10-29 & 11-19-06

04-29,30-06

In Loving Memory of our Beloved Britney
11/20/1991 - 04/29/2006
 
Thank You Britney
 
Our beloved Britney was laid to rest along side Sasha, Beast and Peanut who will all remain, infinitely, dear to our hearts.  Of course, we still have the four other furry children that are unyielding with activity but it is amazing how much quieter it seems around our house even though Britney had such a pleasant undemanding soul.  Max has seemingly taken over Britney's spot on the loveseat although he has never been the couch potato type (preferring laps or the king size bed).  I'm not sure if it is because he misses his extremely close paw pal or if it is just due to the vacancy.  The toughest times for me are at treat or meal time (four bones or bowls instead of five).  I guess that is when it sinks in that she is really gone - it's heartwrenching. 
 
Although we only slept for a couple of hours, prior to Britney's passing, we decided to attend the agility trial previously planned for the weekend (I thought that it would be best to keep busy instead of moping around the house all day).  My main focus for this competition was to increase Caleb's speed and retain Max's attention long enough to finish a course.  I declared to myself that any minor accomplishments in the day's events would be contributed to Britney's selfless spirit. 
 
On Saturday, Max was first in for the JWW course.  Even though he knocked down the second to the last jump, it was a beautiful run and a very successful finish.  Good boy Max (and thank you Britney)!  The dropped bar was actually my fault since I was prematurely focused on the turn into the final obstacle.
 
Caleb was next in needing only one more leg for both of his novice agility titles.  He aced the course other than a re-entry into the weaves, won 2nd place and earned his NAJ title!  Way to go Caleb (and thank you Britney)!
 
Max was first up again for the STD course.  He had an awesome run, earned his first leg towards his NA title and won 1st place!  Well done Max (and thank you Britney)!  Notably, I have yet to witness any other dogs with Max's size exhibiting his impressive speed and maneuverability. We did encounter the same problem in the weaves, as with Caleb (something that we need to work on), but luckily it doesn't count as a fault in the novice class. 
 
With a QQ at hand (although that doesn't really matter until reaching the Excellent level), Caleb was in for his STD run.  Still pokey over the dog walk, he made a beautiful entry into the weaves and had a clean run!  Caleb won 2nd place and earned his NA title!  Awesome job Caleb (and thank you Britney)!  Uhm, I'm getting a little teary eyed now.
 
Excited and exhausted, we returned to our solemn home.  One of the last things on my mind was reading the newspaper which we don't normally purchase on Saturdays anyway.  It was then that our neighbor brought to our attention Britney's picture and biography printed in the Pets and People section of the Manatee Herald on the very day of her demise.  I mailed the information in a few weeks ago but hadn't received any response so assumed that the story was unacceptable.  Obviously, every dog lover envies the opportunity to have their furry child's picture printed in the paper but I was, simultaneously, encouraging (honestly!) animal adoptions, regardless of age or breed.  Although I was hoping that the story would be run before Britney's death, it seemed to serve as an obituary and memorial of her life (thank you Janet).  Needless to say, we bawled our eyes out the rest of the day.
 
On Sunday, we were all a little less focused and even more tired than the day before.  Plus, I had a lot of nervous energy going on because of being promoted to the open class with Caleb, thoughts of conflict between ring times and the need for memorization of four courses instead of two. 
 
Caleb, actually, ran (?) very well for his first day in the open class other than stopping to smell the weaves, exiting a pole early and knocking down a jump.  Max was also a bit more distracted by what was occurring outside of the ring on this day but, ultimately, finished the JWW course with one displaced bar (disqualification). 
 
On the STD course, Caleb had one refusal on his weaves and time faults (slow down on the table and re-entry into the weaves) resulting in a disqualification.  Finally, some good news.......Max aced the novice course, earned another leg towards his NA title and won 1st place!  That a boy Max (and thank you Britney)!
 
Well, if you made it this far, you'll be happy to hear that we only have one more agility competition left until September (unless we enter something up north).  Of course, there is obedience and conformation......oh yeah, wake me up when it is over - boring!
 
PS  I'm attaching the collage of Britney once again since I didn't send it to everyone the first time.
 
Sandy, Sean & The Drool Crew
 

Our furry child, Britney, passed away in the early morning hours of April 29th, 2006.  It is
unfortunate that we did not adopt her until she was ten but she, wholeheartedly, dedicated 4 1/2 precious
years of her life to us.  Below, is Britney's biography from her web page followed by an illustration of her
life in pictures.  Her short presence with us will live on in our memories forever and ever.
 
 
The Fastest Tongue in the South

Our always faithful and loving companion, Britney, is an ADBA American Pit Bull Terrier. True to the proper standard of her breed, she has a wonderful temperament and a gracious devotion that is unwavering. It is undeniable that Britney's affectionate and gentle spirit exudes her as she wins the hearts of every human and creature she encounters. Although much loved and well cared for, Britney spent most of her life in an outdoor kennel in New Jersey. It was not until November of 2001 that she gratefully joined our family at the golden age of 10. We rescued Britney from the cold northern winters so that she could retire here in sunny Florida, just like all the rest of the old folks! When she first arrived at our home, Britney couldn't run very far. She was also a bit timid about playing with our other dogs and wouldn't venture out into the backyard more than 15 feet or so. Now, Britney runs with the best of them! It didn't take her long to conform to the couch either. Her tail spins around in a constant circle as if she is preparing for take off and whenever she has the opportunity, Britney will suffocate you with kisses (beware of tying your shoes!).

CLICK TO ENLARGE
 AGILITY TRIAL RECAPS
 
 
FIRST AGILITY PHOTO  11-25,27-05                NO, NOT AGAIN!  12-10,11-05
 
WHAT A BUNCH OF BULL (DOG)  1-21,22-06                  ON A ROLL  03-12-06
 
STROLLING ALONG  03-18,19,25,26-06       THANK YOU BRITNEY 04-29,30-06
 
PEDAL TO THE MEDAL 05-20,21-06                        CHICK MAGNET  06-09-06
 
AAAHHH, A/C!  06-17-06                    AMSTAFFS TOP THE 20'S!  09-03,10-06
 
OFF COURSE  09-17,18,22,23-06              MAX IS THE 'MAN'  10-01,05,08-06
 
OUCH!  10-21,22-06                        CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO VIDEO LIST
 

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