I want you to know that, just because I have yet to win any prizes or rosettes at Agility, this does not mean that I am not making excellent progress.
Gail entered me into four events at the Ross-shire Dog Agility Competition last Sunday.
In the first event, 'Open Jumping', I tackled all the jumps and the tunnel in the correct order and did not knock any poles down, nor at any point go AWOL from the designated course. The fact that I treated three of the hurdles as an opportunity to show off my limbo dancing skills is surely evidence of impressive versatility.
In the second event, also 'Open Jumping', my slow start enabled me to demonstrate my capacity for rapid acceleration.
Thirdly, came the first 'Agility' class. In this I struggled manfully on to complete the twenty obstacle course, despite the fact that Gail had lost her bearings completely before we were a quarter of the way round. Her excuse was that she had been convinced, based on past competition experience, that I would refuse the second obstacle, the 'dog walk', so she hadn't really bothered to try to remember the rest of the route. Yes you are correct, it is downright insulting.
As is the fact that she didn't ask anyone to photograph my performances for fear, so she claims, of tempting fate.
So you'll have to rely on my word for it that I very nearly achieved a clear round in the final 'Agility' class for medium sized dogs grades 1-7, and was prevented from doing so only by the fact that the judge lady rudely came over to move me on, just as I had paused for a minute or two to catch my breath and admire the splendid view of Ben Wyvis from the fulcrum of the seesaw...
It is not my fault that some folk will fail to recognise star quality when it is staring them in the face.
Insults all 'round Bertie! So unfair. I can't believe you were prodded for admiring the view!!
ReplyDeleteBart
If being able to balance on the fulcrum of a seesaw doesn't show "outstanding" agility skills I'm not sure what does.
ReplyDeleteSome people are so blind. We can tell that you were showing your excellent agility skills. Can't believe that Gail didn't have faith in you...
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
We agree some peeps are blind. We know you have super star quality Bertie and she was blinded by your magnificence. Have a wonderful Wednesday all.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Bertie those peeps are fools. You are a super star for sure. They must just not understand your daring new revolutionary techniques, they are clinging to the old ways. Dont get discouraged
ReplyDeleteurban hounds
Bertie bravo bravo bravo...what a great description of your wonderful abilities in agility. We especially like your description of Gail's shortcomings!!! MOL MOL MOM
ReplyDeleteHumans are very confusing.
Hugs madi your bfff
Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteImpressive performance, but that judge lady should be disqualified :)
ReplyDeleteBertie - Impatience is an unattractive human trait, thankfully not much shared by our canine companions . ( Unless, of course, it's time to eat ).
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWTG that dog! Shame about the navigator though... @~}
Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Although we don't DO agilities... we have gone to WATCH them Many times... and in OUR opinion.. there are just TOO MANY RULES and the Peeps are just TOO BOSSY.
ReplyDeleteThis is SUPPOSED to be FUN fur US and they are being the Fun Police and MESSING UP our good times.
THAT being Said... it SOUNDS as though YOU did a PERFECT job all three times.
Not sure why the dancing moves didn't get you a medal!
ReplyDeleteSnorts
Benny & Lily
Wow Bertie,
ReplyDeleteit sounds like you are doing extremely well!
The fact that you are there, in itself, says a lot. We are so proud of you - especially when you don't conform. Not conforming hints that you are simply having fun and exercising your decision making - all pointing to the fact that you are well rounded and well balanced.
(We give you permission to whisper this in Gail's ear.)
Congratulations Bertie, we are very proud of you!
:). Tell Gail to keep up the good work.
loved it!
ReplyDeleteBertie, you are always a winner to us! We recognize your star power :-)
ReplyDeleteWe agree with Katie, you are a winner to us and you should get a big star! Lee and Phod
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have excellent alternative techniques. Way to think outside the box, Bertie.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Frankie, that Agility should be loads of fun for dogs and they could rip and tear around anyway they want to. All judges should be disqualified with dishonor.
ReplyDeleteStella
Yah, what will we do with People like that?? Maybe they should take time to smell the roses!!
ReplyDeleteWags
Addi
It sounds like you did an amazing job! Gold medal!!
ReplyDeleteOh I would be running all over the place, having fun. I would so be disqualified..BOL xxooxx
ReplyDeleteMollie and Alfie
Don't worry Bertie, we know what you are capable of. You're a winner in our eyes mate! Hope you had fun. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory
ReplyDeleteAs long as you are having fun! That is what matters
ReplyDeleteStop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/
Bertie, you have the right idea about agility. You showed impressive and unique techniques that only an extremely intelligent judge could take note of. Although you probably dazzled all the other dogs, that judge woman sounded hard to crack!
ReplyDeleteOuch! Obviously you just can't be bothered with the dog walk during practice runs, but you are well prepared to take it on when running in an actual competition. Your ability to complete the courses without taking a runner is impressive. It is actually just such an inclination that has prevented momma from entering me in the fun runs sponsored by our local agility club (oh, and something about me going cracker dog mental fits every time I see another dog running the course, and not waiting for momma to tell me when to start, and a few other things I forget).
ReplyDeleteKisses,
Dexter