How is it June?? A look at our accomplishments this year and what we still need to work on :-)

How is it June already? The year has been very busy for us and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sophie is doing great! She had her yearly exam and the vet says she looks great and in wonderful condition. Most days she has the energy of a puppy but I do see her slowing a bit and long hikes/lots of wrestling take a toll. She will be nine this year. Just like I can't believe it is already June, I am not sure how 9 years has gone by so quickly.

Since we are half way through the year, I always like to check in on our yearly goals:

Goals for Sophie
- earn her Onyx Flyball title

Sophie received her Onxy title this past weekend at a fun filled but incredibly hot weekend tournament. She did awesome and powered through despite the heat. Our team had a lot to celebrate as we had 5 other dogs receive titles ranging from 2500 to 40k. Our two junior handlers also did amazing, one completing her second full time tournament racing a dog and the other box-loading for the first time all weekend long. This was Sophie's last full time tournament which made this weekend incredibly bittersweet for me and also very thankful for my amazing village.

- compete in more barn hunt events and get her RATO title (x)

A few weekends ago, she got her third open Q in barn hunt and her RATO title with a second place finish. All three Qs were with placements (1st and High in Trial, 1st and High in Trial, 2nd). Beyond proud of her. She would probably be faster if she didn't go around saying hi to the spectators and judge but my girl is social and hopeful they have treats LOL.

- compete in Rally Novice event - to do

- Swim more - to do


Goals for Swyatt:
- learn to weave - more work to do!

- full runs in preflight or singles at Ufli event XXXX (he has done this multiple times now at preflight)

Photo courtesy of Jason Largent (copyright of Jason Largent)

He has even run side by side full runs with three different dogs. Also run warmup at the last three tournaments. We are getting closer to racing!

I am very thankful for my teammates - they have been so helpful in getting him ready to race. It takes a village to get a green dog ready and I have an amazing village.

- try out a USDAA Quarterly event - Check! He yahooed a lot and we only got one Q, but for me the big progress was no reacting in the waiting area (despite how small and full it was) and being able to regain his focus when we lost it to complete most runs. I have a lot of work as a handler to do just as his focus needs to continue to grow but such amazing progress!

- try Novice at Barn Hunt event - Check....he peed in the ring after a few seconds. My fault for not giving him enough time outside before we went in. Next time!

- more hikes - to do

Syw has coming a long long way in the last year. His focus and drive is emerging which coupled with his speed and agility is making for some fun progress.