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On Tuesday, June 16, Pete, me and the girls headed out to attend the Dog Days Canine Cannonball DockDogs competition held at the Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. We had to travel about 1400 miles to reach our destination. For the most part, weather was good........except when we left New Mexico on Wednesday morning, it was raining and continued to rain all the way to Guthrie, Oklahoma! Thursday morning dawned a bright new day with the sun shining all the way to Missouri.
The competition began on Friday afternoon. The venue was a Bar & Grill situated on the shore of the Lake. The location was perfect and the sun continued to shine. Team Pete & Mia's first Wave was late afternoon and to tell the truth, we weren't too sure what Mia would do. Mia is a "morning girl" and afternoon jumps could be somewhat questionable. Pete and Mia took the dock and Mia seemed ready to go. Her first jump..........16'8"!!!!!!!! WOOHOO, Mia!! Lisa, Belle and I were cheering from the sidelines!!!!!!! The second jump wasn't quite as good, but she still earned a Senior leg toward a National Senior Title. Mia was scheduled for two waves on Saturday and one wave on Sunday before finals. All her recorded jumps were between 15' and 16', giving her a total of four legs toward a National Senior Title. If she made finals and jumped over 14'11", she would earned the National Senior Title.
On Saturday, there were many, many dogs participating in both Big Air Waves. Each Wave consisted of 4 or 5 groups (about 10 Teams per group). Making finals could be questionable. It was rumored over 3,000 people had attended the event throughout the day. This number is comprise of mostly spectators/boaters who came to eat and watch the afternoon festivities.
But, low and behold, Team Pete and Mia did make the Amateur Finals! During the first rotation, Mia jumped a respectable 15'10" and was tied for 2nd Place. The second rotation started and Mia was ready to go............however, Pete's timing was a little off and Mia only jumped 13'7". Pete felt if he had thrown the toy correctly, Mia would have jumped close to her first jump's distance if not further. With her first jump, she placed 5th overall for the competition and earned her National Senior Title! Having traveled as far as we did, we were quite PROUD that Mia made such a fine showing.
We met a great group of DockDoggers! Gateway DockDogs, representing the St. Louis area, Heartland DockDogs, representing the Southern Illinois area, and the Mo*Kan DockDogs, representing the greater Kansas City area, were all in attendance. All of the different clubs' members made it a point to welcome us and were happy we were able to attend the event.
Of course, the weekend wouldn't have been complete if Belle didn't have one of her "frantic" break aways!!! On Sunday, Pete and Mia went down to a "courtesy dock" on the lake to practice a bit. Belle was beside herself that she was left behind and preceeded to protest. I felt sorry for her and opened the x-pen. I got her choke chain/leash on her, but she was in such a hurry, she knocked me down and headed straight for the courtesy dock! In the meantime, Pete and Mia had started over to line up for finals. Seeing them heading over to the competition dock, Belle ran down an embankment heading for the water via the shoreline. She promptly enters the lake and starts swimming toward the dock. The venue sets up about 2 1/2 feet from the water; and, I'm wondering how am I going to get this big girl out of the water!!! Luckily for me, a few of the Heartland DockDogs' handlers were standing there and were able to grab her and pull Belle out. I was SOOOOOOO angry with Belle! I really DO NEED to work with her and the electronic collar!
After the competition, we headed back to the RV and started to get things ready so that we can leave bright and early in the morning. Monday morning arrives with RAIN, THUNDER, LIGHTING, WIND and then MORE RAIN, THUNDER, LIGHTING, WIND!!! It surprised me that this could happen at 5:30 AM! There was soooo much rain A FROG WOULD OF CHOKED! Osage Beach received about 2 inches rain in a matter of an hour and a half!!! At 7:30 AM the rain subsided and we were able to pull out. I was a little anxious about driving, but once we were out of the immediate area, the clouds started to break up! The rest of the drive home was beautiful weather...........except Grants, NM, gets pretty darn cold in the early, early morning.....49 degrees!!!
