Lizzie

Hottie

Radar and Paul

Radar

Dogs have always been a part of our life.  At one time, we actually had 8 dogs.  Definitely a little crazy since we have had Border Collies and Australian Shepherds.  If you aren’t familiar with these breeds, they always need a job to do.  Our dogs participate in dog sports to keep them busy and out of trouble.  Over the last 20 years, we have mainly competed in dog agility and canine disc.

This past weekend, my husband and I traveled about an hour away for an evening disc dog competition under the lights. At this particular event there is a “crowd pleaser” component where the crowd gets to vote on their favorite dog routine.  Each team has about 2 minutes choreographed to music to highlight their pup doing freestyle moves while chasing down and catching the disc.  One of my dogs Radar, ended up in 2nd place in this part of the event and while it is always fun to place in these competitions, it is really more about seeing the crowds cheer when the dog snags the disc or when they leap to amazing heights.

In a few weeks, we will be traveling to the Skyhoundz Disc Dog World finals in Chattanooga, TN.  In preparation, we have to pack up the pups, their crates, food, tents, chairs, fans, coolers, discs and the list goes on and on.  It is daunting, not to mention the 12 hour drive.   On occasion we think it is time to hang up the old discs and leave it to the younger pups, so to speak.  Then after attending a competition or event and you meet up with the people and their dogs and realize it is sharing these experiences that brings us so much happiness.  People come in from all over the world, some we only see a time or two each year and we will make many new friends.  Participating in these dog disc competitions has taken us to from coast to coast, competing in famous parks throughout the US, Central Park, Golden Gate Park, at the Washington Monument, and so many places in between.  We wouldn’t give up these experiences for anything, but at the end of the day, it is snuggling up with our dogs and realizing they are happy just to be with their people.  I  hope you too, have some furry joy in your life.

Paul and Radar courtesy of True Colors photography

Dogs Dogs joy Nature Photography postaday