So, it seems like every competitor is taking 2 dogs.
I made the decision a while ago not to take Pat, even though she is more experienced. At the time of my decision, she was also undergoing weekly acupuncture for a sore back, which of course affected my decision. Now that it's getting down to the wire (March 31 close date for entries, not to mention a March 3 deadline for the whole tedious rabies process, which, if I had done at the same time as Tap, would have saved me a whole bunch of money) I am second guessing my decision not to take Pat.
Although the acupuncture and the addition of a daily dose of Sasha's Blend joint supplement have helped her back problem tremendously, they unfortunately don't turn back the clock. Pat will still turn 10 in September. My thoughts were that she is past her prime, and may not bounce back as quicky as her daughter after a long, stressful flight. The trial course may be too big for her. She also has a serious fault in that she can get completely hung up on her outrun and lift. Not always, but it happens. And when it does? Well I can basically kiss my run goodbye. It would suck for it to happen after spending $3000 to get her to Wales. Not that Tap is without imperfections, and everyone knows anything can happen on the trial field, no matter if you are running the current World Champion or a rookie youngster!
True, my travel plans will be much facilitated by only having to manage one dog (planes, trains and automobiles...) But oh, the thought of Tap and I blowing it early on in the preliminary round and not having a "second chance" is almost killing me!
What to do what to do?
And, as promised: I (as the lone Canadian competitor) was selected to be profiled on the World Trial Website. You can read it, if you are interested by following this link: http://www.worldsheepdogtrials.org/new/index.php?page=fiona-robertson The photo was taken in 2006, my hair is much longer now!
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!
Monday, February 18, 2008
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