Playing for Pure Joy.

Tonight, looking at my girls I can’t help but think about how much they really mean to me. It’s almost an unreal feeling; even without agility I couldn't imagine not having them in my life. And this reminded me of a conversation I once had a few years ago with Diane…and that night she put it really well; everything I will do in the agility world for basically the rest of my life will be because of Jenna and Whimzy.

On their little tiny shoulders rests my entire future. Kind of scary when you think about it, but it’s true. Sure my goals for them and expectations of my abilities are always set just above our reach, but jumping is half the fun. Taking that risks, going for it, how can we not? But going too far, no longer caring about the dogs is when agility becomes pointless. In my books you play for them or have no right to play at all. My girls will forever be more valuable than any award we ever win, any honor we get, any record we break, anything that I accomplish because of them…it’s all just bonus. The real joy in the sport isn't winning a pretty blue ribbon, or taking home a trophy. It's seeing that look on your dog's face at the end of the run, that smile that says "I love playing this game with you." Every time I see that look on their faces, my heart just melts. I'm so grateful that I can share such a wonderful sport with these creatures that are so special to me. 

"Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? 

The opportunity to play."

My girls <3