The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

Well, Star ended up in 1st place on all our runs. Not too difficult since we only had about two other dogs running in our class. We were Q less, however. It was difficult since the only flight I was able to get arrived so late so we slept 3 hours before going to the trial. Compared to Boston it was hot, in the 70's. Star had diarrhea and had not eaten much so we were not performing under the best conditions.

However, she did well considering that she met the challenges except for those dropped bars and twice jumping off the contact on the dog walk. This was not a simple coming off, there was absolutely no excuse, she jumped off right onto my feet tripping me! Whoever heard of that! (I have the ugly videos which I'll upload when we return to Boston)

We ran Grand Prix for the first time ever. No dogs ran clean. She dropped one bar but never went off course and ran very fast. Oh, well. It was a good experience and she did love running in spite of not feeling so well.

We are off to the second day so we'll see how today goes. Cross your fingers!

Woo hoo, go Star!!

Sunday was so much better! Amazing what a good night's sleep can do. She had one second place in Advanced Gamblers and first place in everything else. In Gamblers she kept going towards the tunnel then looking at me (because I wasn't moving) and never did the gamble. Oh, well!

She had a beautiful Steeplechase, ran totally clean and fast. I think she was the only dog that was clean. The others were okay except she did drop a bar in Snookers and one in Jumpers. I think the heat is definitely a factor for both of us. We'll see how the winter trials go in the Northeast. She enjoys running either way but does not pick up her feet as much in the heat.

Boy you had a busy weekend. I hope you get to stay in Costa Rica for a couple more days. Did Star win Sweepstakes and get a leg?

Colleen

Yes, Colleen! We don't fly home until Wednesday. I'm not sure what you mean by Sweepstakes, I'm not yet familiar with all the nomenclature. If you mean Steeplechase we did.

Yes I meant Steeplechase.

Colleen

So what is sweepstakes? Is that an AKC term?

In AKC conformation we can have none-point awarding "sweepstake" classes and last week there were puppy sweepstake classes at each of the all-breed shows; so I have sweepstakes on the brain.

Colleen

It is good to hear that Sunday was better. I can't imagine trying to run on only 3 hours of sleep!

I think I have heard of steeplechase referred to as a sweepstakes at regionals. Isn't that the one where you can win money?

I believe, but Colleen knows better, that it is at the National's when you can win money. I think 10k gets split among the top dogs.

That would make sense too for it just to be at nationals.

These are the ugly videos from Saturday. I forgot my camera on Sunday so I have to wait for a friend to forward them to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbHw86fft9w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceF9r2zfuxw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI2XJOo0QM0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7MYNiS2e1I

Flying ears and a happy nubbie are great in my book...

Sylvia, I enjoyed the videos... ...Could not watch two of them though...

Wish I could have been there to cheer her on!

I see why, Stephen. I fixed the links on the last two.

Thanks, Cathie, we'll probably meet again this July.

It isn't just at Nationals. At least our here (in USDAA), you get prize money for these events. Rosey earned $18.30 for placing 3rd in the 12" Performance Speed Jumping.

Colleen

That is right, Colleen. Now I remember when Maureen mentioned that she had won about $5.00 one time. I guess the big money is at the National's.