7 days to lift off

Howdy blogaroos!!! Where to begin with all the excitement around here? Let’s start with ME!

If you haven’t already seen the Warden’s post on Wastebook – here ya go! Yup. I passed my obedience trial on the weekend and earned the last leg I needed for my Open or CDX title. Once the official paperwork comes in, I can add the extra letters to my name.

The first trial was on Saturday and let’s just forget about the fact that I was doing REALLY well until we got to the signals exercise. This was the second last exercise in the trial – and up to that point I was passing. But I had a momentary brain fart when the Warden gave me a signal to “sit” – while she was standing a distance from me. In watching the CNN sports replay slow motion video, you can actually see me begin to sit from the down position I was in. And then plop, I slid back down. Done. Finished. Do not pass go. Do not collect ribbon.

So back we went the next day. We went through the heeling exercises and they were fine. Drop on recall- great. Retrieve on the flat – no problemo. But then, leave it to the Warden to throw a lousy toss over the jump. Again. I looked left because it went so far, I could see it around the jump. The Warden told me to “take it” – which is my instruction to go over the jump and bring back the dumbbell. And over I went. As I was going to get it, the Warden was willing me to pick it up and turn around right to return over the jump. Did the willing work? Nah. I picked it up and turned around to the left. Taking myself in a further angle from the jump. And I started back. The Warden’s heart sank as – let’s face it – even though I knew the exercise- the shortest way back was around the jump. So. Do a freestyle return around the jump? Or change my tack and go over. At the last second, I cut over the jump. I returned and sat in front of the Warden who for some strange reason had tears in her eyes. Weird. Next on to the dreaded broad jump – my nemesis in several trials. Nailed it. Then the signals – the exercise I boo booed the day before. Nailed it. One more exercise to go. Stay while your owner goes out of the ring to get your leash. I had to stand and stay. It was strange. The Warden was holding her breath throughout the whole exercise. I thought she would pass out. When the judge said “exercise finished” that’s when the waterworks started. OK. Not like full on Niagara Falls with sobbing- but the glistening cheeks variety.

So I got my final leg and was High in my Class. And the angels rejoiced on high! But that wasn’t the end. Get this – my score was Highest in the Trial. So that meant a huge ribbon. And a cash prize for some biscuits and a bottle of wine. Which we both needed. I didn’t get the wine though.

So now I continue training for the Utility level. Also known as Futility. It will be a while before I’m ready to compete at that level.

And then on to MORE exciting news. My muppy is getting bigger and bigger and will soon be leaving Ontario for the East Coast. And WHO will it be????? If the Warden knows, she’s not telling me anything. So keep the guesses coming. If you haven’t looked at their photos lately, check them out on the Messy Hairs Schapendoes Facebook or Instagram pages. You’ll melt.

I have soooooooo much to teach him!!!! I wonder if he will like dumbbells? I didn’t for the first probably 2 years of my life. Then I suddenly started to think they were cool. I’ll show the new guy how to bring them back – if he doesn’t already do it. I understand all the puppies did well on their temperament tests. I wonder if they got little ribbons? I can give him one of mine if he didn’t. I can’t WAIT to meet him!

Lastly, our excitement at home was the arrival of Aunt Sue. I was SO thrilled to see her – I spun around and around her legs. She’s super cool – and I love having her here. She and the Warden do some crazy things – like get up at 3 AM to sit outside and watch for some meteor showers . I was kinda puzzled why we were sitting in the dark on the deck – staring at the sky. Every now and then one of them would say “there’s one!” I hope they were making wishes. The watchful eyes dulled pretty quickly after about 45 minutes. Back to bed they marched- with me following their lead. Good thing these “showers” only happen like once a year.

Well, we have to tidy up the house for my guests who are coming Saturday. It’s Saint Jane and the Shaggies – coming to hang out with me while the stargaze sisters start their journey to pick up my muppy. Pick up is on the 20th- which is coincidentally the Warden’s birthday! What a gift – for both of us!!!

Hold tight to see who the new gang member will be!!! WhoooHooooo!

Have a good one! Peace and paws up. stay safe!