Hanging up my leash, vet visits & summer fun

The other day, Momma had a thought(!) that hit her like a ton of bricks. We should quit agility. It was just time. In fact, she wondered why this had never occurred to her before. She had taken a horrific fall about six weeks ago, we were both of a certain age (Momma has taught me to be vague about this), I was often overheated with my double coat of fur and I had trouble focusing at the start line. So concluded Momma, “Lina, I’m going to tell Annelise we’re hanging up your leash.” And she did. Talk about the tail wagging the dog.

Truth be told, it was okay with me, although a bittersweet moment and the end of a beautiful chapter in my life. The lady handlers in our class were always so nice to me and applauded for my run no matter how long it took me to get going or how misguided I was! I’ll miss them.

Just to show you that we did have some success, I have attached a photo of me with my winning ribbons below. Granted it’s not the Olympics and sometimes I was the only dog at my level and class (and Momma might say akin to a pawrticipation trophy), but it’s something. To ease the blow, Momma has set up my agility equipment in our backyard and said we may do some privates with Annelise this fall.

One thing Momma hasn’t stopped is my endless visits to vets. The vets are always very nice to me and very tolerant of Momma’s “medical diagnoses,” and suggestions, even when I’m the picture of good health. Here are a couple of my favorite vet photos from this summer.

Just to cover all our bases, Momma took me to my trusty chiro, Dr. Becca (perpetualmotionchiro.com) on Monday. I always love my visits with her because she fixes me up “good as new,” and I usually get to enjoy a little Winnie play time, too. You will see that I am helping Dr. Becca with note taking since I know my way around an iPad!

Oh, and we’re going to the doggie dentist at Blue Pearl in September. If ever there was a time to woof “Sit, Stay, Pray,” this would be it. Momma and I are desperately clinging to my eleven remaining teeth.

And just so you don’t think I’m spoiled (“No one would ever think that, Lina”), I had a pawsome time this summer on the boat, at the cabin and at Camp Bow Wow. Here I am (clockwise from upper right) with my good buddy, Erik, my Uncle Eric (who loves to tease me), my cousins Vivian and Julia, Auntie Lori, Katie, Camp Counselor at Bow Wow, and just chillin’ on the pontoon!