Back to retrieving practice

We've had a very busy September and since I've been back at work, I haven't had much time to update the blog.  Plus, we haven't really done any traveling.  No worries though - October is going to be packed full of fun stuff - I have plans to enter Mia in the retrieving ratings, obedience trial, and the local show here in Wilmington.  We are also going to do some field training to get ready for the upcoming hunt tests.  We did a lot of work over the summer with our retrieving practice and Mia made a lot of progress.  We haven't really done any water work in the last month so it was great to get back out there today.  I took Mia to the pond nearby just to do some fun retrieves and she did an awesome job!.  The time off hasn't set her back at all.  We have the ratings next Sunday and our fingers are crossed that Mia will qualify for her NRD (novice retrieving dog).

Last Friday, I did get to meet up with Diane to work Mia on duck and she did a really nice job.  Diane even did some work with her before I got there.  I was thrilled to see Mia's drive, especially when she realized there was a bird out there.  She also showed a ton of drive today when we practiced with the bumper.



On her way to get the bumper



Too bad I have to work everyday...if not, I would definitely spend as much time as I could with Mia...doing all these things we love:)



Good Girl!

Mia's official Champion win picture

CH Grayhart's Special Request, CD, RA, NSD, V

Winners Bitch and Best of Winners

Carolina Kennel Club

August 14, 2011

Champion Mia...and a new Versatile rating!!!

I am beyond thrilled to announce that Mia is now...

CHAMPION Grayhart's Special Request, CD, RA, NSD, V

Mia went winners bitch and best of winners today for 2 points at the Carolina Kennel Club Show in Greensboro, NC under judge Karin Ashe to finish her bench championship.  This win also gives Mia her WCA versatile rating.  Mia was owner handled to all of her points, including her majors.  I am so proud of us both!!!  The above picture is Mia waiting patiently to go pick out a toy from one of the vendors.  And because I was in SUCH a good mood - I bought her 2 toys:):)

Sunday Evening Hike

It was great to get out this afternoon for a nice hike at the Carolina Beach State Park.  Mia has been in season so she's been stuck at home and hasn't really gotten a chance to run.  I haven't been to this park in a while mainly because it's been too hot.  On the days when the heat wasn't too bad, it's usually packed full of people.  Fortunately today, the weather wasn't as bad and there weren't many people on the trails.  Mia had a blast running wild and spent a good deal of time hunting...for what, I'm not sure but it'll be nice to get her started back on birds this fall.

One of the things I love about this park is that part of the trail runs along the Intercoastal Waterway.  Of course, Mia didn't miss the chance to take a swim and cool off.

Pure joy!

Retrieving Practice

Mia is doing really well with her retrieving practice.  Today, she did her first 2 retrieves off of the launcher which required her to swim farther than she ever has.  I'm so proud of her and how much progress she's made!  I'm planning to enter her in the retrieving ratings this fall and hopefully get her NRD rating (novice retrieving dog).  She is hard to see in some of the pictures, but I wanted to show how far she had to swim.

 Watching and waiting from the shoreline.

Hey!  I wanna go!

Ransom note for Mia!

The following message was received regarding the capture of Princess Mia:

"If you ever want to see your princess again, I'm gonna need $5000 and a Diet Sundrop!"

Needless to say the ransom was paid (at least the drink part of it) and Princess Mia was safely returned to her owner.

**My sister Anna, Mia's aunt, picked her up one day while I wasn't home and sent me this text and picture.  And no, I was never really worried because Mia adores her aunt and visa versa...but the look on Mia's face is priceless!  ***

Mia's Official Best of Breed Photo

Mia's win picture from the Asheville Kennel Club where she went Winner's Bitch and then went Best of Breed over a special for her 13th show point!