I'm off to Phoenix tomorrow morning and then on Monday morning Leslie, Tanner and I leave for Daytona Beach, FL. Leslie's competitive groups will be competing at the National level. We'll be back in Phoenix in time to celebrate Tanner's 3rd birthday. After a Chuckie Cheese party, I'll fly home.
Our next DockDogs travels will take us to Ridgefield, Washington, in August. Next month Pete and I are planning a trip up to Salt Lake City to play golf with our winter golfing partners. Will post any other DockDog happenings/experiences as they occur!
Here it is the end of May; and, I'm finally doing an update! Yeesh......so much for my New Year's Resolution!!!
When last I wrote, we had just purchased a Fifth Wheel and were heading to Long Beach, CA, the first weekend in March for a competition. We really had a great time in the Long Beach area and enjoyed the Fifth Wheel.........the only hitch.....Mia wasn't really into the jumping! Her jumps ranged from 10' to 14'5"........at best! Plus, a few times she came to a complete stop and just looked up at Pete as if to say, "You want me to get that!". When this did happen, Pete was able to coax her to get her ball and avoid a "dnf". Even though Mia didn't make Finals, it was great to watch other LVDD members compete for honors........our club made a BIG SHOWING and we're all quite proud of all the accomplishments.
To be honest, Pete and I were somewhat baffled as to what exactly was going on with Mia.........she just didn't seem that interested in competing. On the other hand, Belle was really into visiting with any one or thing that came her way. We still needed to be careful with Belle and her activity level; she needed to be kept in the xpen most of the day at the competition. Belle has also become very, very vocal!! When Pete and Mia were on the dock, she wanted to be with Mia and was making sure every one within earshot knew it. I finally placed a sheet over the entire pen which seemed to quiet Belle down.
At the end of March, we headed down to Del Mar, CA, for another competition. The weather seemed to be a little warmer and Mia acted as if she was excited to participate. On Friday, Mia's first wave was okay....a 13'4" recorded jump and 4th place in the Junior Division.
Since Saturday's competition wasn't scheduled to start until after 12:00, we decided to take the girls to the "dog beach" at Solana Beach. Both enjoyed playing in the sand and getting into the surf! Belle's activity still needed to be somewhat limited, so she was kept on the leash. On the other hand, Mia was having a complete field day running in and out of the water! She would run along the shore chasing her ball...in and out of the water...tail wagging and barking having too, too much fun!
Team Pete and Mia jumped the three scheduled waves for Saturday and received a 3rd place-Juniors, 1st place-Juniors and a 1st-Novice. Since her jumping distance dwindled as the day wore on, we figured she just ran out of gas by the last wave. Sunday morning dawned cloudy and overcast......we knew this might be a problem....we truly feel Mia needs WARM weather! She's just not one of those girls who gets wet just to get wet! Sure enough....Mia hesitated before she jumped and recorded a jump of 11'0". Once again, we missed the Finals. However, on a positive note, Mia's recorded jumps titled her in the Junior Division. She is now titled and eligible to jump in the National Competition held in October in Mason, OH.
Las Vegas Dock Dogs participated in "Pet-O-Palooza West" held in Peoria, AZ, the weekend of April 4-5. The venue for the event was the outfield of the San Diego Padres' spring training facility. And, Belle and Mia were ready for a fun weekend. Belle was having a good time walking and rolling in the grassy outfield. Mia's jumps for the weekend were consistently in the range of 13' to 14'.....the good thing was....she actually SEEMED EXCITED about getting in the water! She wasn't hesitating at the end of the dock any more. Also, Pete felt Mia did better using the "sit and stay" method rather than the approach he had been using. She WAS jumping better, but now the problem was in Pete's timing of throwing the ball.
