Our six week Agility Class (which turned into nine weeks), came to an end this past Saturday. Between the rain, and Leo’s mystery illness, we were unable to continue our remedial practices during the week, and boy did it show.
After our final session ended, pet parents interested in signing up for the upcoming class gathered to watch an “Agility Demo” and yours truly was asked to perform…
The pups were pawsitively pawdorable. This little fella decided he would stretch his body and eat as many treats as they put on the platform, but he wasn’t getting “on” the platform…
Attacked by a case of “stage fright” when it was our turn, Leo immediately started his two legged “paw grip” as we approached the beginning of the course. I knew then, he was not going to cooperate…
So I asked the staff at OTPR to get my secret weapon out of day camp…
I thought if I walked Harley through the course, Leo would watch and get the hint…
Didn’t work out that way. Leo pretended he was a spotter and escorted Harley around…
I know we lost MAJOR points when Leo leaped up on the A-frame WITH Harley – Bad move….
Karen asked me to run Harley through the course minus Leo. She was interested to see what Harley was capable of doing without any “formal” training.
Knowing Harley, I was afraid, but I complied. When he leaped onto the platform, I gave him a treat, and asked him to make me proud. Then as any parent would do in this sort of situation – I prayed silently for divine intervention…
What a pawsome start! Harley took to that narrow board like a duck to water…
Fearlessly he strutted up on the teeter board, and the crowd cheered…
OMD – We were almost finished and then I saw it! He had started to prance like a show horse. By the way he wagged his tail “plume-like”, I knew the applause had gone straight to his head. He was secretly planning a HUGE finish. And did he ever once he reached the tube. it happened so fast, I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth: “INSIDE HARLEY, INSIDE”…
I was so embarrassed… I wanted to go INSIDE...
Even though we left without a medal, trophy, or certificate of completion*. Even though we weren’t asked to sign up for the “advanced class”, I still had a doodletastic time. Leo mastered a few things, and the two of us learned a great deal about each other. Therefore we’ve accomplished our goal. We bonded and spent time together without Harley feeling slighted, so all is pawfect in our world.
Thanks for coming along on this little journey with us, you have been very faithful. I thought it was only fair to end with this mini clip of memorable moments for your laughing pleasure.
*there were no medals, trophies or certificates
Thanks fur reading, and most importantly, thanks fur sharing…
August 19, 2013
I had a blast making friends with Leo (and Doodle Mom). I hope I’ll get a chance to get to know Harley better soon. We had fun during class and that’s the point of the whole thing. Leo did a fantastic job! See you all soon.
August 19, 2013
Seeing that Harley disrupted the demo class, and you still want to get to know him better makes me want to sign him up immediately! Leo and I benefited so much from your course. He and I really did get some “Doodle Mommy & Me” time together. Thanks for your patience and time, you have a gift Karen, and I am so happy you are using it to enrich others.
August 19, 2013
Awe. They both are still winners to me.
August 19, 2013
And they love you too!
August 20, 2013
I smiled all the way through to the big finish!
August 20, 2013
Hey Kim – Yea!!!!!
I wanted to make everyone who supported us through this to do just that – smile….
Thanks for reading? How’s your crew doing?