltic was eliminated in his Steeplechase but had some nice moments, like getting an off-side weave entry even though he didn't stay in the weaves.

The weekend abode

Saturday morning started early with a general walk through of the day's courses. Our first course was Gamblers. Since I only had about 12 dogs between Keltic and Beckett I brought both of them down to the ring, I really didn't need to do that as it takes about a minute per dog to run the Gamblers event. This first Gamblers was really hard, not many dogs got it. You had to have good independent weave entries.

Gamblers 1

The main Gamble is in the top right corner and consists of six weaves, then the tunnel on the far right, followed by another six weaves and then the two jumps labelled 4 and 5. Many dogs did the first set of weaves and then were sucked into the tunnel at the top. Beckett was nearly one of those but I was able to call him off but then he wouldn't go out to the far tunnel. Keltic wouldn't even do the first set of weaves. In Gamblers, you accumulate points by doing obstacles for 40 seconds and then if you can do the main gamble in the time allotted, usually about 20 to 25 seconds, you gain an additional 35 points.

Our next event on Saturday was the Standard. Unfortunately, right off the start Keltic got an off course by putting a paw on the A-frame, that incurred 20 faults. He only got 5 more course faults for popping out of the weaves and he also had some time faults on the course but for him a rather good run.

Standard 1

Beckett had a clean run right until obstacle 12, I did my front cross too close to the jump and pushed him to back side of the jump for an off course and 20 faults. In the Standard event you start with 100 points and then they deduct the faults to give you a point score.

Our last run of the day was Jumpers. It walked quite nicely and ran rather smoothly too.

Jumpers 1

Keltic knocked down the bar on jump 2 for five faults and Beckett incurred a refusal for 5 faults on jump 8 when he came in between jump 7 and 8. I probably didn't support him enough. In Jumpers, you start with 75 points and they deduct your faults so both dogs got 70 points in this event. Keltic actually ran faster than Becket but then he is younger and ran first all day Saturday.

Keltic finished day 1 with just over 170 points and Beckett had just over 190 so we had our work cut out for us if we wanted to qualify for Nationals as you need 350 points. Beckett could qualify even if his second day runs were about the same but Keltic and I had to improve.

On day 2 we started with the Standard event and as the running orders were changed up Specials and Vets went first and Beckett got to run before Keltic all day.

Standard 2

Becket had super awesome run with only one spin after jump 15 which didn't cost us anything but a bit of time. He was clean and about 28 seconds under the course time so we got 100 points plus points for every second he was under time. Keltic didn't have an off course in this event but did incur 25 course faults and time faults as well so he only got 69 points for this event.

Next up was Gamblers, I had done some figuring and realized Beckett only needed 31 points to qualify for Nationals.

Gamblers 2

Beckett got one of the mini gambles (the one marked A and B) in our opening, did some spinning at the top right tunnel losing some time but we still got 36 points in the opening. This main gamble was one my dogs should have been able to do but neither one would go out to the tunnel. Keltic only got 29 points in his opening having knocked the bar on the obstacle marked A, had he not knocked that bar he would have had two more points. This will be important later.

Our last run of the day and for Regionals was jumpers, I had walked this course with very nearly a front cross after every second or third obstacle.

Jumpers 2

Beckett went in and we nailed it. Fast and clean, maybe I was relaxed knowing Beckett had already qualified and was just going for broke. We ran the course in just over 41 seconds; the allowable course time was 59 seconds. Keltic, I thought after the Gamble had to be clean and 12 seconds under time but my math was a little off. Keltic went clean as well but not as fast as Beckett. Keltic's time was 43.18 and he only had 49 seconds for the allowable course time. I thought we were about 6 points short of qualifying; well, Keltic ended up with a score of 349.6. He missed qualifying for National by only 0.4 points. Had he left up the bar in Gamble, in the first Jumpers or not put a foot on the A-frame in the first Standard he would be going to his first Nationals.

Beckett qualified for Nationals with a score of 455.33 and Beckett moved up in the standings in his height class from 4th to second. That's our best ever placement. It's hard to move up as all the dogs usually have their strengths. Keltic got third place in his height class but I am most proud of his first place finish in Jumpers 2.

Beckett - 2nd place - 8 " Double Drop Veterans

Keltic - 3rd place - 12" Specials

We had a great weekend. The rain held off until near the end of the event. The venue had great crating in the shade. The volunteers, organizers, sponsors, vendors and fellow competitors make it a wonderful event. Yes, Lyne, you have to come experience it first hand.

Beckett and his ribbons

Keltic and his ribbons

5 comments:

PitoujasmineJune 5, 2018 at 9:37 PM
Well, as I mentioned before, if things go well, and you know what? They did! I'm starting to save right now for next year! We'll join the fun and see what all this is about. BTW, that was one tough gamble!
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DukeJune 6, 2018 at 5:53 AM
You guys are amazing! Congratulations!
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Sheltie TimesJune 6, 2018 at 8:27 AM
Sounds like a great outing.
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DawnJune 6, 2018 at 10:43 AM
WOW!!!!
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Lassiter Chase and BenjaminJune 10, 2018 at 6:14 AM
Congratulations Beckett on qualifing. Keltic you were so close. You will do it next time! You both deserve lots of treats fur doing so well.
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Agility Blessing

May the tunnels not have too much suction,
May the course be fun and fast.
May your dog not stop to say "hello" to the photographers they pass!
May the table not be too slippery,
May the chute house no scary beasts,
May all the yellow parts be touched with one little toe, at least
May the wind be always at your back,
May no bars fall on the ground,
May the A-frame have no stop sign on the top,
May the judge's whistle never sound.
May your dog obey all correct commands,
And ignore the ones that are wrong.
May your heart be light, your feet be sure, and the bond with your dog grow strong.
At the finish line, may great joy abound, regardless of your score,
You have your dog, your dog has you, and who could ask for more?

Written by: PJ Hughes

What is a Title!

Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores. A Title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor that dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard, and though the dog himself doesn't know or care that his achievements have been noted, a Title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.

A Title says your dog was intelligent, and adaptable, and good natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed. And a Title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with him because he was a good dog, and that you believed in him enough to give him yet another chance when he failed, and that in the end your faith was justified.

A Title proves that your dog inspired you to have the special relationship enjoyed by so few, that in the world of disposable creatures, this dog with a Title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the Title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials before or after the name.

A Title is nothing less than love and respect, given and received, permanently recorded.

Written by Sandy Mowery, Wisconsin

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

Beyond the Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,

I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.

I saw a wondrous image then of a place that’s trouble-free,

Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side

Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!

My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new

I wanted to run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, and tell you I’m alright

That this place is truly wonderful,

Then a bright Glow pierced the night.

Twas the Glow of many candles shining bright, strong and bold

I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,

We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.

So, whenever you need to find me, we’re never far apart,

If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Do you think the time is right?

May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond, and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light.
I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know,
That my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too,
And that's why it's so hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.

I Loved You Best

So this is where we part, My Friend,

And you'll run on, around the bend.

Gone from sight, but not from mind,

new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on; I'll find the strength,

Life measures quality, not its length.

One long embrace before you leave,

Share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,

But they be they, and they aren't you.

And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,

Will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,

The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.

And as you journey to your final rest,

Take with you this...I loved you best.

-Jim Willis

The Price We Pay

There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals.

It is a cycle unlike any other.

To those who have never lived through it's turnings and walked it's rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with the full knowledge it will be broken seems incomprehensible.

Only we know how small price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.

Suzanne Clother