Off to a BAD Start
Bad AttitudeOwner/Handler: Ann Chandoha of Austin TX
20 March 1997
The following is a letter from Stoli, an Agile Beardie from Austin TX
Dear Miss Libby,
My name is Ch. O'Duinnin Andy Gabel Stolaway more commonly know as "Stoli" and I proudly and lovingly own a human mom named Ann Chandoha. She (Mom) read me your article in the Feb. newsletter issue, "Request for Agility Stats." Even though we have not yet competed in USDAA or NADAC, I just felt compelled to write.
Mom and I have been taking Agility classes for some time and decided to start competing (AKC, only). Our instructor told us I was ready, but Mom could use a tad more instruction. :)
I convinced Mom that WE were a team and if she would just try competing in one meet, that I would show her the way! Well, we did, in Houston, the first weekend in Feb. and DQ'd both days. :( Poor Mom-she was a nervous wreck-so nervous, it made me nervous! She got VERY confused on the course.
We left Houston very sadly. She was so depressed, but I talked to her all the way home. I convinced her not to quit-she's a PK teacher, you know, and she's always telling her 4 and 5 yr old never to give up! :)
To make a long story short, we competed in Dallas this past weekend at the D.A.W.G. Agility Meet. Sat. we DQ'd again-she ran into an obstacle. :( Another PEP TALK FROM ME....and, lo and behold, on Sunday, March 9th, under the "judgeship" of Ms Katie Greer, WE, a TEAM, not only got our first leg, but PLACED 2nd!! :) The time allotment was 62 seconds, and WE ran it in 41 seconds and NO faults!
I know I've babbled on and on, but, WE are so excited about our first AKC leg and soon, will start attending USDAA and NADAC.
Thank you for listening and I send you Beardie hugs and licks.
Stoli
Dear Stoli,
Congratulations on your first AKC leg! My Mom, Libby, has not worked up the nerve yet to run me anywhere but in class. Now, my Dad, Jack, that's another story! He has been competing with Skyedance, my sire, and doing really well in AKC and NADAC while I have been sitting at home with Caprice, my beardie Mom. One day, though, when it was raining, they did take me herding. I had a great time getting all muddy while earning my HCT! Sheep are a lot more fun than squirrels who keep disappearing over the fence. I was also run around a ring a few times these last two weekends and, boy, did I get hugs! They said something about 5 point majors and best of winners and only 3 points to go. But they still haven't taken me to an Agility trial. Dad, though, says I am faster than a border collie and good at paying attention and at pausing on the contacts. He said that he will take me to a NADAC workshop at Nancy Gyes and Jim Basic's this Saturday and run me in a Jumper's Course the following weekend. Skye and Mom are going, too. We have to be there by 6:00 in the morning 'cause Mom and Dad are on the Bay Team and will have to help "set up." Dad has also entered me in my first AKC trial at the end of April, where I will meet lots of other California Beardies my age who have been in training. I can't wait! I want to be a Versatile beardie like Skyedance!
Hope to meet you some day, Stoli.
Your pal, Caper
(aka Skyedance Lord a-leaping, HC, HCT, CGC).
Did I tell you that I was born on Christmas Day? Mom and Dad wanted a name that would show that I was going to be good at Agility and that I was a Christmas Beardie. I think they made a good choice and to prove it, I have been leaping on everything since I was born 2 years ago, except when I am told to down and stay!
Dear Ann,
I sent a copy of your note to the new "Beardie Agility On-Line" which Eileen can tell you about. Congratulations on your first leg. It takes a lot of courage to get out there! I will also call your note to the attention of Beth Canner who is the BCCA Agility Chair. Keep the good news coming!
Libby