As a dog sport competitor I am always questioning what I would have done differently, where did I go wrong and what did I do right? After 18 years and a fair amount of success, I can honestly say this:

Our dogs are with us for such a very, very short time. There is no title, no award, no placement and no accomplishment that can in any way diminish the devotion and love of our dogs. I have lost great sport dogs far too young and I can assure you, there is no could have been, there is only what was. And while we often regale the stories of that championship or that big win, more often it is stories of adventure, silly antics, mischief made, loyalty and love. Celebrate and be proud of your accomplishments as a team, love them and yourself win or lose, q or no. Learn from the past, yes, but most of all live in this moment with these wonderful creatures who truly give us their all.

“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”

Top Photo: The ever spoiled and loved Emma and Rosie in my favorite photo of both of them (and yes, they have MANY MANY win photos and action shots but this is the one I have on my desk)

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