Our next event brought us to Hastings, Minnesota July 17-19. We had a lot of driving to do that weekend, due to a busy work schedule but we were determined to make it happen!
We drove down to Hastings about 1 PM Friday afternoon and arrived to some cold & rainy weather! We decided to give Speed Retrieve a try with Nallah for the first time. The first Speed Retrieve heat was scheduled for 3 PM. Jim got a few practices in with Nallah before the first heat. It proved to be a little difficult and confusing for Nallah, she didn't quite understand what she was supposed to do. We never did get a score because Nallah didn't knock down the DFT, but at least we gave it a shot. I think we'll try again when she gets a little more confident being up on the dock!
More practice practice practice up on the dock before our first Big Air wave of the weekend. The anticipation was overwhelming! We were hoping & praying that Nallah would show us more improvement since our last event in Ely, MN. Our first wave was at 4 PM and Nallah DID shine through and prove to us once again that she had a true Dock Dogs spirit!! She never gave up and became more and more confident with each jump!
Wave #1: 13'3" and 14'1"
That put her in Second place in the Junior standings
After our wave we participated in a FUN JUMP and Tom Dropik gave everyone some great pointers on how to get your dog to fly off the dock. We learned that keeping the bumper right in front of their nose until you release is a very good technique.
After all the fun Friday, we drove to Stacy MN to stay with my brother Travis.
Saturday morning we were up & ready to go! Back to Hastings for a full day of Dock Dogs! First wave of Saturday was at 11 AM. So we got lots of practice in before hand. Nallah improved yet again with....
Wave #2: 14'5" and 14'3"
Our 3rd wave was scheduled for 12:30. MORE IMPROVEMENT!!!! :)
Wave # 3: 15'9" & 16'7"
We left Saturday afternoon VERY happy & proud of our little girl! Sunday morning we drove back to Hastings for more Dock Dogs!!! We didn't want to miss out on our last wave and a possibility at finals........
Wave #4: 15'9 & 16'2"
Nallah showed us that weekend that she really had fun with Dock Dogs and we were so happy we decided to give it another try. Officially HOOKED! Its too bad the season is so short......we only wish we could have a Dock Dogs event EVERY weekend of the summer! As always, the anticipation of our next event was already there......
