Third Tme For Laura

This week in the mail we received a wonderful surprise. Laura has qualified for the AKC's National Agility Invitational.. This will be Laura's third time being invited to this event.. Each year the top dogs in each breed are brought together to compete in Orlando, Florida.  Sometimes I am lost for words and this happens to be one of those times.  Laura has taken me to new heights in dog training.  She has frustrated me, deflated my ego and crushed my spirit during this agility venture.  Along the way she has taught me patience, resilience and the real meaning of determination.  Through it all she remained unscathed, enjoying her moments with her grumpy owner, sleeping on assorted hotel beds in our travels and meeting lots of new people.  She has toured multiple airports, been exposed to numerous not so nice dogs and has always remained cool. calm and collected.  She has remained loyal, and trust worthy and always on guard duty to watch my back. 
If this all seems like a eulogy it is not it is a sincere note of thanks to a friend who has added much to my life in spite of hating to train, trial or get groomed.  She has put up with me and that is a feat into itself.
Unfortunately we will not be traveling to Orlando this year as Laura was retired in January of this year.  She is in good health and after 7 years of lots of runs and jumps I felt it was time.  I had a full knee replacement in May and we have not done much practice or conditioning and neither one of us are ready for the challenge.  As the saying goes she went out on TOP.. She will now be shown when she wants to go, other wise she will be found sleeping on the bed or the couch at home...