, the Columbia Agility Team Newsletter, is now available on line. Past Issues available as well.
| News |
, the Columbia Agility Team Newsletter, is now available on
line. Past Issues available as well.
The editor is M'lou Thompson. She would like to hear from you if you have news or ideas about the newsletter. To the extent you can provide copy in electronic form, it is greatly appreciated.
CAT's April CPE Trial (4/26/10)
CPE trials continue to grow in
popularity which translates into participation. This April's trial, held
at the Clark County Fairgrounds may have been CAT's biggest CPE trial yet.
The trial ran smoothly and a good time was had by all. Without further
ado, here are the results:
UK Agility International Comes to the Northwest
(3/10/10)
UK
Agility International (UKI) is the brainchild of Greg and
Laura Derrett (of Great Dog, Shame About the Handler fame and other
agility instructional videos). It's purposes is "To provide agility
dog competitions that are designed with all competitors in mind; enabling all
dogs to achieve a level of success, while promoting high standards in competing,
training and judging of agility dogs." There is a
great deal of enthusiasm for UKI from those who have tried it and we will soon
get the opportunity to try it here in the Northwest. This will start with
"matches," which are essentially a trial runs for potential trial organizers,
and then actual full-fledged trials. The UKI matches and trials currently
scheduled for the Northwest are noted on the
Calendar page. If you missed the fun match in Wilsonville on
May 2, you will get a chance to sample UKI agility in Canby on June 18
Check it
out.
2010 Board Elected
The Columbia Agility Team's officers for 2010 were elected at the January 31 Annual Meeting. Here is your 2010 Board of directors:
From Left to Right: M'Lou Thompson, Secretary; Karla Forte, President; Julie Jones, Vice-President; Julie Padbury, Training Director; Kennedy Morgan, Member at Large; Rosie Stein, Member at Large; Trudy Coleman, Member at Large; Trey Winthrop, Treasurer; Dick Watson, Member at Large.
Thanks to the retiring Board Members, all of whom have put in hours of hard work on behalf of the Columbia Agility Team. Special thanks to Pam Brown, Training Director; Judy Bluett, Treasurer; and, most of all, Tanya Sacks, President. Thank you all.
2009 Holiday Party (held in 2010) and Annual Awards
Don't fight it, join it. We've been having trouble getting our annual holiday parties in the year that they're supposed to be in. This year the Club decided why fight it. Let's just schedule it at the beginning of the next year. So the 2009 Holiday Party was held in 2010. But the change of date didn't seem to dampen anyone's enthusiasm. Janelle Jeli made all the arrangements with the Wilsonville Holiday Inn. This year we went to a buffet format that worked very well. Everybody got what they wanted without much of wait and the food was very good. Entertainment was provided by a slide show of CAT dogs put together by Kennedy Morgan. And after the dinner dishes were cleared, the usual cut-throat gift exchange (if you want to keep it, hide it!) went on with Trey Winthrop doing the honors as master of ceremonies. He could have done well hosting The Price is Right.
The Holiday Party is also where the annual awards are given. The award winners are chosen by a secret committee with the exception of the Trudy Mishler award, which is awarded at the sole discretion of the President. Without further ado, here they are:
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It is always great to see people start their agility fun at an early age. This year’s Junior Handler award recipient debuted at WAG’s August Brownsville trial, acing his written test and showing us how it is done with great runs with his mom’s dog. I’m sure we will see many more great runs from him over the years to come! The 2009 Junior Handler Award goes to Brysen Winthrop |
The Top Kitten award is given to a newer handler who in the past year has demonstrated the development of good skills, a good relationship with his or her dog and good sportsmanship. This years’ recipient has been with the club for a year now and has caught the eye of people around her this year. You can’t miss her dog, who I’m sure small children view as tall enough to be a pony. The 2009 Top Kitten award goes to Kennedy Morgan. |
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The Top Cat award goes to an advanced handler who in the past year has demonstrated a high level of skill, a good relationship with his or her dog and good sportsmanship. This year’s recipient makes agility look effortless and graceful. Whether running a small dog or a large dog, this person demonstrates a wonderful connection with her canine teammates. In addition to a great competitor, she is a wonderful teacher, admired by many. At the NWCup this year, her large dog put in impressive standard runs, coming in with an average of 4.6488 yards per second compared to the winning large dog championship time of 4.6610 yards per second. A mere 0.0122 yards per second difference. This years’ Top CAT award goes to Heather Christenson.
