Tom's First Agility Trial

On June 2-3, Tom competed in his first agility trial. We have been taking classes for about 8 months now at PCOTC under the instruction of Kim and Kris Seiter. He has come a long way and learned a lot (and so have I!!) We decided to try competing this spring at a trial or two to see where we are and what we need to work on this summer so we can compete (for real) in the Fall. We did two standard runs and a jumpers run. On Saturday we did just one standard run and Tom was amazing. He ran a clean run- he didn't miss one contact. We were over by 7 seconds on the time though so we didn't qualify but it was so great to have set a few goals and surpass them. On Saturday we did not do as well but overall we accomplished all of our goals such as staying in the ring, getting a good sit stay, keeping good contacts and most importantly having fun. On the jumpers run Tom got ahead of me and did a few laps and was very unfocused. I felt so embarrassed because he ran all over the ring. It was very overwhelming for Tom to be around such high drive dogs and especially all those Border Collies! It will be an adjustment but another competitor came over after my run and said some very encouraging words to me. She said her dog did the same thing for the first four or five trials she went to but he got over it and settled down. This was incredibly encouraging since her tent was decorated with all these ribbons from the weekend including Master of Agility she earned that day with that same dog. I learned some very good lessons that weekend and became more comfortable with the environment. I am looking forward to our next "practice" trial in two weeks. I am sure it will be a fun one since it is upstate and both Tom and Smartie will be competing. I do have to say one thing--->Several people mentioned that we had such great contacts- It must be from all those months of Beginner Agility! Thanks Kim & Kris!!!!

Silly Dogs

On the weekends when Smartie and Abby come to visit there is always excitement and of course exhaustion. Abby and Jerry terrorize Smartie and Tom by chasing them through the tunnels and agility equipment, hanging from their neck fur (we found quite a few of Jerry's baby teeth there!) and stealing their toys. Tom caught on quick that he can just wait till Jerry or Abby become the slightest bit distracted and then he can go in to steal the toy back. Here a a few recent pics - Posing in the tunnel (top photo), Jerry stealing Tom's soccer ball (Tom waiting patiently :), Posing on the wall and Jerry and Abby inspecting the camera lens.

Happy Birthday Nemo & Ella!!!

On Saturday, May 26th, Tom & Jerry were invited to their very first Doggie Birthday party for Nemo & Ella, their agility classmates. Hosted by their handlers, Joanna and Laurey, there were lots of doggie games, doggie crafts, doggie gifts and even a doggie birthday cake. Everyone had such a great time and all the dogs got along well. Of course there was people food and cake too but the emphasis was on the pups. What a great time!







Tom decided the water bowl was a swimming pool!








They even had party hats!

ACS DOGSWALK 2007

Well we did it. Sunday a group of us and our beloved dogs walked in the American Cancer Society's 15th Annual Dogswalk. It was beautiful, very, very chilly day. We as a team raised over $900 dollars! You can still donate by clicking on the link on the left. Enjoy the picture!

From left- Mike and Smartie Jones, Elaine and Abby Einstein, Sabrina and Annie Serio, Michelle and Tom Jones and Jerry "The Mighty Quinn" and Marianne, Lucy, Johanna And Boots DiNardo.

Not pictured- Paul who was getting all the dogs to look at the camera. Or at least trying to!

Welcome To The Family ABBY EINSTEIN

On May 3rd my parents picked up their new addition: a Golden Retriever pup named Abby Einstein from Philadelphia. She joins Smartie Jones, my parents' 3 year old Golden Retriever. Abby is eight weeks old and is a bundle of energy. (More than my Border Collie pup Jerry)- Watch out world!!!

Top left- Abby

Top right- Abby biting off more than she can chew!

Middle- Abby and Smartie

Right- Abby and Jerry examining the camera

P.S. Don't worry Tom was there too but he was too busy working on his agility to pose for the camera.

Do Border Collies Really Sleep???

Here is a picture of Jerry and Tom after a long walk at FDR Park. And, yes they are really napping! Tom has become such a good big brother protecting Jerry. Jerry likes to be the boss though and pushes Tom around biting his neck and hanging there. He also steals all of Smartie's toys and bones. Jerry has had a few time outs already to give Tom and Smartie a break! Looks like we have a new alpha around here. We can't wait until my mom gets her new puppy. Things will be quite interesting.

Introducing- Jerry--->"The Mighty Quinn"

Allow us to introduce the newest member of our family

Jerry "The Mighty Quinn."

Born January 27th, he joins his half brother Tom Jones our other Border Collie who is 18 months old. They both come from a line of highly respected herding dogs as their own dad is top dog in the country for herding. Although we have no sheep here they both will be kept very busy doing agility, learning tricks and herding each other I'm sure- as well as being wonderful additions to our family.

Paul and I were both quite terrified about having a puppy but I must say after only a few hours at home, Jerry settled right into eating, playing AND WENT TO THE BATHROOM OUTDOORS!!!!! He is now sleeping peacefully in his crate next to Tom's. Maybe we will get through the rest of the night without interruptions. It is already 2 am! I will keep you posted.