The Summer Solstice Weekend at the Isanti County Fairgrounds is now in the books. This year was Bailie’s fourth year, and my third. In 2016, Bailie and Emma went for the first time. Other years Mom has gone for two or three of the days, but this year, we just went for one. The days are long, the drive is over an hour, and we thought one day would be good.
When Bailie and Emma went for the first time, it was just a dog show, and the barn hunt. Over the years, the event has really grown. Now they offer not only the Bales and Tales barn hunt, but Fast CAT, Scent Work, dock diving, and you could try UpDog disc. The number of people attending has also increased. Both Bailie and I signed up for barn hunt, and Mom signed Bailie up for Fast CAT, so the day was pretty busy, trying not to have scheduling conflicts with all the runs.
During the down times between running events, Mom takes us for walks around the grounds to stretch our legs and see what all it happening. It is always pretty warm out, so she takes us one at a time when we don’t have a run coming up soon and can cool down and rest before our next turn. I got to do some shopping in the vendor area. Didn’t find anything I needed, but the sniffing around was nice.
Bailie also was out enjoying the weather. She actually spent a lot of time out and about waiting for her fastCAT runs which were running slowly yesterday. The big building behind her is actually where barn hunt takes place. There are three rings running all day.
Speaking of barn hunt, Miss Bailie, how did you do? The best way to put it is to say she was a total flop! Mom is pretty much out of options for motivating Bailie. She did tunnel and climb, but that was it, did not want to hunt for rats. Bailie only needs one leg for her Senior Title, but she won’t get it without putting forth some effort. Mom is deciding whether to just quit doing barn hunt with Bailie for a while, or maybe enter her in the Novice level again to see if she has more fun with that, and try to build up some motivation. The next trial we will enter isn’t for a few months, so we have time to decide
Remember Bailie got two Fast CAT runs from Mom for her birthday last week? We really thought it would be the sport for her. All she has to do is chase a bag on a string for a hundred yards. She seemed interested when she watched other dogs do it. Mom was a bit worried as the area was not fenced, but hopefully Bailie would stay in the chute and chase the lure. It was really warm with the sun, but there was a nice cool wind too.
How did it work out? She did great on her first try, and Q’d! She ran the hundred yards in 13.5 seconds, putting her speed at 15.15 mph. Not bad on a hot day for a first try. The afternoon did not go well. Bailie was out of gas. She took off great, but shortly before the finish line she slowed, turned around and ran back to Mom at the start. They let her have a do over and said Mom needs to be at the finish. The do over was a disaster! Bailie would not move off the start line. Lesson learned for next time – Mom at the start, don’t say a word to her after she starts chasing. This might work better.
The highlight of the entire day was my first Masters run. I’m always excited to hunt rats, or do almost anything really. I coudn’t wait for my turn, but I had to wait almost all morning.
This is the course I had to run. In Masters, there are a total of eight hidden tubes. The tubes are a mix of litter and rats. They don’t tell you how many rats, just one to five is the range. If there is one rat, there are seven litter, five rats, three litter, etc. This particular course also had a distance challenge in the back right quarter. A distance challenge means the human isn’t allowed to go into that space, but the dog should go because there may be rats there.
Mom was super proud of me because I did my tunnel on both my runs. On my first run, I worked really hard, found a rat in the distance challenge and the judge asked Mom where. Luckily, I had done a good job of showing her, so she knew. I found a second rat too. Humans can see most of the tubes, but they don’t know if they are rats or litter. Of course, Mom was afraid to call clear with only two rats, but she did, and guess what? She was right to trust me and I got my first Master’s Q, as well as first place in my class. My afternoon run I found three of the five, but I was super slow because it was really warm and humid. It’s okay, because I had fun, I worked, and I got a Q.
Another Summer Solstice Weekend has gone by, and we had some success, and a lot of fun…except for Bailie and barn hunt. Can’t wait for next year when we will take Olivia along to compete with us!