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The person receiving this award always demonstrates positive sportsmanship both in their interactions with their dogs and with other competitors. This person is positive, encouraging and demonstrates his commitment to supporting dog agility continually with his actions. While he doesn’t always run a dog in competition, he can always be found pitching in for all sorts of activities and always has a great attitude and is supportive of others: The 2009 Sportsmanship Award goes to Steve Brown. |
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This Trudie Mishler award or Presidents Award was started in memory of Columbia Agilities’ first president, Trudie Mishler. Each president chooses someone whose assistance and actions have exemplified the hard work and dedication shown by her and others over the last 16 years that have made this Club what it is today. President Tanya Sacks noted that "I have been privileged this past year to work with several outstanding members. But the recipient of this presidents’ award has been someone that I could turn to for help at any time. Always going above and beyond for the Club." The 2009 Trudie Mishler Award goes to to Kyle Watson!
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This years’ recipient of the Member of the Year award is someone who has been active in many aspects for the Club. This person actively served on the Board, was a Trial Chair and organized seminars for the Club in 2009. She didn’t just pick a rescue organization to make a donation to for a portion of her trials profits, she became an active participant in supporting this rescue organization, collecting needed donations and proactively trying to help place dogs in need of homes. She has done all this and much more even during a year that she was dealing with extensive medical and physical therapy issues with one of her own dogs. She has been actively involved in dog rescue activities for many many years and promotes the benefits of agility and other activities that add to dogs’ quality of life at any opportunity. CAT's Member of the Year for 2009 is Pat Weinkauf. |
| The Annual Meeting is also the venue for
the awards for performance in CAT's NW Agility League. And the Winner
is.....
2009 CAT Agility League Champs -- CAT Be Quick Stevie Viaene & Iko, Annett Swartz & Tessa , Dwight Cash and Jackson, Paula Cash and Maddie Congratulations CAT Be Quick and all the other league competitors. Bet you can hardly wait until next year. |
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Daisy Peel and Solar Win 26" USDAA Nationals Grand Prix; Kim James and Disco Win 16" USDAA Nationals Performance Grand Prix (11/18/09)
The USDAA Nationals this year showed off the the skills of some current and former CAT members in some spectacular runs. Former CAT member Daisy Peel and her young BC solar won the 26" Division of the 2009 USDAA Nationals last Sunday in Scottsdale, Az. If you want to see a truly awesome run, watch this . This run is the product of a lot of hard work and dedication on Daisy's part (and a darn good dog).
In the Performance GP, CAT member Kim James and her terrific little 16" BC took the top place by a significant margin. Unfortunately, no video yet but I'm trying. Again, a great job, the product of hard work and talent, both canine and human.
Congratulations to both.
After an extended vacation, CAT Gear is back with some of your old favorites and some cool new stuff too (wait 'til you see me in my new CAT Jersey). CAT Gear is provided by Stitch Hounds (www.stitchhounds.com) , which is operated by former CAT member Denise Sproul. Go ahead! Check out the CAT Gear and show up at the next trial looking cooler than ever.
CAT Dogs (and Handlers) on TV (1/28/08)
Well, now we know. After a few delays (e.g. Mark having knee surgery), the segment was aired on Sunday, January 27 at 11 PM as part of the Oregon Sports Final show. For those of you who couldn't stay awake long enough to watch, here's a link to the video . We report...you decide.
How do I get on the !@@)(*)_*&$!!! agileCAT list? (9/3/02)
The agileCAT list is a e-mail list specifically run by and for CAT members. It is hosted by Yahoo groups, "owned" by Helix Fairweather and moderated by Debbie Sikes. Some of you have been frustrated attempting to get on the list. Here, thanks to Helix, are the steps for signing up.
So you want to
be....(2/28/02)
A member of a trial committee? It's not as daunting as it might seem. Jeanne Rice demystifies the trial committee positions HERE .
