It's Not You, It's Me

Saturday I took Shane on a long hike and had a great time. At one point, he heard some dogs barking in the distance and came right to my side for a treat. I still laugh when he decides to splash though the puddles instead of taking the stepping stones. I guess he really is a dog.

Sunday, I woke wondering if we should go to the show or not. I had Shane entered in 16" for the Standard run at the end of the day on a holiday. I thought most of the people and dogs would have gone by then. I took Shane over a few jumps after our walk and he cleared them, so I got up the courage to go.

I walked Shane around a bit while waiting for the ring to be set up. He stayed by my side and was totally calm. I was so psyched. Walking the course made me nervous. The last obstacle was a double jump aimed right at the exit without much room to maneuver. I like to rear cross the last jump to pull Shane away from the exit. I decided if we got that far, I would just bail on the last jump.

Thanks to Jane, I can get Shane's leash off at the start line without him going nuts. Not a great stay, but he cleared the first jump. Next was the chute, 90 degree turn to a jump, which he knocked. Got the A-frame contact but did not stop. Cleared the next jump (I think), but hit the broad jump. Teeter is next. Got the contact but did not stop. He gets on the table, which was huge. He has been so afraid after hurting himself before. At this point, I just lost my nerve and stopped the run. We left and had a bunch of treats. I was so afraid to continue. He seemed to be getting more and more excited as we ran. I was afraid he'd hurt himself on a jump or run out of the ring. I should have let him continue. I'm very disappointed in myself.

Next weekend is a NADAC show and Shane is jumping 12 inches. I am hopeful that we will do well. Frank and Maggie are coming along as well. Our first family trip with Maggie. I hope she likes the La Quinta.