On the Way to a UGRACH

I spent the day participating in 2 UKC trials at WAG. I'm working on my UGRACH (United Grand Agility Champion) title which means I need to qualify in each of the AGI-B, AGII-B and AGIII classes, with a combined score of 588 points or better, during a trial. I have to do this 5 times before I get this title. Well, I managed to do this at one of the trials today with Dad, but unfortunately Mom and I only qualified in the AGI-B trial. I had some weave woes and flew off the dog walk. We came home with 2 third place and 1 fourth place ribbons. It was a long day--about 8 hours--so we all took a nap once we got home.

Tagless Toby

Mom and Dad were in a bit of a panic last night when Dad announced my dog tags were missing. Dad knew I had them when I went to agility class on Thurs., but hadn't seen them since. It was already dark out when Dad remembered they were missing, so they searched around the yard and cars with flashlights and then through the house. They were worried about all they would have to replace--rabies tag, microchip tag, insurance tag, therapy dog tag, ID tag, dog beach tag. But then this morning when Mom was vacuumming, she noticed the ring of tags hanging from the spare bedroom bedspread. They lavished me with attention cause they were all worried that I must have struggled a bit, without them knowing, to free myself from that predictament.

Playing with Cameron

Daddy and Mommy's youngest grandson, Cameron, wanted to visit with me today. He loves trying to get me to do tricks and I complied with some sit, stays and comes. Then we all went off to the dog park! We even took the longer route by the river. Cameron likes to play hide and seek and once again I was a good sport and tracked him down from behind different trees each time. When we dropped him off at his house, I also got some attention from a visiting neighbor baby. Mommy was proud of me cause when the baby petted me in a slightly pounding baby fashion I responded with a kiss.

School Progress Report

The last few weeks I've been giving Mommy a hard time in class-being sluggish, avoiding jumpus, running out of the ring to Daddy, going on the wrong obstacle--your general agility mischief. All my peeps have a slightly different take on this. Daddy commented that it was cause Mommy wasn't carrying the treat bag on her during one of the sessions. But Mommy knows I usually perform well without it during trials and this only accounted for one week. Mary, my teacher, said I'm just messing with Mommy's mind and sucking up to Daddy in between. Mommy wonders if it has to do with her job and a little more work related stress lately. But in any case, today I did well. Mom and Dad worked on really revving me up and I was just so excited to go, go, go. Mommy hopes I've turned the page to a better day.

I Got 2 More Legs--Does That Make Me an Insect?

This weekend was filed with more AKC trials at WAG. On Saturday, just Daddy and I went cause Mom was busy with other family events. Dad and I got a leg and a 2nd place in Jumpers with Weaves in the Excellent A class. Dad said I didn't do so hot in the Standard Excellent A course--the dreaded NQ score. On Sunday, Mom and I also received a leg in Jumpers with Weaves. There were some cool professional photos of me going through a chute and over jumps. Mom and Dad said they already have some of these, but really can you have enough pictures of your kids?

I Passed My Test!

Mom took me for my Therapy Dog International test today. (Unfortunately Daddy couldn't come cause he was sick.) There were lots of people around because it was also a Fall Fest at the Lutheran Home grounds. Lots of people wanted to pet me. Sometimes I am a little shy at first and lean into Mom, but usually if given a few minutes I get over this. Some people I approach right away. Mom thought it was a great opportunity to meet lots of different types of people and be around different types of equipment. Mom was a little nervous about the test being outdoors (that hunting dog nose sometimes distracts me from healing) but I did okay. I was a little shy about being hugged by a stranger, but I did allow it. Mom thinks I will get better at this, especially if she or Dad can pet me when I'm first getting used to a new person. I did well walking through the crowd of kids using crutches and a walker and of course did excellent on my sit/stay and then stay and recall. I had no problems walking past a stranger that my greeted (shook hands with) even when there was another dog present. I allowed a sitting girl to pet me, the lady to brush me and I wasn't distracted by food or noise. I was looking a bit for where Mom went when she had to leave me for 3 minutes, but I stayed put with the person and never barked or whined. Mom and Dad are so proud of me and plan to get the rest of my paperwork turned in soon. We celebrated by going to the dog park. Later, at home, Dad hung up a hammock in our yard. I don't remember ever seeing one of these, but since Mom was sitting in it I jumped up to join her. I was a little nervous about the movement, but after Mom added a blanket (so my feet wouldn't slip through the holes) I was able to relax a bit. That is, until I noticed the squirrela in the trees.

Getting Ready for the Test

Mom heard about a Responsible Dog Ownership Day at the Lutheran Home for the Aged Fall Festival and thought it be worth checking out. They will be conducteing a Canine Good Citizenship test (which I already have) and Therapy Dog International test. Mom has always thought about me being a therapy dog and so decided we try for the test. Mom and Dad practiced with me tonight by bringing out a pair of crutches and walking past me ( I wasn't too crazy about this, but tolerated it). Since they didn't have a wheelchair, walker or a cane around they thought they bring me to PetSmart and get some more exposure to strangers. They were excited to have the opportunity to meet some individuals there in a wheelchair and with a cane so I could get used to these items. I was excited to visit the aquatic dept. and see all those goldfish swimming in tanks at my eye level. I tried snapping at a few but there was some type of clear barrier between us. Dad bought a few Oscars for our tank and I was fascinated watching those when we got home.

A Wonderful End to the Summer

Finally, Mom and Dad took me to the Montrose Dog Beach. I haven't been there all summer! It was a beautiful, warm day today so the beach was packed. My bro had to stay home because first of all he doesn't even like the water and two because Mom and Dad were convinced if they let him off leash their he would never be found again. I spent a long time swimming and some time looking for fish (not a single one spotted). I played a little bit with the other dogs, but mostly kept close to Mom and Dad. Afterwards, we stopped at O'Donovans in Chicago since we could all sit outside and eat. They're nice to doggies there and even brought me a bucket of water. A got a taste or two of Daddy's prime rib so I was in doggy heaven. I'm glad Mom can type cause I'm doggone tired now.

Let the Games Begin

My new puzzle game arrived the other day and it totally rocks. Treats are hidden under these wooden cyclinder shaped blocks and then I have to remove them to get my treat. Mom and Dad were amazed how quickly I figured this game out. There are a few different tactics to use: some of the blocks I had to push along the tracks and then knock over, others I had to pull (this took a little longer to figure out) and then some of the larger blocks had to be gripped with my teeth and lifted out and finally, for a real challenge, I had to first take out the bigger block then move the smaller one to get my prize. I was so excited to play, but was polite enough to let my brother Murphy play alongside me. I really had to do some problem solving to figure out all the techniques but I kept at it with real enthusiasm.

Teacher's Pet

My agility teacher and my parents were so proud with how well I performed this afternoon at class. I worked my weaves wonderfully and put the pedal to the metal. Sometimes I get a little sluggish after a half hour of solo training, but today I had lots of energy and drive. My teacher Mary tried to stump Mom and Dad with some difficult courses, but I helped them out and it was smooth sailing.