Show-N-Go Spring 2011

We took part in the Azalea Dog Training Club's Spring Show-N-Go this morning. A show-n-go is like a practice competition where owners/handlers can fine tune things in the ring and correct and reward when needed. Being the truly versatile girl she is, I decided to run Mia in open obedience, rally excellent, and novice agility jumpers (standard agility was not offered). She did her obedience runs after one of her agility runs so unfortunately, she was super tired (and a little hot) and did not perform as well as she usually does. However, her out of sight stays were perfect. She even stayed when a bird flew over and landed on the ground in front of her. Needless to say, I am very proud of her for working so hard for me. We had a great time on a gorgeous day and received numerous compliments on our performances.

Getting some tips from the "judge" on our off-lead figure eight (another great thing about show-n-go's - the "callers/judges" offer some great advice and notice things you may not realize you are doing).

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Mia is starting to drop for the drop on recall

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Retrieve on the flat

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Broad Jump

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Couch - 5 minutes after we walked in the door:)

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Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures from our agility or rally runs. Mia did well and showed much improvement in her second agility run.

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Best part of the day - spending it with my girl:)

Mia's Obedience Run - Winston-Salem, NC

Here is the video of Mia's obedience run in Winston-Salem December 11, 2010. Unfortunately, Mia did not hear me call her on the recall so we NQ'd. Other than that, she had a great run and I was very proud of her. Thankfully, we qualified the next day with a first place and Mia earned her CD (companion dog title).

A Hike in the Mountains

Last weekend, we traveled to Greenville, SC for 3 days of shows. We got to spend some time with Debbie and Sky and even had a chance to take the girls for a hike in the beautiful NC mountains. We didn't win any points, but Mia showed well and placed in the open class everyday.

Mia and Sky were very intrigued by *something* in the ground.

Mia wins a Specialty Major!!

We had an awesome weekend in Charleston where Mia went Winners Bitch for a 4 point specialty major at the Greater Charleston Weimaraner Club Specialty. Mia now has nine points towards her AKC championship.

So proud of my girl! We had lots of supportive friends watching us, many of whom commented on how well we showed and how good Mia looked in the ring.

Mia enjoying the sun after the shows.

Mia at the beach!

We took a weekend trip to Myrtle Beach and had a blast. Mia especially enjoyed the trip to the beach where she got to run and chase the birds.

Is there something on my nose?

With Aunt Anna

What do you see Mia?

Here I come!

I wonder if I could catch them...

I'm gonna try...

Almost...

Hi Mom! This is fun!

Back to the birds...

Nice ears Mia

On the prowl...

My baby:)

What's this I smell?

Fun in the Snow!

Even in southeastern North Carolina, we occassionally get snow. It's not a lot, but it's enough to entertain Mia!

The zooms

Here I come!

What?!?

Yippee!

There's something on my nose

Yum!

Best Friends!

Mia had a New Year's Sleep-over with her best friend, Remi. It's always fun to watch them curl up together after a day of wrestling and playing keep away.

Conspiring...
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Looking back on 2010, I am so thrilled with all of the things Mia and I have accomplished this year. I never would have thought we would do all of these things but the more we do, the more fun we have. Mia is such a sweet, loving dog who has an awesome temperament and personality that makes it easy to do all of this stuff with her. I'm looking forward to another exciting year!

Highlights of 2010:

• Completed her rally novice at 11 months old with placements
• Completed her rally advanced title at 16 months old with scores of 97 for all three legs (2 first place ribbons and a 4th place)
• Completed her CD (Companion Dog title) with scores of 193, 193.5 and 191.5 (all first place) at 20 months old
• Placed 4th in her class at the Southern Futurity, owner handled
• Earned 5 conformation points, all owner handled
• Earned a reserve to a major, handled by Pat O'Brian
• Earned her NSD (Novice Shooting Dog)
• Earned her CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
• In addition, Mia began training in agility and is doing wonderfully! If she continues to do well, we may be able to compete before the end of 2011.
• We also got to travel to Maryland and New Jersey to spend some time with Mia's breeder, Linda Hartheimer. On our trip, we met some wonderful weim people and had a awesome time! We also learned a lot and got some great tips during our field training, obedience classes, and handling class. I'm very thankful for all of Linda's advice and mentoring she has provided me, and am looking forward to hopefully seeing her in 2011.
• In addition to our big trip North, we got to meet up with Debbie and Sky several times throughout the year. Debbie has been a wonderful mentor and friend, and we're looking forward to seeing her in a couple of months.

I feel truly blessed to not only have Mia in my life, but the mentors and friends we've been fortunate enough to meet. Their support means the world to me and I'm thankful to have them in my life.