Taking Tika From a Wild Young Thing to A Champion

SUMMARY: A bright memory, updated.

Posted on Facebook August 10, 2019.

As a younger dog, Tika was, at times, frustrating beyond belief. Independent and too dang smart, knowing what she could get away with when I didn't know how to fix it. For those who might be tempted to give up hope with their own crazy, challenging, overwhelming dog:

7 years after Tika retired from agility, in the 22" Performance category, she's still #13 over all in Gamblers, #11 in Jumpers, #11 in Snooker, and #13 in Standard. For "all-breed" (mixed breed), she's still #2 in Standard, #1 in Snooker, #1 in Jumpers, and #1 in Gamblers.

And I was able to hike off- and on-leash with her in so many places (well--not always perfect--but mostly).  (And so many other things, too: Tricks, visiting, being around any other dogs at any time...)

I'm proud of what we accomplished, and it paid off in spades in the immense joy I earned on and off the agility field with her.

Dad Gone Four Years Today

SUMMARY: Still aches like yesterday.

Reposted and edited from Facebook.

He was an amazing man. Here he is on the day he received diplomas for both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in math and physics [after serving in Korea and now with wife and kid]. When the de rigueur person shaking the grads' hands asked when he was going to get his 3rd diploma, he answered, "Two is enough for one day, sir."

I have no idea what the fist was for (way before the Mexico City Olympics). "Nerd Power"? Unless I find more info somewhere, we'll never know.

Things Human Moms (or Dads) Say To The Kids

SUMMARY: How about you?

Updated Aug 10, 8:30 AM: Added "Are you listening" and "Models" at the end.

"That's the third time today I refilled your dish. You think water grows on trees?!"

"Your face is going to freeze that way!"

"One day, Dog willing, you'll have one JUST like you!"

"It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye!"

"If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?"

"Get those elbows on the table!"

"There are starving dogs in Africa who'd love to eat your salad!"

"Brush your teeth or they'll all fall out!"

"Are you listening to me? Look at me when I talk to you!"

(Models: Zorro, Chip, flip-flop by Boost, Sheba and Amber, Boost, Tika, Chip, Jake, Remington)