We’re joining Comedy Plus for the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
It’s hard to focus in the heat. I’m glad you got some ribbons. Congratulations on your Masters Q.
Heat is one thing, but humidity really kills odor movement.
The heat zaps me so don’t feel bad about it after all you’re wearing quite the fur coat. It looks like you did quite well with all those ribbons around your neck, though. *applauds* Congrats on your accomplishments and thanks for sharing your first day of summer events. Have an awwwesome Monday! Thanks for boogieing by my place. 😉
I had a lot of fun and Mom is super proud of our team!
Busy, busy. Looks like some fun events.
It is a fun weekend, with all kinds of stuff going on…dogs everywhere.
is ist allowed to send a stand in Bailie? I could send you da Nelly he makes rat-atouille within 2 minutes ;O)))
No, can’t have a substitute, or I would run for Bailie!
Congratulations! Everyone had their favorite sports and Bailie is still deciding. Mom spent the weekend and obviously today with a stupid stomach bug. Ugh!
Sorry to hear about you not feeling well. That is definitely no fun, and I bet you can’t be near the grandkids either.
Bailie needs a Dunce Hat! what is wrong with that girl? On the other hand, you deserve a T-bone steak for your efforts, Madison! XOXO, Sparkle
Bailie just isn’t feeling it right now, so we are not sure what to do with the girl. I’m always up for some sports…except for agility, I’m not that keen on agility but I’m still working on it.
Oh what FUNS!!!
And I luffs your outfits, you look BEAUTIFUL
Loves and licky kisses
Princess Leah xxx
We had a lot of fun, especially me!
What a fun day you had and I had a great time coming along. One day would have been all I could have managed in that heat.
Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Awww Monday. My best to your mom. ♥
It is a lot of stress and being busy so one day is better for all of us. It stays fun that way.
We agree – summer heat really takes the fun out of doing everything. Congratulations on all that you did accomplish.
We enjoy the cold a lot more!
Well you sure did good and sweet Bailie will get there…when she feels like she wants to do it!
Bailie is kind of a party pooper right now, but I’m having a blast.
The heat would have put me off too, Bailie, and congratulations to you, Madison! You both look great in your striking bandanas and hats in the last photo.
Bailie is just being Bailie. We never know how she will be.
Congratulations girls! Working in the heat is no fun.
It’s hard, especially with humidity.
Congratulations on your successes! Maybe barn hunt won’t turn out to be Bailie’s thing, Emma didn’t like it, did she? We know your Mom will figure out what’s best to do, and will keep working with Bailie to see what works for her.
Love that last photo of you two!
Bailie may just not be a sports dog right now. We shall see.
what a great dog! So darling and clever!
Thank you.
Oh Bailie! You are so silly. Madison, you are such a good hound! Sounds like mom had a busy weekend and you all had fun together. How super! Love your pictures. have a great day your friend Lilly
Thank you. Bailie is her own hound, I like to be the best I can be no matter what. We all had fun anyway.
MY GOODNESS!!!! What busy girls you and your mom are!!! We really enjoyed your photos and derailed descriptions of the events! Thanks SOOOO much!
It was a busy and fun day of events.
It sounds like a fun weekend. Congrats on your qualifies and ribbons Madison…and sounds like Bailie wasn’t feeling it and just wanted to relax this weekend :-).
xoxo,
Rosy, Jakey & Arty
Bailie is just that way. Mom knows I’m more reliable.
A full and mostly fun day, i agree that one day in the heat is enough!
More than one day is just not as much fun.
Congratulations on a wonderful day. The heat can make anything that you do feel like you are doing double. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos. Have a wonderful day.
Heat and humidity definitely add an extra challenge.
What a great weekend! Great job!
Thank you.
I bet I’d luv barn hunt. I LUV hunting rats.
You should try it. I’m sure they have it in Texas, the nationals are down there.
So proud of you guys. Trying is the only thing that counts but first place ribbons are nice too.
Mom has given up on placements with Bailie and only wants a Q, but for me, she expects more because I love competing and I am pretty good at it.