A fluffy wind-up teddy-bear with shoe button eyes and your best towel clutched in his teeth.
Nobility reclining on a grassy bank,
A white-faced old sportsman still keen for the whistle of wings.
In Spring a Golden will put mud on the carpets,
fur all over your best navy blue,
and the flowering bloom of joy in your heart.
A Golden is a flame of colour against dark summer covert,
the spray of surf sent flying, peace spread against cool earth.
He is competence wearing a guidance harness,
pride with a bird in his mouth,
dignity wanting his tummy rubbed,
elegance working in the swampland.
A Golden has the understanding of a saint
and a tail that challenges perpetual motion.
Having a golden Retriever is never knowing where all
your shoes are at any given moment,
Hearing the neighbours call up because he’s sleeping out
in the snow instead of in his kennel,
Keeping cups off the table because of his wild tail,
and not being sure if you paragon will decimate a burglar
or fix him a cup of tea and show him where the silver is.
Somebody else with a Golden is an instant acquaintance.
Your veterinarian wishes all his patients were Goldens
and you just wish you were as great as your Golden thinks you are.
-Author unknown
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Trial Photos
I finally got some photos back from the recent trial where Bailey earned his CD and his RN. Without further ado...
Heeling in Novice A Obedience. I think this was taken just after the judge issued the "fast" command.
Bailey sitting patiently while he waits to be recalled.
Bailey bored out of his mind during the 3 minute down stay.
The official Novice A/New Title win photo.
Doing the straight weave once exercise in Rally Novice A.
Bailey heeling after the right turn. Look at that attention and loose leash!
Bailey staying while I walk around him for the "halt, sit, walk around dog" exercise.
The official Novice A Rally/New Title win photo.
Heeling in Novice A Obedience. I think this was taken just after the judge issued the "fast" command.
Bailey sitting patiently while he waits to be recalled.
Bailey bored out of his mind during the 3 minute down stay.
The official Novice A/New Title win photo.
Doing the straight weave once exercise in Rally Novice A.
Bailey heeling after the right turn. Look at that attention and loose leash!
Bailey staying while I walk around him for the "halt, sit, walk around dog" exercise.
The official Novice A Rally/New Title win photo.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
We did it! New Titles!
We had our last obedience and rally trial yesterday and WE DID IT! Bailey got his last legs for the CD and RN titles and is now Bailey's A Lucky Discovery CD RN! Now for a recap of yesterday's events...
The trial was hosted by the Greater Washington Bouvier de Flandres Club and was held at a pet resort in Richmond, VA. We didn't show until 11 am, so I got up a bit early and drove down Saturday AM. We arrived around 10 am and had plenty of time to set up the crate, take a potty walk, and observe the Open class for a bit.
At 11 am, we had the Novice A walkthrough, which was very short and to-the-point. We were second into the ring, I believe. Sadly, this was Bailey's worst performance by far. To top it off, the judge seemed extremely tough - none of the Open A or Utility A dogs qualified from the morning and only two of the 7 Open B dogs qualified. Either way, after a heel that was less than satisfactory and a crooked recall, we still qualified. Bailey's long sit and long down were excellent, despite all evidence earlier in the week that he would fail miserably. We qualified with a score of 180.5 and placed second in the class.
After the Obedience portion was done, we had a while to hang around before the 2:30 Rally start time. The Rally judge seemed much more laid back and really seemed to enjoy what she was doing. Out of the 33 rally entries, only one dog did not qualify. We had what was almost a flawless performance. The Novice course was SUPER-easy. It only had 10 signs and only the easiest turns and stationary exercises. We qualified with a score of 99 and a FIRST PLACE!
I don't have any photos from the day, since I go to trials alone. However, there was a pro photographer at the trial and once she posts her photos, I'll be able to share them.
I'm extraordinarily proud of my little dog, because I never expected in my wildest dreams that he'd do so well and be able to achieve all that he has. It has truly been a wonderful learning experience, but this is only the start! Now to start training for Open and Rally Advanced!
The trial was hosted by the Greater Washington Bouvier de Flandres Club and was held at a pet resort in Richmond, VA. We didn't show until 11 am, so I got up a bit early and drove down Saturday AM. We arrived around 10 am and had plenty of time to set up the crate, take a potty walk, and observe the Open class for a bit.
At 11 am, we had the Novice A walkthrough, which was very short and to-the-point. We were second into the ring, I believe. Sadly, this was Bailey's worst performance by far. To top it off, the judge seemed extremely tough - none of the Open A or Utility A dogs qualified from the morning and only two of the 7 Open B dogs qualified. Either way, after a heel that was less than satisfactory and a crooked recall, we still qualified. Bailey's long sit and long down were excellent, despite all evidence earlier in the week that he would fail miserably. We qualified with a score of 180.5 and placed second in the class.
After the Obedience portion was done, we had a while to hang around before the 2:30 Rally start time. The Rally judge seemed much more laid back and really seemed to enjoy what she was doing. Out of the 33 rally entries, only one dog did not qualify. We had what was almost a flawless performance. The Novice course was SUPER-easy. It only had 10 signs and only the easiest turns and stationary exercises. We qualified with a score of 99 and a FIRST PLACE!
I don't have any photos from the day, since I go to trials alone. However, there was a pro photographer at the trial and once she posts her photos, I'll be able to share them.
I'm extraordinarily proud of my little dog, because I never expected in my wildest dreams that he'd do so well and be able to achieve all that he has. It has truly been a wonderful learning experience, but this is only the start! Now to start training for Open and Rally Advanced!
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