16/11/2024
Finn had a ridiculously busy week at border collie nationals.
Tuesday he earned his HSBd title with a great run. He hadn't been on stock in a few months leading up to the trial, so I was doubly impressed with him.
Wednesday and Thursday he had a total of 5 runs in agility. No Qs (I made some critical handling errors), but he was as awesome as ever.
Friday he finished his last Triple Q needed for his RACH, and just needs Master points to finish it! He also won his sweepstakes class, made the cut in best headpiece and best gait, and strutted his stuff in the Owner Handled Invitational and Rally Invitational!
Saturday he showed in best of breed, but his high point was his Open A run. I blew the Q because I wasn't loud enough, but he nailed every exercise despite a crazy environment. We also got to run a Crufts style heeling pattern which included positions that he'd never done before, like a moving sit. He did it perfectly, most of our points off were because I forgot my lefts and rights. Ooops.
He ended the weekend by charming people at the Stud Dog Social.
I believe he was the only dog to participate in the Janet Larson Versatility competition, Rally Invitational, and Owner Handled Invitational which is super cool.
My biggest win for the weekend was looking at the photos of us in the ring and realizing how far I've come as a handler in the past two years.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us and helped Finn and myself along the way, David, Pepe, Dawn Marie, Beth, Joan, Joy, Paula, and many others. I never would've dreamed that this would be my once in a lifetime dog, but I'm sure glad he is and that we have a community who loves him as much as I do.
Here's to many more Qs, titles, rosettes, and fun Buddy!