Groupings for FINALS are different than the "TITLED DIVISION". The Amateur Finals are comprised of the top 8 Teams (or up to the top 8) with a Top Score of 17’11” or less from the Open Waves within the event. Team Pete and Mia had qualified as the Top 7th Team within the Amateur grouping and had made FINALS! FUNTASTIC!!! In fact, all of the LVDD's who attended the event had made a Finals Grouping....(Semi Pro - up to 21'11" and Pro over 22'). Pete and Mia took the dock for the first jump but Mia slipped and her jump was only 7'6". Her second jump was better at 12'6" and she finished No. 8 in Finals. All in all, we were happy that she had made finals and seemed to improve from the previously competitions.
We really enjoyed using the Fifth Wheel as it proved to be the perfect way for us to travel with Belle and Mia. They, too, seem to feel more comfortable and not so antsy and drooling!! Pete and I were now faced with a dillemna......there aren't any more "close by" competitions scheduled for awhile..so...we bought the Fifth Wheel so that we could travel...WELL...WHY NOT!!!!!!!
Thus, we took off last week and went to Magnolia/Plantersville, TX, for an affiliate club competition, Houston Area Dock Dogs "2009 Spring Fling". Mia WAS OUTSTANDING. Her first jump out was 17'2". All of her recorded jumps for the weekend "TITLED" her in the REGIONAL SENIOR DIVISION. The format used for the Finals was Top 8 Dogs in the Division. Team Pete and Mia had made the Senior Division Finals. Mia finished with a 3rd Place in SENIOR DIVISION! Belle and I were sooooooo PROUD of our TEAM!!! They really SHINED!!!
In June, we have planned to travel to Osage Beach, Missouri, for a National Competition. We also have planned a trip to Ridgefield, Washington, for another National Competition in August. In addition, we are planning to compete in the National Championships to be held in Mason, Ohio in October. Pete and I are both excited about our trips........we figured.....hey, we've got the time now, so let's see some of the United States.
Once again, I've turned this into another epic! That's what happens when there's such a lapse in my postings. But for now, I think it's up to date. June is a BUSY, BUSY month for me........I'll be in Phoenix to take care of my favorite little guy from 06/2 thru 06/7 (so Leslie doesn't have to worry about Tanner while she's busy getting things ready for the annual recital)........will return home and have 1 day to get ready for the Missouri trip. We'll return home from Missouri on Wednesday, June 17. I leave again on June 21st to go to Daytona Beach, Florida, with Leslie and Tanner for the Studio's National competition. I'll be back in Boulder City on June 30th.......after celebrating Tanner's 3rd........and will probably need the month of July to recuperate!!!!!
I won't make any promises....but, who knows.....just maybe, I'll be able to do an update some time between Missouri and Florida!!!!!!!
Just wanted to give a heads up on how we finished 2008! Las Vegas Dock Dogs had an end of the year Banquet on December 3.....just for the two-legged members. It was a great way to celebrate the achievements of the Club. In just a short time, most all members had participated in at least one competition, as well as, the Club itself hosting an event. Pretty amazing since our Club has only been in existence since August, 2008. We are so very proud of all our accomplishments.
Unfortunately, Pete and I had to leave prior to the Awards Presentation. However, we were notified later that Pete, myself, Mia and Belle had been recognized with the "MOST TEAM SPIRIT AWARD" and were presented with an awesome Certificate which reads "for having the most team spirit in every way possible with Las Vegas Dock Dogs in 2008!" If you visit us, you'll see it on the wall right next to Mia's ribbons.
The second weekend in January, we all headed back to Phoenix so that Pete could do the PF Chang Rock n Roll Half Marathon. This has pretty much become Pete and Leslie's "thing". The weather was great........Leslie finished in 1 hr 53 minutes and Pete finished in 2 hrs 19 minutes. Both were happy to have beat their time from last year. I was happy to be with Tanner for the 3 days. He's such a cutie!!!!! (Of course, I'm prejudice.) I'll be heading back to Phoenix the last weekend in February to watch Tanner as Leslie is once again participating in the Ragner Relay Race (a 12-person team running approximately 200 miles, Prescott to Mesa, AZ, within 24 hours).
