What a year!!!!

I had 2 goals at the beginning of this year. EITHER get Lily to Grade 6 OR qualify for the Olympia semis at Stoneleigh Park. So those who follow my blog will know that Lily went Grade 6 in July, so that was enough..................not for Lily who then won the last qualifier for the Olympia semis! So not 1 goal but both goals achieved. Fantastic, unbelievable and totally fulfilled my ambitions for the season.
Last Sunday we left Prestbury park weekend show at 6am, drove to Stoneleigh to compete in the semi. I was petrified. A lovely ring, seats all round, a huge show, commentary and a lot of very good handlers, most of whom I have admired for the last few years, and Lily & me were to compete with them. I couldn't eat, my legs went to jelly and if I didn't have Rog & Fern there I probably would've gone straight back to Prestbury! However, I ran the course, Lily listened, and we finished with a very fast round, incurring 5 faults for a knocked pole. With only 7 clear rounds out of the 39 competitors, Lily and I are now off to Olympia in December!
I can not explain how I felt then, or now. Its like I am watching a woman and her dog from the outside. Its a dream and I can not get used to the fact that Lily is Grade 6 and going to Olympia! In a very strange way I am actually not as nervous about the final. I have surpassed all my goals, thanks to 1 of the most genuine honest dogs I have ever had the pleasure to spend a bit of my life with. I am excited, extremely proud and looking forward to the experience to come. She won't let me down, I will try not to let her down and between us we will give it our best shot and enjoy every single second!!!

Devongem Hidden Cove is 1 year old today!!

I have no idea where the time has gone, but today is Coves birthday. It seems like only last week we brought home a tiny, fairly ugly white faced puppy from Laurens, but now he is 1, and a very handsome young man he is too. Yes he is nuts when we go near an agility ring or equipment, (Good!) and gives us more bruises than any of the others with his enthusiastic greetings, but most of the time he is so laid back, sweet natured, loving and kind he has been a pleasure to have in our family from day one, and if I could clone him I would have ten!!

Its also Twiggys birthday, (well she was estimated to 
be 9 months when we got her, and so was Cove then so we gave her the same birthday) In the 3 months I have had Twiggy I have not regretted a singe second of my mad decision to get her. 10 hrs round trip at the end of May, to collect a scared little collie, with no real knowledge of her past, was well worth it. She has blossomed into a funny, cheeky, little girl, and apart from the odd scared moment she is actually very sparky, and we all love her to bits.

 So Happy Birthday Devongem Hidden Cove & Ferodas Irish Secret. I think the next year is going to be an exciting 1 for you both, and definitely for us who have the honour of being your family.