So, unbelievably, Tap and I are going to be the sole handler and dog representing Canada. I learned that because of the overlapping of dates for the USBCHA Finals in South Dakota and the World Trial, ALL previously slated Canadians have dropped out, choosing instead to go to South Dakota in September. While I understand that there is less expense, less travel, less hassle and a higher payback (well, if you place, that is), I would never in a million years choose South Dakota over Wales for the following reasons:
1. Since I probably have a slim to none chance of placing in either the USBCHA Finals or the Worlds, I could care less about payback. (But did you see the solid gold whistle that is the trophy for the World Champion?)
2. Going to either SD or to the UK represents at least 12-14 hours of car/plane/train travel for me. And if airline regulations would just let me have Tap come on board with me as my "carry on" , then probably about the same expense wise. (If I could train her to be really, really still, maybe she could pass for one of those stupid women's purses in the shape of a dog?) She would fit under the seat, if I squashed her slightly...
3. Tap, being a very kind, stylish and square sort of working dog (read: not a powerhouse), will have a better chance at getting round the course on wild welsh hill sheep than the "face off" type sheep that I hear they use in SD for the Finals.
4. South Dakota in the middle of a field (close to nowhere) with no place to hike, swim and enjoy my vacation with my dog, or lush, green welsh mountains and coast? Not a tough decision!
So Canada has no team, which means that I cannot be part of the team portion of the competition and will only be competing as an individual. At the 2005 World's in Ireland, the Canadian Team (Amanda Milliken, Dennis Gellings, Scott Glen, Bob Stephens and Bruce Smart) finished 4th overall as a team in the Qualifying runs (the Semi Finals and Finals count towards individual glory only). But although I am a rookie, Tap IS still the second seeded dog in Canada of the teams that were interested in competing, so we earned our spot - I just wish I didn't have to carry the flag all by myself!
Maybe the US team will let me hang with them...I hear many of the Big Hats are going, including Alasdair MacRae, Tommy Wilson and Haley Howard to name a few. Nothing official yet, of course, but maybe they will feel sorry for a little hat from Canada and let me tag along!
A HUGE thank you to our sponsors!
- Thank you to Abbie Tamber for her kind and generous donation, we were surprised by some additional fees bringing the dogs home, so this helps tremendously!
- Nan Keder and the late Bill Gignac for their tremendously generous sponsorship check - I am moved to tears by the generousity of my friends near and far. In Bill's memory, I will be sure to "Go have fun with my dogs" - this was always his and Nan's advice before any competition and it will surely help me keep everything in perspective. Again THANK YOU!!!
- Thanks to everyone at Liko North America for participating in the 50/50 draw. Over $200 was raised!
- Thank you to Julie Daniels and White Mountain Agility for donating proceeds from the equipment auction held at Instructor's Camp !
- Megan and Creekside Fynn for their generous contribution to our fundraising efforts!
- Jane and Mike Buckley of Ottawa for their very generous cash donation!
- Dave and Mary Ellen Young for donating the lamb used for the Argentenian Lamb Roast benefit dinner at the Sherbrooke Int'l Sheepdog Trials. The dinner was a HUGE success - thanks also to Dr. Herten Graeven (my dentist) for cooking!
- Nancy Phillips and the Mad River Sheepdog Trial for donating a portion of their profits to our fundraising campaign.
- The Ottawa Valley Border Collie Club for awarding me one of their very generous grants to help club members who are representing Canada with their dogs at a world championship in any dog sport.
- Caroline McKinney, a NOMAD member for her generous donation!
- Creekside's M.D. "Doc" and his fur-parents Jimmy and Sandy Cody for their generous sponsorship donation!
- To Val Henry and her brother for designing and making the great T-shirts - all of which were donated! 28 shirts were sold in one weekend at the CATS/NOMAD trial! Wow!
- EVERYONE who so generously donated items or services for the Silent Auction - it was a huge success! Thanks to all who placed bids and showed so much support! The Northeast agility community is AWESOME!
- Waggers Pet Products for their VERY generous and VERY appreciated sponsorship check!
- Val Henry for her very generous monetary sponsorship! THANK YOU! I hope Jus' mom and sis can do you proud!
- Rose Redick & Kensa, Woody, Abbie, Rodney and Fawn for their very generous monetary donation! Thank you so very much!
- Emily Adham (future owner of Tap x Chip puppy) for sending in much more than she "bet" in the puppy wager. Thank you so much!
- Del and Fred Waters (and Haggis and Ghillie) for their generous monetary sponsorship ! Wow! I have great friends!
- Guides Canins for their generous monetary sponsorship - Guides Canins is the best training center around!
- Thanks to EVERYONE who took part in the Puppy Wager! For a complete list, please visit the puppy blog.
- Mom and Dad for a wonderfully generous donation to the dog's "Executive Class" ticket!
- Avid Canada for providing a few items that might be used in a raffle.
- Creekside Cait and David for their TRULY generous donation. We hope mom and sis will make you proud!
- Sasha's Blend Canada - Will keep Pat supplied with the only joint support supplement that REALLY works!
Friday, January 18, 2008
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