Currently, we're gearing up for the start of the "DOCK DOG" season.........the first competition we'll be attending is in Long Beach, CA. It's to be held March 4 through March 8. Being from the Orange County area, Pete and I figure it'll be a great opportunity for us to see/visit with friends as well. Once we decided to go for sure, I immediately got on the phone to inquire about room reservations and pet policies. Guess if you have a little dog it's not too much of a problem. However, when you have two big girls........it can get pretty costly. Furthermore, Belle and Mia REALLY don't handle separation from us too well.....which means meals for us could become a little troublesome.
After discussing our hotel/costs options, Pete had an idea! Since we have time to travel and enjoy attending/participating in competitions, we could purchased a used fifth wheel/trailer. By doing so, we would eliminate the hassle of finding hotels that are accommodating to our needs. PLUS, we wouldn't be limited on how far we could travel.....possibly attend out of state competitions. With that being said, we were off to check out RV units available in our area and within our budget. (We found 2 to choose between.) Thus, we are now the owners of a 29' Fifth Wheel. Because I AM REALLY NOT A CAMPER, I was a little leery of this whole idea. Now that I realize the fifth wheel is no different than being on a houseboat, I'm actually excited about traveling to various events.
We've also had to deal with a medical issue the last two weeks. Belle has been limping on and off for the past couple of months. The Vet finally determined that she had torn ligaments in her knees and referred us to a Specialist. The Surgeon confirmed that the ACL in her left knee was severely torn, as well as a tear in her right knee. Belle under went surgery on Thursday, January 29, for a procedure called TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy for cranial cruciate ligament rupture). Basically, a rod, plate and pins are used to position the knee which eliminates the need of the ACL. The right knee was also scoped and the Surgeon indicated that the right knee might need the same procedure in the future. After spending two nights in the "hospital", Belle came home and is confined to her "bed" until the stitches are removed (scheduled for next week).
Mia was so DEPRESSED while Belle was away. Once Belle came home, Mia has been close to give her "kisses" and watch over her. Mia has been EXTREMELY good about not getting in Belle's way when she is up for a "potty walk". After the sutures are removed, exercise and activity is very restricted. We will also need to do physical therapy with her to keep her joints and muscles healthy during the healing period. Basically, we'll need to do passive range of motion (bicycle motion) exercises with her. We do need to keep Belle in the x-pen so that there's no chasing and rough play. She'll need at least 8 weeks of slow and easy activity....absolutely no running, jumping, playing or stairs.
Guess that's pretty much it for now. Will try and keep you up to date on any new happenings....and let me hear what's going on with you!!!
The Las Vegas Dock Dogs Club hosted its first event at the Henderson "Strutt Your Mutt". LVDD members met early on Thursday, November 6, to ready the dock and equipment needed for the event. On Friday, a "dress rehearsal" of a wave was held. Club members were given the opportunity to run the paces and get a feel for how a competition would run. In addition, volunteers were instructed on what their duties would be during the competition. After the "mock" wave, there was a demonstration of "extreme vertical" (EV), as well as, "speed retrieve".
Mia and Pete participated in the Big Air and seemed confident for Saturday. I was a volunteer "wrangler", which meant I needed to keep the competitors in order, 5 feet apart, call a competitor to the dock, with the "on deck" stationed at the bottom of the stairs ready to go upon hearing their name called, and the 3rd up ready to move in. During practice, I could do this.....no problem whatsoever!!! One very important rule of Dock Dogs, no more than one (1) handler and one (1) dog on the dock at a time!
The "EV" demonstration was NEXT. Big Air is when a dog's favorite retrieve toy is thrown in the water and the distance the dog jumps to retrieve the toy is recorded. EV is slightly different..........a specific object is suspended out and over the water with the dog jumping UP to retrieve the object. Our very special friends, Lianne with Tank, and Lisa with Tractor had the starring roles for the demonstration. Each dog jumped over 7'......yes, that's feet straight up!!!! VERY, VERY IMPRESSIVE!!!
