I wish we'd gotten a better picture, but it's the moment that matters.
This weekend, TenSoon and I stepped in the AKC Open ring together for the last time. He's taught me so much about trialing, training, and being a team with a dog. He's given me confidence to step up with Valkyrie. He's made me grow as a trainer and as a professional.
When he got his Wobbler's diagnosis three years ago, I thought he would never be able to do most dog things again, let alone step back into the competition ring. I made it out to the parking lot before I cried when he finished off his title with a third Preferred High in Trial.
We've practiced Open and Utility together at fun matches. His body won't hold up to that in a day. So, we're moving on to Preferred Utility as long as he's having fun and his mobility agrees. We trialed a year in Open because I knew he wouldn't take a jump he couldn't clear. Today, we had a beautiful first Utility run where he reminded me of that...and that he knows his job in the ring better than I know mine.
Here's to our--probably last-- upcoming year in our favorite sport together. And to hopefully many more years loving, training, playing, and competing with TenSoon the goon.
