[3TailsWaggin]

I just want to share this as it really hit home with me....

At the agility trial on Sunday, the judge called a briefing for Excellent Standard. So we dutifully all gathered in the ring around him.

He said,

"This is Excellent Standard. I want to say one thing before we get started. If you are here today, and able to bring your dog to the start line, please, have fun, because there may come a day when you won't be able to come to the start line with your dog."

Man, as I stood there, on feet that were literally aching from my arthritis, on knees that were cranky and ouchy due to the cold, damp wind, and realizing I was running a dog that was now 7 years old, my eyes actually welled up with tears. It just really hit home... how short time really is.

So that judge's words will ALWAYS stay with me as I step up to the start line.

 

[patm]

That was really a wonderful thing for a judge to say , and hopefully put things into perspective and helped with those "ring nerves".

 

[Kinderwood]

Wow! That really is inspirational...Thanks so much for sharing that!! It really does put some things into perspective.

 

[ObedienceLabs4Me]

That has basically been my approach to life for the past over 40 years. Oh so true! Wonderful!

 

[Amber The Duck Dawg]

That quote is from Gail Storm Senior Agility Rep from AKC. The quote appears in several places now, from T-shirts to a wall on a training center to being painted on someones van. Gail Storm also runs a border collie rescue in one of the northern Mid-West States.

Kelly and Amber

 

[3TailsWaggin]

Our judge must've been quoting her then. I'd never heard it. Nice words regardless

 

[3TailsWaggin]

I'd like to see her quote if you can find it for me. The only quote I'm finding by her, in this same vein, is as follows:

"The real joy is in the privilege and ability to be able to step to the start line with your dog by your side, not in the crossing of the finish line, victorious over others."

 

[debjen]

Nice thought..

 

[Henery&Ollie's mom]

I'd like to see her quote if you can find it for me. The only quote I'm finding by her, in this same vein, is as follows:

"The real joy is in the privilege and ability to be able to step to the start line with your dog by your side, not in the crossing of the finish line, victorious over others."

Oooh, I like that.

 

[Buddysmom]

I love that seniment. That's why I just enjoy everyday that I have with Buddy. Whether we're doing pet therapy or just chillin', I love our time together. So sad that it can't last forever.