Agility

My mom has said for a while that maybe she should look into agility lessons for me. By a while, I mean years! The first time she said anything about it was right around the time Éowyn came home. I think it may have been the day Éowyn got spayed, because Mommy sent me to daycare, so I could play all day and get tired. Then I wouldn't be so upset that Éowyn wasn't allowed to play for a while.

Well, I had never been to that daycare before. They kept me in a fenced area away from the other dogs. One lady stayed in there with me. I kept telling her we should go see the other dogs. That lady was just not getting the hint. So I jumped most the way up the 6 foot, chainlink fence and climbed over to show her how easy it was. Then I jumped back over to see if she needed my help.

I guess that's unusual, cause they made a big fuss over me. Then when Mommy came, they all started talking about agility. Mommy said she'd have to make sure me having a 66 screw bone plate wasn't going to hurt me if I took lessons. And then, well, life happened.

Not that I'm complaining. We were always going on outings, and I even got a chance to take some formal training. I knew that stuff already, so I just showed off and told off the youngsters when they didn't do it right.

But this last spring, I started my first agility lessons. I don't think I've ever been so excited! It is the most fun I have ever have. And the best thing is, it's all about me. I don't have to share Mommy, my teacher, or the facility with anyone while I'm there. I get all the attention and all the treats.

It's pretty easy stuff. I think Mommy has a harder time with it, cause she has to stare at everything, deciding which way to go for a while before we get started. Just go! Jumps, hoops, walks, A-frame, teeter, table, tunnel, shute, and weave polls! Yeah! Just show me the treats!

Mommy is so proud of me. She keeps talking about her 8 year old hound with a 6 scew bone plate taking agility and doing great. My instructor who competes nationally, says that I do just awesome and would be lightning fast if I'd stop howling after every obsticle. What does she know? I'm expressing myself.

FED

I went on my first vacation in a long time last weekend! We went to a business conference for Mommy and Daddy. Some friends that I already knew were there too. The driving there and back wasn't the best, because we were all squished. Eowyn kept yelling that I was on her side. She got in trouble for being bossy, but she kept doing it.

We got to stay in a hotel room with a huge bed. We wore our best halti's and collars. We also had our nails painted. Everyone who saw us said how cute we were. That is the attention any dog should get. But one night after a meeting, Mommy and Daddy came back to get us to take us outside. On the way back in, the lobby was packed with people from the conference. We were stopped by one couple. I could tell that they were pretty important people, because lots of other people were waiting to talk to them. They took turns petting us and talking about their dogs at home. Thankfully, I was much better behaved than Eowyn. Even though wiggling and jumping got her more attention, I'd rather be remembered as a well-mannered dog. Anti-anxiety vitamins always help too.

Mommy says she is so happy we got to meet those people. I'm always happy to meet anyone. But most of those people were different in a way. They seemed really happy and kind. I hope we get to see them again soon. I am glad they are people my parents like to spend time with.

Halti

I've been wearing a Halti since Mommy first got me. When I have it on, I know better than to pull. If someone forgets and puts my leash on my regular collar, I show them just what a pain I can be. I don't like being lead on my neck collar.

Since I like my Halti so much, Mommy has decided to make it as stylish as possible. Fall 2004 fashion came with pieced together looks, unfinnished hems, and the more luxe the better. So, I got a new Halti to show just how stylish I am.

Mommy decided today that I needed to be seen in my new Halti by more than just those around here. So she submitted my picture to a website, showing what a Plott Hound looks like. I bet no one else's Plott Hound looks as good as I do. Please check it out. I can't help showing off. I'll get the attention when I can now, as my little sister likes to hog the lime light.

http://www.dogsindepth.com/hound_dog_breeds/plott_ hound.html