Following "EV", members were given the opportunity to try "speed retrieve". This competition consists of a "dead foul trainer" suspended at the end of the pool. Each participant is to run, jump and swim to the trainer and grab it.....the trainer has to come completely loose. Timing stops once the trainer has fallen from its holder.
We thought Mia might do pretty well with this since she swims pretty fast. One thing might be a problem. Mia only shows interest in retrieving a ball. In order to entice her to participate, I stood at the end of the pool waving the ball in the air. We figured she'd swim to me. By the time she'd get to the trainer, I could coax her to grab it. Sounded like a good idea, right?
Pete takes Mia up to the dock. Belle and I are located at the end of the pool with me waving the ball. Mia takes off, jumps good and is swimming her little heart out to get to me and the ball. She completely swims around the trainer, places her front paws on the edge and promptly stands up on her hind legs climbing to get out of the pool to look for the ball. Meanwhile, I'm holding Belle with all my might as Belle is pulling and standing on her hind legs trying to get to Mia in the pool!!! I think between the 2 dogs, I had more water on me than what was in the pool. Mia scored a "DNF" for the practice run. We decided that maybe this would be something to practice at home during the off season!
Because this was LVDD first ever event, it was considered more of an exhibition. Thus, rules for qualifying were not enforce and all who participated could qualify for the Finals. "Team Mia and Pete" were registered for 3 Waves. The first wave started around 10:30 am. Mia's first official "LAS VEGAS DOCK DOG" recorded jump was 15'7". That jump qualified her for the Senior class. Her other two recorded jumps for the day each qualified her in the Junior class.
The weather for the day was outstanding, mid 70's I think. The event ran extremely smooth. There was one little hiccup. During the final wave of the day, a complete team of "Fly Ball" dogs were entered in the wave. Here I am trying to maintain a little order while the group was in line for practice. There was so much barking, laughing, barking, talking and barking going on, no one paid any attention to me. (In fact, the only one who took me serious when I told her "excuse me, you need to have 5' between dogs" was Lisa with Pebbles....I think I actually did scare Lisa a little!!!!!) Furthermore, at one point, there were two handlers and three dogs up on the Dock!!! I had totally failed as a Wrangler!!!!!!! I had to call for assistance!!!!! With Lisa's help, order was once again restored!!
Belle, on the other hand, was having anxiety attacks whenever Pete and Mia would leave to jump. I LITERALLY had to HOLD her around her body to keep her in place. The crying and howling was a little embarrassing. I'm sure people thought I was pulling her tail or pinching her! And, every time Mia would exit the pool, Belle would pull me to the meet Mia at the bottom of ramp. After Mia's last jump (in the last wave), Belle headed UNDER the stairs with me in tow quickly ducking to avoid running face first into the side rails!!!!!
Daylight was quickly fading when the announcement of who was in the Finals. Mia had made the Senior Title Finals. Once the park lights came on the Final Waves began. Team Mia and Pete proceeded to the dock and Mia finished the day with a 15'3" jump. I was so excited that Mia had cleared 15' this late in the day that I screamed and jumped up to run to Mia.
Somehow, Belle came out of the choke chain and took off in the opposite direction!!! I quickly had to do a 360 and chase Belle up the bleachers. Some people grabbed her and I was able to get the choke chain around her neck. When we got back to Pete, I swore up and down that I was going to learn how to work the electronic collar. I have gotten the collar out, charged it and am currently trying to find time to read the directions. I'm definitely going to be able to use it by the 2009 events!
All the results had been completed and the winners were announced! Mia had earned SECOND PLACE in the SENIOR FINALS! Team Mia and Pete were presented with a VERY BEAUTIFUL LARGE RIBBON and $75.00. Way to go TEAM MIA AND PETE..........You MADE US PROUD!!!!!
