And so 2008 comes to an end

After a tricky start 2008 turned out to be a great year, I just wanted to reflect on each dogs achievments and aspirations over the past 12 months and the year ahead.

Ben - Thorpers Big Ben.. our Ben Ben dispite his numerous health problems was awarded the Rebecca Pointer award at Crufts where Amy took the decision to retire him from competition, it was a very proud moment, this is awarded to the YKC dog and handler who has achieved the most points over the prevous year. However he was allowed to breifly have a flutter at the Newark YKC obedience advanced competition purely to make up the numbers, winning the class was his way of proving he still has it.. he is really enjoying retirement and can be seen occasionally running at flyball shows as a spare dog.

Dylan - Thorpers Dandy Dylan.. Dillie has had a great year, he has finally found his "thing" Flyball, he is never happier than at a flyball comp, this year he has achieved his Flyball dog Intermediate. He seems to have overcome some of his demons and once again has qualified Amy for the YKC handling. he continues to be a character, and will enjoy flyball and agility in 2009.

Maisy - Thorpers Miss Maisy.. The Queen!! this dog for me never stops giving, she is a real worker and her enthusiasm for everything that I ask is amazing. this year she has gained her flyball dog Graduate, and along with Ronny won the fastest pairs ABC at the flyball british champs. she started Agility this year and we have done a few competitions and finally last weekend I managed to work at her level and we pulled a 5th place and a clear round, next year we will concentrate more on agility, we both love it so much as it challanges us to work as a team.

Summer - Darian Enchanted by Fire.. our little princess, this baby has been a pleasure to own and train, she is a very willing pupil and attended the Mary Ray training week which is what started Amy using the clicker, Summer responds so well and they did their first obedience competition earlier this month where Summer exceeded Amy's expectations. in 2009 Amy will compete mainly in obedience hoping to win out of Novice, and will probably dabble in agility and flyball.