Taking inspiration from lyrics of the Iron Maiden song "The Wicker Man", I have tried to remain in a "my time will come" mindset with dog sports. Some people love and live on the "competing as much as possible" mode, and thus their hard work gets them invited to important events like the agility invitational in Orlando, or chosen for World Team or Best In Shows and Group wins.
Me? I am competitive, no doubt...but I also love days where I can do absolutely nothing at all. Or do something not involving the dogs.
Between work and training the dogs, trying to keep my place to the point of "not appearing on the show Hoarders" Summer is usually uneventful in terms of dog sports.
If you recall, CC needed one QQ to qualify for AKC agility nationals. Just one. We had the "Just one thing" go wrong in our trials that prevented this one way or another and I was getting frustrated. I took several weekends off to do some "me stuff". Often if I get stressed or worry too much about getting something done, the dogs pick up on it. I need to take breaks and remind myself that it will happen. Especially with people losing their dogs so suddenly, or getting horrible news, step to the line like its your last and forget about the rankings, what you need, etc. Your time will come. Music is the best therapy for me. I went to see Iron Maiden both nights in Brooklyn, and one night in Philly for their "Legacy of the Beast" Tour. To say it was amazing was an understatement. If you miss this tour, you are missing a lot. I also am seeing them 2 more nights in September as part of the fan club trip! Since Rush retired, Iron Maiden is one of the few bands still touring that gives me a much needed mental break from the world, and making new friends along the way is a plus! Shoutout to all the new friends and current ones I met so far - makes a great show even better. This is where I was (in the shark hat) for the Philly show. (Photo taken from the Official Iron Maiden Facebook Page). It was Shark week kickoff the night of the show so I had to represent the best week of the year.
So, after the 3 mind melting shows, I went back to work and then had a dog show on the 10th of August. My first trial back in almost a month. I *almost* didnt go. Why? Because I was seeing Hootie & The Blowfish that night at Madison Square Garden. Yes, the band from the 90s. Yes, they are NOT Iron Maiden. My second concert ever and the first concert I remember going to as a child was Hootie at - yes - Madison Square Garden with my mom and cousins. It was coming full circle.
But I said, you know, trialing before the show will tire the dogs out. So off we went. I am glad we did. Both Ryka and CC got QQs...yes. We did it. Both girls qualified for 2020 AKC agility nationals in Georgia (Ryka was qualified about a month prior being the overachiever she is). CCs time will come. Will we ever be an agility national champion? Probably not. But we have to write our own stories. Getting there is the first step. (and yes, Hootie & The Blowfish were great) |
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January 2021
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