At TCOTC on March 4-6, 2011, Team Alasera strutted their stuff on the agility courses. All team members did their part to stay connected, focused (for the most part) and have fun while successfully completing many courses. An embarrassment of colorful ribbons are on the kitchen counter!

Katie earned her NA and NAJ titles and an Open Jumpers leg. All were first or second place finishes. (see previous entry)

Ace earned a Double Q and much to Terry’s delight, beat Mellie straight up on a Jumpers run for fourth place. He ended the week-end with four qualifying runs, two placements (2nd, 4th), and 93 MACH points. A very good week-end. He is now very close to qualifying for the 2012 AKC National Agility Championship trial.

Ripley held it together to earn a QQ and finished the long week-end with 4 out of 6 qualifying runs. No placements for Mr. Slow and Steady but he did manage a whopping 55 MACH points. Truly a great week-end for him. But for his wandering visitation ways, we might have actually gotten another QQ, but he remains a free-spirit.

Abby really made some headway this week-end. Handler Lisa tried a new tactic in the ring (no screeching and no clapping) and Abby seemed to really enjoy the runs at her old training grounds. She went a perfect 6 for 6 and earned three QQs and finally achieved her MX title. All runs were placements except one. She ended up with one 1st, two 2nds, and two 3rd place finishes and a huge 170 MACH points! She is almost qualified for the 2012 AKC National Agility Championship trial. So proud of her beating back her trial stress and completing three successful teeters!

Mellie continues to triumph in the ring, but is finding heated competition more and more. Not only against her fellow Alasera teammates Ace and Abby, but also some speedy fellow 8″ dogs who are not willing to stay behind. She will have to step it up and rise to the challengers. Heaven forbid when granddaughter, Katie, arrives in the Ex. B. class. Mellie went a perfect 6 for 6, earning three more QQs, many placements (two-1st place, one 2nd place, one 3rd place and a fourth place finish) and another 190 MACH points. She is closing in on MACH 3.

At TCOTC on March 5, 2011, Katie and Terry earned their first agility titles together. In fine style, she earned her 3rd legs for her NA and NAJ titles after just two week-ends of trialing. Very fast performances and Terry could not be more proud. She moved up to the Open class the very next day and had a great, super speedy qualifying run in Jumpers. She got a bit distracted at the start line on her Standard run and ended up heading out of the ring to follow her friend, Myth, who had to leave the ring early. She is a true friend. Terry was a bit disappointed to not get to run, but we know there will be plenty more to come. (photo courtesy of Great Dane Photography.)