The first two photos on the left were taken on our first agility show. I cannot explain how nervous I was that day, supported by a Husband (with a hangover) and my Mum, following a sleepless night. Nothing could've prepared me for what happened that day, topping it off with being 7 months pregnant with Hayley!!
I remember that first of all we were in the ABC Agility (Anything But a Collie Class). Not a bad first run, Tipsy did mess about somewhat and went to influence the judge's elimination decision by bouncing all over him and giving him lots of licks. Considering all the smells, noise and excitment I didn't think she'd done too badly.
Next came Starters Agility - it all went down hill from there really! Prior to queueing for our run, Tipsy had been merrily chewing on a stick/branch! When I told her to leave it - in true springer spaniel stubborness fashion - she would not let it go so I had to pull it from her - much to her disgust.
We were in the queue for ages so I did not envisage what happened next at all. Heart beating rapidly and adrenalin pumping we lined up for the first jump. Back in 1997 Tips, although a 'Medium' sized dog had to compete at standard height because she was so fast I couldn't keep up with her. So there we are, lined up, ready to go over this jump, twice as high as her. I looked ahead rehearsing my commands - over - over - walk on. Steady now, timer's ready - move and.......over! She flew over the first jump, around the second, straight up the dog walk (her favourite) straight off the end, out the ring, found her stick/branch!
Whilst maybe thinking "well things could've been worse.......!"
Back into the ring with aforementioned illegal stick/branch, up the dog walk, stops in the middle and refuses to come down. What's worse is - this stick/branch was curved and she was holding it so it resembled a huge smile.
To say I was spitting bullets was an understatement, I have never hated a dog so much in my life! Of course the crowd were very amused and Tipsy lapped it up.
After swearing several times and smashing the stick to pieces (after we left the ring) I announced she was a stupid creature and our agilty career was over - almost before it began.
Armed with the belief that she could not show me up any further, I decided I would give her a go over the Jumping Course. We got round and she redeemed herself slightly - still elimanated but I think she got the definite vibes that I was not happy with her previous performance and she'd better show me she can do it - almost! It was enough for me to get the agility bug anyway.
As I said on Tipsy's page it took us three years to get a clear round. She was very fast and the enthusiasm ouzzed from her but weaving - what's that all about? Contacts were not always accurate either but as she's gotten older and calmed slightly, she usually gets them.
Now that Hayley runs her - the most annoying thing is - she waits for Hayley to catch her up before leaping into infinity!
Tipsy will make the occasional local outing at agility shows, the mind is willing but the body can't take the punishment she wants to continue to dish out.
