TUNNELLING TO GLORY

Brianna decorates the tops of Swift's and Emma's crates with Halloween touches, getting into the spirit of the weekend.

Zack has gotten his very first agility title! He was successful today in getting a Q in the first tunnelers run of the weekend, at ScallyWaggs "Howl-a-ween"-themed NADAC agility trial. Zack now has his Novice Tunnelers title. He was joined in this titling achievement by Emma—who not only completed her Novice Tunnelers title, but also picked up her Novice Weavers title as well. And that was BEFORE lunch! Emma continued her Q-ing ways all day. Emma Bean is our Q-ing Queen!

In the afternoon, George ran Betty to her very first Q. We were all very happy for her (and for George of course, not to mention proud mama Peni). Ann ran Pecos to several Qs today as well. More purple ribbons to add to the home decor Chez Ann. Swift got in her share of Qs as well.

Switch has been skunked so far—but he is so vastly improved from last spring that it's truly amazing. Peni has spent long hours working with him to get him to where he is today. He's now making it around the courses without being eliminated—which is a tremendous achievement in its own right.

Abby too has been skunked in the ribbon department so far this weekend (there's still one more day to go!). She still has some staying-focused issues, and she also really needs to find 'overdrive' in her internal transmission. She did her share of la-la land excursions (but for the most part was able to get re-focused), and she even ran a clean run on one course—with the exception of time faults. Success for Abby on the agility course is not necessarily a Q but rather getting back on track when her mind wanders. (Even Zack took an excursion to the far side...with a little detour on one of his runs to go say hi to the judge.)

Sami was along for the ride, hanging out in the big crate with Abby and Zack. He's been a big hit with everyone, and gets passed around from person to person for copious quantities of cuddling. He's getting very well socialized! He was also very good walking on-leash today; his leash manners are coming along nicely. He should be ready to make his trail walking debut with the gang next Saturday.

Switch wishing hard for a Q....