Bittersweet Q

**2yellowlabs** · 10-18-2010, 01:48 PM

On Friday Shamrock & I finished our AJP title. I knew going in, this was Shamrock's last AKC trial, Q or no Q. He'll be 10 1/2 in December and even though I've already moved him to Preferred - 15 or 16 20" jumps in a row was just getting too hard for him. In what was probably one of the best runs he ever had, he finished in glory. It was a tough course - small pinwheel to start - then couple of jumps to the weaves - he often popped out at #10 but not this time - tough turn to a triple double combo - again - very challenging for us and then I almost blew it be getting in his way about 4 jumps from the end. But Shamrock made that jump and my friends heard me tell him - only two more and then we did it. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. We started our agility career almost six years ago. Took time out when my husband showed him for his UD and UDX and started agility again in July of 2008. Friday I could tell Shamrock was excited to be back - it was such a great way to finish. Afterwards someone asked me - I saw everyone hug you - did you finish a big title? No I said. My friends knew that it was Shamrock's last AKC run. They celebrated with me the end of an agility career with a really GREAT dog.

**MicksMom** · 10-18-2010, 01:51 PM

Oh, Betsy (((hugs)))

**2yellowlabs** · 10-18-2010, 02:42 PM

Micks Mom - Thanks for the hugs. I love your picture. It is certainly true of me!!!

**ObedienceLabs4Me** · 10-18-2010, 06:05 PM

Awwwwwwwwww! Bittersweet indeed! Congrats on the title though!

**Milesmom** · 10-19-2010, 05:40 AM

Aww Betsy! How cool is that! You made me cry!

**patm** · 10-19-2010, 06:51 AM

I got shivers reading this - wonderful run! You guys RULE!

**brody** · 10-19-2010, 07:53 AM

Lovely moment for a lovely team (((hugs))

I can't imagine how I'll feel if I ever know it's my dogs last run - I'd weep I think (I am not into public emotion)

Enjoy a lovely, well deserved retirement