More Lies.

Yesterday I said I was attending a two-day obedience seminar.

I lied.

I walked out.

I am incapable of silent complicity when things are simply not okay.

Let me be clear — different opinions are valuable! My concerns were not about different opinions.

In my world, hitting dogs to teach behavior is not okay. I am not alone in thinking that — see, for example, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s Position Statement about punishment by clicking HERE

I want to be respectful and thoughtful about what I say about that whole misadventure. Therefore, I won’t say much now because I am still processing.

But I left that seminar heartsick and angry, and reminded that the sport of obedience has a ways to go.

Changing Season & Ponder This

In spite of a vigorous training schedule for the past four months, it is apparently not Claire’s year for a TDX.

She was first alternate at the specialty TDX test and she is third alternate at our local test, even with a Worker Certificate advantage.

Tracking Season is now closed for 2019. It is getting hot and the grass will dry up — time to shift gears.

I am a wee bit disappointed that we did not get in a test, but the Disappointment Channel is a real downer and so I switched my mental channel to a happier one. And yes, it is a choice where to park your brain just as much as it is a choice where to park your backside.

The Hope Channel is my favorite — it plays all the happy events and days ahead in an endless loop. One of the shows on the Hope Channel is that amazing day when Claire earns a TDX.

In the meantime, we are turning our attention to other events — and growing coat. No Hair Claire is definitely sporting her summer outfit these days.

Coming up in June — two days of obedience for Harper B, and a return to AGILITY — not Harper for Begone Agility (perish the thought says Harper) but for Daisy and Claire. How fun is that?!

Today’s Ponder This from my stewarding vantage point — who looks their very best when gagging and choking?

Ponder, If You Would

I am serving as a Ring Steward for the four-day Missoula dog show. This means I basically manage — and watch — one of the conformation rings.

Oh My.

So much to say.

But for now I ask you to consider what it means when a person is concerned about a dog “getting away” with something.

Not what it means about a dog.

What it means about a human.

And what thoughts, feelings, and legitimized actions proceed from a belief that a dog is pulling a fast one.

Life with Dogs — so fascinating.