A WHOLE NEW WORLD

It was in April 2015 that I made the decision to enrol my 31/2 year old Portuguese Water dog in agility classes - little did I know at that time that we would forgo agility in the short term.  Instead we hooked up with Lorraine Wilson and the "world of water" was opened for us!

 We started training in May.  When Lorraine told me we would be ready to trial in July, I remember saying "Really"?  If the truth be known, I didn't even know what a water trial was!!!!  My lack of knowledge was short lived, thanks to Lorraine.

While TBear was not the most enthusiastic land participant, once we hit the water it was a totally different story!!!!  I had a Portuguese Water dog that really wanted to work - I saw a whole new side of his personality once we started swimming and doing the tasks at the Junior level.   He also became more focused in other situations as well.

We did attend trials in Michigan in July.  While we were not successful, the experience was just awesome - great weather, food and people.  We came home and immediately started training with Lorraine and addressed the areas that we still needed to work on to be successful at the Junior level. 

Lorraine certainly had her challenges working with TBear and myself - I am 63 and just picking up the sport and I had a dog that had never been in water, did not retrieve, did not tug on toys and certainly did not have a retrieve to hand.  Lorraine never gave up on us!

July and August passed and we trained consistently.  I met and trained with an amazing group of people who are dedicated to the sport - and I am definitely hooked! 

At the end of August, the Portuguese Water dog trials were held at Laurel Creek Conservation Area.  It was a weekend of great sportsmanship, great weather and once again, the wonderful people involved in the sport.

This time we had a much more successful outing on the competitive front - TBear achieved his Junior Water Dog certificate and almost passed his Apprentice level.  However, I learned a very valuable lesson from all of this.

The season is winding down and I am going into PTD - Post Training Depression.  As we've trained through the month of September, I have not only been working on the Apprentice level but Lorraine has been coaching us on the next level.  I can hardly wait for the next session of water classes!

The words thank you will never convey the depth of gratitude I have for Lorraine.  Meeting her and getting involved with water works has certainly changed my life ( and TBear's) for the better.

Thank you, Lorraine