In the April 2011 edition of Clean Run magazine, I wrote an article titled, “The Agility Addiction”. Guess I can say I am a published author now! Can’t believe I went from one dog back in 2003 to a family based hobby in 2011.

Mellie was awarded the “Phalene Achiever of the Year” Award at the 2011 Papillon Club of America’s Phalene Banquet at the National Specialty this month. She had earned the distinction of being the first Phalene to have both a breed championship and a Master Agility Championship. She also earned her MACH2 title this past year as well. We were not able to be at the banquet as we did not attend the Specialty this year, but it is still an honor to receive that recognition among fellow Phalene fanciers.

At the Twin City Lhasa Apso Club agility trial over Easter week-end, Alasera hopped to it and enjoyed a great week-end of achievements.

Ace led off the week-end by earning his MX title and his 6th Double Q. He also finished the requirements for qualification for the 2012 AKC National Agility Championship trial in Reno next Spring. He was super speedy and earned 48 MACH points and two 3rd place and one 4th place finish, much to Terry’s delight.

Katie earned her OAJ title and showed off more super-sonic speed. She enters Excellent level jumpers next and will run the same courses as her fellow team members.

Ripley once again missed earning double Qs due to his lack of focus and desperate need to meet the ring crew and judge. He did have two qualifying runs and earned a few MACH points to boot. He needs two more Excellent standard legs to earn his MX title. His handler needs to have lots of patience in the quest for a MACH on this little dog.

Abby had three great runs (had to pull her at the start of one run for the dreaded “reverse sneeze” attack). She had three second place finishes-mostly to Mellie. On one run, she did finish ahead of Mellie but not enough to take the first place lead. She earned 91 MACH points and a QQ. She is also now qualified for the trip to Reno! Best of all, perfect teeters both days.

Mellie had another great week-end; three first place finishes, one third place finish, two QQs, and 150 MACH points. She is getting a good fast start off the line again and appears to know exactly what I want from her. Only two more QQs for MACH 3!

Mellie and I attended the 2011 AKC National Agility Championship trial in Lexington, Virginia on April 1-3. Fellow Team Alasera member, Terry, also came along for moral support. We were entered in the Friday State Team Tournament and then the 2 day (3 rounds) NAC trial. Mellie managed 4 clean runs out of the 5 runs and her only mistake was a blown dog walk contact which we would contest. :-)

She ran well overall, with only a few slow starts to mar the performance. Perhaps the “big” trial experience and the travel caused a drop in motivation. Who knows? But despite all that, she ended up 23rd overall out of 115 dogs.

Being able to watch some of the best teams in the nation during this trial was a great thrill and very inspiring. We have lots of work to do but I know I have a wonderful agility partner and we can achieve even more success in the future.

We are already qualified for next year and we plan to return!!