Starting out and moving up

As promised, here are pictures of Tweed herding sheep.  I am thrilled with him on all levels.  He is the sweetest puppy and a joy to train, on and off sheep.  He will be turning 10 months very soon.  Hard to believe that time has flown by so fast.

Zeke and I will be moving to Pro-Novice for sheepdog trials here this winter.  I'm a little nervous but I know I'm not the first one to do this and most certainly not the last.   Pull up yer boot straps, it's time to make progress girlfriend!  I am a big fan of positive thinking (thanks mom & dad) I love looking forward to what the future holds.  You don't get anywhere by standing still. 

I read the Mental Management newsletter and really enjoyed the article on competition this month.  It's not about winning or losing, it's winning or learning.  How many times have each of us learned valuable life lessons from doing the task incorrectly.  I know I learned some VERY valuable lessons at the Lacamas Valley sheepdog trial.  Reward the the good, focus on the task at hand, and practice, practice, practice.  Their blog closed with a quote that I will keep close to my heart as step into the Pro-Novice class. 

"You never know who will be watching you as you compete for your dreams - so always act like a Champion, win or lose. Because at the end of the day, the people you meet and inspire will mean more than the trophies that gather dust on your mantle."   Posted to their blog by Lanny Basham

I couldn't agree more.