ABC Agility 2002
Semper Fi Boxers
Fayetteville, Georgia
Like a good Marine, I sneaked onto the grounds of the Abbey under cover of darkness to perform a reconnaissance of the show site in general and the agility rings in particular.
After several minutes, I was able to locate the agility ring. Now it was time to make mental notes. Since I won’t be able to run my Boxers in agility this year, I will be watching, video taping and helping where I can.
After locating what I thought would be the starting point, I had to survey the field for vantage points from which to videotape. As I looked over the field, I noted that the field has a slight incline, just like our field at home.
As I look further, I notice the flowers set to one side, yet still in the ring. This is the first time that I’ve seen a flowerbed inside an agility ring. I think to myself, “This could be trouble tomorrow!”
Looking towards the end of the darkened field, in the center, there it is. Another first at a trial for me. A tree. My mind immediately flashes back to our field at home, to the tree there. I can’t help but wonder, “Will the Judge wrap the tunnel around the tree like I do at home?” There is only so much that you can do with a tree on the field.
Since I have to be back in six hours, I head off in search of sleep. Around three in the morning, I’m awakened by the sound of heavy rain and wind. I’m not sure if it is going to slack off enough to allow the running of Agility later in the morning.
On Monday morning, it is one and a half hours before the agility trial is scheduled to start and it is still drizzling off and on. Over the next hour or so, as the agility participants, the judge and helpers arrive; the rain seems to stop as if on cue. All of our prayers to the Agility Gods have been answered so far. Should we push our luck and pray for the field and equipment to be suddenly dry? Nah, I don’t think so.
As starting time approaches, you can feel the energy in the air. You can see it in the faces of the “old pros” like Tracy Hendrickson, Ileana Nadal, Jim Hutchins, Jan Brinkman as well as in the faces of the ABC first timers like Lisa Crowder and Brenda Staley. What a feeling!
As the first team runs the course, until 92 runs later when the last the last team runs, you sense the support that everyone feels for each other. Even though they are competitors, each handler seems to be wishing success to all of the teams. This is sportsmanship in its truest form!
With 16 qualifiers, there were many excellent runs by some very good teams. Some runs were downright impressive. Some were downright entertaining. Some were both! These four-legged clowns that we call Boxers, lived up to all expectations by giving us all a show that we will never forget.
The American Boxer Club and all involved did a splendid job of pulling off a successful agility trial. The 93 runs were made in less than ideal conditions, including wet grass and equipment, a slightly less than level field, as well as a tree and flowerbed ON the field.
So,
until next year, “Isn’t it time you and your Boxer had some fun. Try Agility!
Copyright
2003
Semper
Fi Boxers
Michael
& Claudia Clifton
All
Rights Reserved
Not to
be reprinted or copied in any format without express written approval.