Your Dog could be a Blood Donor!
Kitty Ware's CodyBear ( the white dog) has been a long time blood
donor for Dove Lewis. Cody has give 13 units to date! According to the vet,
Cody's donations have potentially helped 26 dogs.
Dove Lewis will be having its annual request for blood donors on February 12 from 10am to
2pm. at the downtown clinic- 1984 N.W. PettyGrove. Portland, OR.
Dogs must be 2 years old and weigh 55 lbs. For more information call Dove Lewis and
ask about the "super heros" program at (503)228- 7281.
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CAT has an active Juniour Handlers program with
special programs and regular training. If you have questions about the jr. handler
program, please feel free to contact Bonnie Johnson
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The Laughing Dog Press web site nails Border Collies (and their owners) and agility enthusiasts with some deadly accurate and very funny observations. There's got to be something good about that. More breeds and dog sport fans to come. Check it out.
HOW MANY DOGS DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE A LIGHT BULB?
| Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb? Border
Collie: Dachshund: Rottweiler: Lab: German Shepherd: Malamute: Chihuahua: Old English Sheep Dog: |
Jack Russell
Terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the walls and furniture. Poodle: Cocker Spaniel: Doberman Pinscher: Maltese: Mastiff: Pointer: Greyhound: Australian Shepherd: Hound Dog: Cat: |
You know you're addicted to agility when . . . . .
| You get to a fancy restaurant, check your pockets, and
find a clicker, a treat bag and poop bags in your jacket pocket:-) ) Your friends don't even ask you what you are doing any more when you say you will be "going out of town for the weekend". All you get for your birthday is "dog stuff" and you don't mind. You see a LOVELY $30 shirt you like, but forgo it for the "cute sweatshirt with the Border Collie (insert any breed) Logo". Your "doggie" clothes are in the FRONT of the closet, and you don't haveto dust THEM off! BG You buy a van because you have a business, but COINCIDENTALLY it is a GREAT dog van! Even though you have no children, you find yourself shopping frequently at Toys R' Us. The weekends you're not at an agility trial...are spent browsing the aisles of your local building supply store. Everyday objects take on new meanings...the park bench now becomes a dogwalk, the stairway is an A-frame, a hulahoop a makeshift tire jump,an empty refrigerator box is now a tunnel, etc. Your neighbor's yard contains playground equipment for their children, however your yard looks like an obstacle course for your dog. Procrastinators at the post office are trying to file their taxes on time, however you're there to overnight the latest agility entry. You scan your tv guide daily for any agility related programs and spend hours at your computer logged on to all the internet agility email lists .. You get rid of your sporty 'babe-magnet' car and buy a van so you can haul all your agility equipment & dog supplies. |
You can't understand why your new spouse doesn't want
to spend your honeymoon at the National Agility Championships. Your wardrobe now consists of handbags & sweatshirts with agility logos. Other women get jewelry for their birthday, you get agility equipment. Other women dream of men, you dream of agility courses. Your new goal is to lose weight & get into shape...not to attract a mate or improve your health...but so you can keep up with your dog in the agility ring. You can't drive past any flat piece of land without wondering if you could hold an agility match there someday... You miss your sister-in-law's wedding because it conflicts with a big trial, and you spent more time planning your trip than she did her wedding... You know the wholesale price of PVC... You can't find your birth certificate, passport, etc., but have your dog's permanent jump height card at your fingertips... A trip to McDonald's leads you right to kiddie playground so you can examine the floor covering -- wouldn't it make a good jumping surface? You start viewing traffic with an eye for the best angle of approach... Trash Day becomes a time to scavenge the neighbor's garbage for whatever looks like a potential practice obstacle... You figure out you can squeeze in some quick weave pole practice, at least, when you're all dressed in hose and heels, ready to leave for work... |
DOG HAIKU
I love my master; Thus I perfume myself with This long-rotten squirrel. I lie belly-up In the sunshine, happier than You ever will be. Today I sniffed Many dog rear ends, I celebrate By kissing your face. I sound the alarm! Paperboy-come to kill us all- Look! Look! Look! Look! Look! I sound the alarm! Mailman Fiend-come to kill us all- Look! Look! Look! Look! Look! I sound the alarm! Meter reader-come to kill us all- Look! Look! Look! Look! Look! I sound the alarm! Garbage man-come to kill us all- Look! Look! Look! Look! Look! I sound the alarm! Neighbor's cat-come to kill us all! Look! Look! Look! Look! Look! I lift my leg and Whiz on each bush. Hello, Spot- Sniff this and weep. |
How do I love thee? The ways are numberless as My hairs on the rug. My human is home! I am so ecstatic I have Made a puddle. I hate my choke chain. Look, world, they strangle me! Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack! Sleeping here, my chin |
"Say cheeeeese"
How to photograph a new puppy.........
