WW

Updated Thinking

At our trial the other weekend we were able to speak to a few people about Lexi's issue.  We've also had time to hear stories and thoughts from our family, friends, trainers, etc...about Lexi's condition.

I have truly appreciated all the support, anecdotes and information that people have shared.  I've also been a little overwhelmed.  Every story, every incident, and every dog is different.  I'm a black or white kind of girl and I wish it were that easy.  But hearing everyone's stories only makes me realize how unique each and every situation is.

I've heard encouraging stories about dogs doing serious rehab, building muscles by doing balance ball work, underwater treadmill, rear-end strength exercises, etc...and never needing surgery.

I've heard encouraging stories of successful surgeries where dogs were back to their usual selves (including agility) in six months to a year's time.

I've even heard stories of dogs that have retired and become "just companions" (I put that in quotes because I know what an important job that really is!) and are perfectly happy.

But I just don't know where we fall.

I've also worried myself sick over what will be best for Lexi.  She is very sensitive, and I don't want her to ever associate agility, fetching, running, or being enthusiastic with pain.  I don't ever want her to have to hesitate to do something that she wants to do.  I've, unfortunately, seen a dog or two who have run injured (in pain, or compensating for injury) and have learned to deal with injury but aren't enthusiastic anymore.  They are usually slow, and unmotivated.  There is nothing wrong with slow dogs--but that's not Lexi.  I want her to always be able to be herself and don't want any selfish decision of mine to change her.

When we came home from the trial, both days, SHE WAS MAD AT US.  I couldn't believe it.  She wouldn't fetch her ball, wubba, or any other toy.  She would run after it, but not bring it back.  Do you know how many times she has done that?  Like zero.  I was worried for a minute that she was hurt, but she would chase Bentley all around like a nut, but actively avoided us for a bit (reminds me of the one time that Jonathan yelled at her and she refused to hang out with him upstairs...just watched him from downstairs).  I know it sounds silly, but I don't think I could leave her home while we trial for the rest of her life.  It was too sad--she loves being there with us so much.  And running.

And then I watch her run around the house (see below) and I think...this is way worse than what we ask of her in agility!  (Don't watch these if you get motion sick...I couldn't keep up!)

Mishmash Monday

You Can't Keep a Good Dog Down...

Bentley's Weekend

This weekend we went to a local trial.  I was a little apprehensive about going.  Of course I was excited about Bentley coming back from his injury, but I was also feeling really sad.  I couldn't believe that for the first time in over 2 years we'd be going to a trial without Lexi.  I just knew it wouldn't be fair to bring her along and not let her run, so she stayed home.

But my little buddy made it worth it.  He got his MAD!  (Master Agility Dog).  I was so proud of him.  Leave it to my little man to make me wake up and realize how much I love this sport.  Part of me wanted to quit a few weeks ago!

Anyways, here are his runs...

Masters Gamblers:
My little non-gambling man...he really tried!  I have been setting little goals for our gambles (or it gets kind of depressing) and this one was just for him to take the second jump.  He took the second jump AND turned the right way.  And then he went back out to complete the obstacles.  No Q, of course (didn't take that third jump) but I was really happy.


Masters Standard:  Q and MAD!
There was a time when I never even dreamed of getting Qs with Bentley (didn't even know what a "Q" was!), much less titling across the board and getting closer and closer to an ADCH.  Bentley is such a trooper, and I could just feel his enthusiasm at being out there with us today.


Masters Gamblers:
Again, I try to set little mini goals, and I honestly didn't think Bentley would even get into the right end of the tunnel.  But he did!  I better start giving him more credit!  That in itself felt like a victory.  And then, he went back WAY out and took the last jump.  Again, I was so proud!  The teeter was just too far and at too much of an angle coming from the tunnel for him to even see it, but I'm not worried about that.


Masters Standard:
Not the best run...but I like to blame most of it on Jonathan.  It's just been awhile since we've been working with Bentley and his commitment point is so late!  Jonathan's decel and slight lateral motion caused a refusal in the corner.  I thought his rear cross heading towards the table was really nice.  Jonathan wanted to make him hold his a-frame since the run was blown, but of course B wasn't even close--haha!  Dogwalks are looking good, though.

Hocking Hills

 

Words Only Wednesday

"But we owe it to ourselves to try, 
So we aim and ignite...
It's not often that I understand
The ins and outs of what's wrong and what's right
So don't think of tomorrow tonight."  
(fun.)