It had been another GREAT DAY!!! Good weather, GREAT FRIENDS and most of all a GREAT TIME!!!! With that, we packed up, hashed over the day with the other LVDD members and said our good byes. Pete headed home with the girls, while I stayed to help finish cleaning up the Club's belongings.
If you would like to see video or pictures of the day, as well as other information relating to Dock Dogs, please check out www.LasVegasDockDogs.com and click on the appropriate link. You'll find lots of interesting information on the site.
Well, I think this has turned into an epic!!!! And, once again, I should publish this without any further delay!!! Next up, our Year End Banquet!!! Stay tune!!!
I can't believe I have not stayed on top of this.........it's been almost 2 months to the day since I started this and I haven't been very good keeping it current. I know now that one of my New Year Resolutions will be to update this page on a regular basis. Without any more excuses, let's not keep you in suspense any longer on Mia's accomplishments and Belle's antics!
We did travel to Scottsdale, AZ, at the end of October so that Mia could compete in the Cynosports event. Being new, we had to become quick studies as to the protocol of Dock Jumping. The day is broken up into "Waves". The "Waves" are then broken into "Heats" with about 8 to 12 dogs in a "heat". Each dog in the "heat" will be given one jump in a rotation order. After the rotation of all dogs in the "heat" has been completed, the dogs will then take a second jump in the same rotation order. The best of the two jumps is recorded for that "heat". Competitors must have 5 jumps within a division in order to qualify as a competitor in that division. For this particular event, the Divisions were as follows:
| Splash Class | 0'1" to 9'11" |
Junior Class
| 10'0" to 14'11" |
| Senior Class | 15'0" to 19'11" |
| Pro Class | 20'0" to 22'11" |
| Extreme Division | 23'0" and above
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On Wednesday, October 29, Mia made her debut in "DOCK JUMPING" in the First Wave of the day. Her very first competitive jump was 15'04"..........WE COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!! She was so excited.......Pete too! Belle started barking and running off to meet Mia as she came out of the pool. Now since I was holding(!) Belle, I was being pulled at breakneck speed to the exit ramp of the pool. Belle gave Mia a quick kiss and a quick once over to make sure she was okay........Mia was wiggling and shaking, getting us all wet!!! Mia second jump was 14'3".......still not too shabby for her first time. With her first jump being the better of the two, Mia had one leg qualifying in the Senior class. During the second Wave of the same day, the excitement wore off........her first jump of the heat was 10'8". Her second jump of 12'1" was the better of the two. She now had a qualifying leg in the Junior Class.
Because the Waves on Wednesday were held in the afternoon, we were done for the day and headed back to Ahwatukee to spend the evening with Leslie, Jason and Tanner! The evening was dedicated to carving pumpkins for Halloween! Pete, Leslie and Tanner, and Jason had pumpkins............Jason was in hurry due to a game of some sorts being on, so he cheated and used his drill motor on the gourd!!!!! Naturally, his was a little to perfect, whereas Pete's and Leslie and Tanner's had that "rough look" which comes from using knives!
On Thursday and Friday, Mia competed in 2 waves each day. Her recorded jumps for those 2 days were:
- Thursday 14'3" , 8'11" Junior Class and Splash Class
- Friday 12'6", 13'5" Junior Class and Junior Class
Naturally after each jump, Belle was beside herself!!!! Jumping, barking, cheering Mia on (at least, that's what Pete and I would like to think!) and running to meet Mia as she exited!!!!! Of course, I was at the end of Belle's leash struggling to keep her in control as I was being dragged across the venue!!
By the end of Friday, Mia had 4 legs qualifying in the Junior class. Saturday's jumps would surely land her in the Finals.....at least, that's what we hoped! We headed back to Leslie's on Friday night to help out with "Trick or Treat" and watch our little "FIREMAN" Tanner marvel over his loot for the evening. It had been a very exciting day for both Mia and Belle. After they had their dinner, they each found a cozy spot on Leslie's couch and preceded to snore away the evening!!!!
