Harper B for ...

We Did It!

Harper Age 8.jpg

Harper B for So Many Things completed her CD (obedience title) yesterday. She did this in three straight runs — the first leg was at the Specialty, the second was Saturday, and the third leg was yesterday (Sunday). She even got ribbons! Second place on Saturday and this yesterday!

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Full Disclosure — the placements were based on a lack of qualifiers. Basically, Harper was the Last Dog Staying yesterday as the three other qualifiers who made it to the Stay Group all blew their stays. Bummer for them — but Harper enjoyed the gift certificate she won for first place.

This was a Git ‘er Done CD for a very specific purpose — to complete the requirements for the BMDCA’s Working Dog Award. And she did it — Harper B for BMDCA Working Dog Award!

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At eight and with two Harper B for Bionic Knees, there were few sits involved in her obedience runs — I think standing is more comfortable for her, and so she did. Oh well — only lost points and who cares?! Not me. Harper B for Better Believe It reminds me that adversity is just a detour and not a reason to quit.

I am so proud of Harper. This was not the journey I expected her to have — but it became HER journey and we walk it together. She is done with obedience but not ready to retire. Her future includes more tracking and a new sport that will utilize her great nose — Scent Work!

Learning how to adjust to new and sometimes unwanted realities is another way that Life with Dogs makes us better humans. I am grateful to Harper B for Best Teacher for the lessons, even as I wish she had been blessed with an easier path in her lifetime. Two Harper B for Bad Knees plus pyometra seems like a Harper B for Bum Deal for such a kind dog.

Dogs are free to remove themselves from children’s attention at any time. Harper B for Being Patient.

Dogs are free to remove themselves from children’s attention at any time. Harper B for Being Patient.

Kaibab Harper’s East of the Sun, West of the Moon TDX CD NDD FDC and BMDCA Working Dog