Being three has been full of ups and downs for me. I turned three right as my phantom pregnancy was coming to an end. My hormones really did a number on me between June and September. I was not my usual self at all, and no one liked the modified Madison very much. Looking back through my binoculars on the past year seemed like a fun thing to do, even though not everything has been good.
My first nose work experience was mixed when I turned three. I failed my NW3 miserably, but came back the next day to get my Novice Interior and Container Titles. For me it was another case of how hormones made me very unpredictable. Mom and I were thrilled to take home my two new titles anyway!
Three days after my new titles, it was time for my “girl” surgery. I got spayed and we all had the hope that it would help me return to my old self. It has now been almost a year since I was spayed and I am, for the most part, my old, sweet, loving self. Unfortunately, I do still have some fear issues that have not completely disappeared. Mom is patient and continues to work on those with me.
Two weeks after my surgery, Bailie and I went up north to Nose Work Camp. It was a fun time and we learned a lot as we always do. Sadly, this year it has been cancelled because of that mean virus.
Next up I had a big Scent Work Trial. My hormones were still out of balance and I had a lot of fear issues, but I did manage to finish my Advanced Exterior Title and I got some other legs I needed and a couple placements.
Olivia and I traveled south to Iowa for a Scent Work Trial the end of October. It was her first Scent Work Trial at eight months old. She stole the show, really cleaning up in the ribbon department, but I did pretty well myself. I finished my Advanced Scent Work Overall Title getting the last of the buried hide Q’s I needed, and I also got my Excellent Interior Title.
We went to Sioux Falls for more Scent Work in November. For me it was very disappointing. My fears were lurking big in my head. I wasn’t able to focus on my job at all, and as a result of my eight searches, I passed zero. I’ve never failed so badly, ever! On the bright side, I can only improve, right?
My next trial was my best trial experience in my lifetime and being three! I earned my Masters Barn Hunt Title! No one in my family has ever had a Masters Title in any sport. I worked hard to get to this point, and I was on fire that weekend passing three of my four searches. At the Masters level, the number of rats is an unknown one to five rats. I really have to communicate to Mom and she has to read me well to pass. We did it in Grand fashion and are both still so proud! Look at all the first places and high in trial ribbons! Now I’m working on my Masters Champion Title.
February brought me to the Haunted House Nose Work Trial in Illinois. I actually had a great time and was barely scared which is rather odd being as I was searching in a haunted house! I did really well, and actually completed my NW3 Vehicle and Container Titles. We were really excited for the spring trials as we were all entered in so many, but then that virus showed up and everything was cancelled.
After three and a half months with no sports which really was not fun, Olivia and I headed out to Grand Forks for Scent Work. It was not my best work, once again. I managed to earn my Excellent Container Title, but my weekend pass rate was still under fifty percent. We don’t know if my fear issues that appeared last summer will ever fully go away, but we won’t give up!
Olivia and I went to Boone, Iowa in June for Barn Hunt and to try FastCAT. Barn hunt didn’t go real well, but I did get one Q towards my championship. FastCAT was an absolute blast and I earned 98 of the 150 points I need for my first title in that sport.
Monday is my birthday, will there be any more titles for me being three, or will I have to wait to be four? Despite all the ups and downs, I’m super thankful to be able to have so much fun and to get to go so many places. I’m a lucky girl.
My GBGV Life is joining Brian’s Home Blog in the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
I would say you accomplished so much in such a short time. Congratulations L
It wasn’t what I should have done, but it was pretty good.
I think you’re doing fine and it appears your mom thinks so too. I know I enjoy hearing about your hunts and your mom works so hard to keep all of you involved and busy.
Have a woof woof Thankful Thursday. My best to your siblings and your mom. ♥
It makes my mom sad that I have fear issues from last summer because I never had any before, but we are working through it.
Look at all those ribbons and wins, you really are doing good and you really are a special gal. Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Thank you. Small but mighty.
Some of your year has been really ruff between your hormones and the nasty virus, but another part of your year has been fantastic. Here’s to more titles in your future! Cheers! XOXO, Sparkle
It has been up and down. Hopefully we can hang around on up for a while.
Year 3 certainly had it’s ups and downs, but you are a little trooper! Year 4 will be even better! I love that photo of you at Fastcat.
I can’t wait to do FastCAT again this weekend. It is so much fun!
Young Lady, that is a ton of accomplishments you have racked up in this past year!! Forward in Four!!! Saw you girls names in the GBGVCA newsletter. VERY IMPRESSIVE!!! Did you see Mine?
Chablis
We haven’t seen a recent newsletter. The last one we got was a month or so ago. We did see several names we recognized, but don’t recall anymore which ones.
As long as you do your best, as long as you give your all from your heart ~ that is what is important! Good for you and paws up always! Be proud of you!
Mom says I need to have fun and that is number one, but pretty ribbons are nice too.
Life is how we make it – even with your challenges, you had beautiful year. Wishing you many healthy, happy more!
Thank you. We try out best to remain positive despite all the knock downs. Some days are tougher than others.
You are quite accomplished, Madison; and you should be proud of yourself! And Happy Early Birthday! My own birthday is on Saturday, so we’re both in good company. As I recall, Sugar the Golden Retriever was also an August 10 birthday girl.
I don’t remember Sugar, Emma would, and maybe Bailie. Happy Birthday to you this weekend!
All in all it was a pretty good year…and we bet being four will be even better!
I’m hoping it is even better.
We’re so glad you had some successes to look back on, during what was a tough year. It sounds like rats might be the thing for you to focus on!
I do better with them most of the time, but we will see how things go.
We are glad to see the wonderful year that you had. As long as you had lots of fun and it will be another great year ahead. Thanks for sharing this lovely post. Have a wonderful rest of your day.
I had some rough patches, but overall, it was a good year I think.
What an eventful and amazing and a bit odd year! May your next be better than ever.
I’m hoping to end my year being three with some more ribbons this weekend, and then get off to a bright start on my year being four!
You are sure a winner in my book, Madison!
Oh, thank you. We love our sports, and Mom is so happy when we have fun and do well.
What an amazing and accomplished year you’ve had! Here’s to more fun this next year.
Hopefully I can end my year with some good things this weekend.
We think you made the best of bad situation. Hormones are tricky but I know your Mom took good care of you. Your 4th year will be the BEST EVER!!
I’m excited to see what being four will bring.
Doing great for a youngster.
I’m pretty proud of myself so far.