Saturday morning dawned bright and early. Pete, the girls and I headed back out to West World (about 35 minute ride with no traffic) for Mia's last day of qualifying. She surely was up for it! After arriving, Belle and I made ourselves comfortable while Pete and Mia practice. Pete commented that Mia was READY TO GO!!!!!! Mia's first wave recorded jump was HER BEST YET............15'11". Belle was the first to congratulate her...barking and giving her kisses! The first wave finished and Mia had qualified in the Senior Class. Not too bad!
Time for the 2nd Wave of the day. Pete and Mia headed for the dock. Mia's first jump was 13'9" which would qualify her for the Junior Finals on Sunday. Mia still had her second jump to go. Pete took her up the dock, got her under control, threw the ball....Mia ran.....AND..... leaped 15'6"!!!!!!!! Recorded jump into the Senior Class! She had jumped herself right out of the finals!!! Proud and excited, Mia wiggled her way back to Belle who started jumping all over her.........how could you not love these little girls!!!! Belle, Pete and I were so PROUD that she finished with such GREAT JUMPS, that we weren't disappointed at all to miss the Finals!
We bid our fellow Las Vegas Dock Dog members "good luck" in the Finals and headed back to Leslie's. All in all it had been a GREAT experience. Mia had surely proven she was a competitor......her timing was just a bit off on when to throw out the big jumps!! And, of course, Belle proved she was the Big Sister.....always on alert when Mia wasn't close.
Mia's next scheduled competition was the "Strutt Your Mutt" event, November 7, 2008, which was hosted by our club. That too proved to be a FUN COUPLE OF DAYS. HOWEVER, If I don't get this post published now, it might be another 6 months before doing so!!! Take care and check back REAL SOON to hear about Mia's accomplishments in November..............and, Belle's wild run!!!!
Belle, a 5 year old yellow lab, and Mia, a 2 year old black lab, moved into their forever home and into our hearts just over a year ago. Both girls are very loving and playful...........Belle being a bit cautious whereas Mia is ready for anything!
Mia JUST LOVES playing fetch and catch with her ball and jumping into the pool; Belle prefers to be on the pool steps and just ease in. Knowing how much Mia loves to swim after her ball, Tractor's Mom, Lisa, suggested we let Mia participate in a practice being held by the Las Vegas Dock Dogs. Mia's first jump was all she needed to show off! The only problem.........she didn't understand why she had to wait.........after all, she was there to do her thing and no one mentioned she would have to take turns!!!!
Mia had a BLAST. Belle, on the other hand, became the "Greeter". After checking out all the arriving dogs, Belle was content to lay down and watch the festivities. After practice there was no doubt about it, MIA JUST HAD TO BE A "LAS VEGAS DOCK DOG"! In fact, Belle also became a member and is an unofficial "Cheerleader" for the Team!!
You know it's true what they say about meeting the nicest people through your kids...........and it doesn't matter if the kids are 2-legged or 4-legged!! We have gotten to know some very dedicated individuals like Lianne, Lisa, Becky and Veronica............each of them are VERY, VERY SPECIAL!
We're all looking forward to Mia's first competition. We'll be leaving Tuesday for the Cynosports Splash Dogs Event in Scottsdale, AZ. Mia will be competing in 2 waves per day beginning Wednesday and ending Saturday. Being her first time out, we're not too sure what to expect......but we do know that she'll have a good time no matter what.
Another reason we're excited about going to AZ is that we'll be able to visit with our daughter, son-in-law, and 2 year old grandson, Tanner. Belle and Mia just LOVE Tanner.........he's just the right height to steal cookies from!!!! Haven't seen Tanner since August and I'm tickled pink to be spending about a week with him, his mom and his dad!!!!!
Keep your fingers crossed and will let you know how "Keller's K-9 Kids" do in Scottsdale!