1. Remove film from box and load camera.
2. Remove film box from puppy's mouth and throw in trash.
3. Remove puppy from trash and brush coffee grounds from muzzle.
4. Choose a suitable background for photo.
5. Mount camera on tripod and focus.
6. Find puppy and take dirty sock from mouth.
7. Place puppy in pre-focused spot and return to camera.
8. Forget about spot and crawl after puppy on knees.
9. Focus with one hand and fend off puppy with other hand.
10. Get tissue and clean nose print from lens.
11. Put cat outside and put peroxide on the scratch on puppy's nose.
12. Put magazines back on coffee table.
13. Try to get puppy's attention by squeaking toy over your head.
14. Replace your glasses and check camera for damage.
15. Jump up in time to grab puppy by scruff of neck and say, "No, outside!
No, outside!"
16. Call spouse to clean up mess.
17. Fix a drink.
18. Sit back in Lazy Boy with drink and resolve to teach puppy "sit"
and "stay" the first thing in the morning.
This stuff just finds it's way to me on the internet. Hope you enjoy it.
DOGGY DICTIONARY
LEASH: A strap which attaches to your collar, enabling you to lead your
person where you want him/her to go.
DOG BED: any soft, clean surface, such as the white bedspread in the
guest room or the newly upholstered couch in the living room.
DROOL: Is what you do when your persons have food and you don't. To do
this properly you must sit as close as you can and look sad and let the
drool fall to the floor or better yet, on their laps.
SNIFF: A social custom to use when you greet other dogs. Place your
nose as close as you can to the other dog's rear end and inhale deeply,
repeat several times, or until your person makes you stop.
GARBAGE CAN: A container which your neighbors put out once a week to
test your ingenuity. You must stand on your hind legs and try to push
the lid off with your nose. If you do it right you are rewarded with
margarine wrappers to shred, beef bones to consume and moldy crusts of
bread.
BICYCLES: Two-wheeled exercise machines, invented for dogs to control
body fat. To get maximum aerobic benefit, you must hide behind a bush
and dash out, bark loudly and run alongside for a few yards; the person
then swerves and falls into the bushes, and you prance away.
DEAFNESS: This is a malady which affects dogs when their person want
them in and they want to stay out. Symptoms include staring blankly at
the person, then running in the opposite direction, or lying down.
THUNDER: This is a signal that the world is coming to an end. Humans
remain amazingly calm during thunderstorms, so it is necessary to warn
them of the danger by trembling uncontrollably, panting, rolling your
eyes wildly, and following at their heels.
WASTEBASKET: This is a dog toy filled with paper, envelopes, and old
candy wrapper. When you get bored, turn over the basket and strew the
papers all over the house until your person comes home
SOFAS: Are to dogs like napkins are to people. After eating it is
polite to run up and down the front of the sofa and wipe your whiskers
clean.
BATH: This is a process by which the humans drench the floor, walls and
themselves. You can help by shaking vigorously and frequently.
LEAN: Every good ACD's response to the command "sit!" especially if
your person is dressed for an evening out. Incredibly effective before
black-tie events.
BUMP: The best way to get your human's attention when they are drinking
a fresh cup of coffee or tea.
GOOSE BUMP: A maneuver to use as a last resort when the Regular Bump
doesn't get the attention you require..... especially effective when
combined with The Sniff. See above.
LOVE: Is a feeling of intense affection, given freely and without
restriction. The best way you can show your love is to wag your tail.
If you're lucky, a human will love you in return.
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Sophie (7/27/10)
“Sophie” was found, without a collar, wandering along SR14 in Washington
looking hopeless and
exhausted, and with a long, rather deep gash, which has since been attended to
by a vet.
She is exceptionally intelligent—and I have known many dogs. She is sensitive
and responsive
to human emotions. She has a very motherly instinct with other animals, probably
due in part to the
fact that she appears to have had puppies before, and partly due to her natural
herding instincts.
She sticks very close, will walk without a leash and will obey voice commands.
She’s appears
to enjoy being around small children and is very gentle with them.
Sophie is also housebroken, and is very good about being confined. When I leave
for work, I take
her to the basement where she sleeps on a comforter. She is very comfortable
with that and never
barks, scratches or whines. In fact, when I am not here she goes down and lies
on her comforter
without anyone asking her. She is truly a wonderful dog who would enrich your
life.
Steve Mueller
Cell (503) 260-8358
smueller@spiritone.com
Holly (5/30/10)
Holly is a 2 Yr old Blue Standard Poodle. Unfortunately, changed living circumstances mean that Molly needs to find a new home. For the details, contact Rebecca.
Herman (4/19/10)
Herman - BC/Aussie Mix - 9 months old.
The owner's name is Jerry Peterson and phone number is
541-476-1370 This is a darling dog and great agility prospect.
Lots of energy, herding instinct. Current on shots, not yet neutered,
housebroken, Med records available. Weight about 30 lbs, healthy, people & dog
friendly. Owner needs to place due to health issues & will take him back if it
does not work out.
Where to Find a Few Good Dogs
Many fine agility dogs are "rescues" -- good dogs that didn't quite fit in with the home situation, frequently because the owners didn't appreciate the needs of an intelligent, active, high-drive dog -- just the characteristics you want for agility. We list dogs that individuals have brought to our attention. But local shelters and rescue organizations are also likely to have great agility prospects. Here are a few links for you to track:
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Use the classifieds to advertise something dog or agility related that you want to sell, trade, buy or whatever. Send your advertisement to catnews.
Swim Your Dog with a Winter Special at Unsinkable Dogs
UNSINKABLE DOGS:K9 Warm Water Swim Center www.unsinkabledogs.com 360-624-8475
Finish Line Frames
Pat and Bob Weinkauf's Finish Line Frames now has a website. Go to www.funagilityframes.com for easy ordering.
Unique handmade agility frames are the perfect way to show off those well earned photo's.
They will soon be adding herding frames and other fun dog sport items.
Wheat-Free Doggie Treats (7/13/03)
Is your dog one of those wheat-intolerant critters? Well, here's a source of nutritious, wheat-free treats from CAT's own Kathryn King. Check out Kathryn's web site, www.kingislanddoggietreats.com
Pet Sitting Service in Vancouver (5/17/02)
Announcing a new choice for pet sitting in the Vancouver area! Sit
and Stay! Pet and House Sitting Services is up and running. Many of you may have seen me
volunteering at competitions over the past couple of years. After being in the corporate
world for over 10 years, I decided to get back to my love of animals and start my own pet
sitting business. Previous to my corporate life, I was a Vet Tech and I have experience
handling and caring for all kinds of animals from small to large.
If you live in the Vancouver area and are interested in my services, feel free to call me
at 360-574-6855 or visit my
web site
Colleen Waters - Owner
Sit and Stay! Pet and House Sitting Services
Phone: 360.574.6588
Email: SitStayPets@aol.com
Web: members.aol.com/sitstaypets
ON COURSE AGILITY RECORD BOOKS
A great training aid that allows you to track you and your dogs performance.
Keep track of your dogs legs and titles. Record show location, course flooring,
make comments on weather, camp grounds, showers, hotels, and the overall
show site. This can help you choose the most desirable show sites that best suit you
and your dog. With laminated covers it will withstand the Oregon rain as well as dog
slime.
Available for NADAC and now USDAA. Price: $15.00 each. This does not
include shipping. Special delivery arrangements can be made.
Contact Connie at csdirks@proaxis.com or call 541-367-8130
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If you have news for the web site and the news letter, send it to catdogs@columbiaagility.org |
