My FastCAT career ended on Saturday when I earned my DCAT Title. Mom and I are happy to have it end on such a good note and while I am still enjoying myself for the most part. There are a couple reasons why I won’t be running in the future which I will get to in my post today.
Did you know I was the first dog in the family to actually run FastCAT? My first run was in June of 2019 at Cambridge. At the time FastCAT was a new sport and pretty much impossible to find around here. I loved it but Mom forgot about it since we didn’t see any trials to go to. We had no idea three years later I would have BCAT and DCAT Titles, the last one with such a pretty ribbon. It is much fancier than the ones Madison and Olivia earned in August 2021.
Almost two years after my first FastCAT run, Madison, Olivia, and I traveled to Iowa in April 2021 for Barn Hunt and FastCAT. It was our first three dog road trip and hotel stay. My sisters did great, but I got sick at the start each morning from nerves. Mom decided I would not travel for FastCAT in the future. Finding trials locally has gotten easier, but it is still not always easy.
Despite not traveling for FastCAT, I did earn my BCAT in July 2021. Mom was in the hospital the weekend of the trials but she got out in time to have a friend take us to the course so we could run and get my title. Both of us, as you can see, are pretty happy to have the title.
Mom said 2022 would be the year for me to get my DCAT Title or it would be never. I needed 350 points which is a lot when I average 15 – 18 points per run. We entered in all the local trials within an hour or so of home and got to work. Saturday was the day I finally could earn my DCAT, and I did! My first run was really good for me, the second one I struggled but the points were there.
Why will I now retire and end my FastCAT career?
- FCAT means I need 500 more points and that would take me probably two seasons at my speed.
- I only run FastCAT locally, so trial opportunities are limited.
- One of my legs has some beginning arthritis where I was injured four years ago.
- Sometimes I limp after running and Mom doesn’t want me to ever be hurting.
- My first runs are always good, but then my times go down drastically, so she thinks it is due to some pain.
- Chasing the lure is the point, but I only run to Mom. It makes me happy and I get points, but it isn’t really the goal.
- In the future I can do other sports that are easier on my body and have just as much fun.
It makes Mom kind of sad because it is a sign that I am getting older, but I am only nine and a half. Still, she wishes I was younger and could enjoy running like Olivia does and Nelson probably will. Trust me, I am happy to stay home most of the time because of not liking the car. I’m proud of my new title and the fun I have had earning it, plus it makes both me and my mom happy!
My GBGV Life is happy, so we’re joining Comedy Plus for Happy Tuesday!
I did not know you hurt yourself. I am so sorry. Enjoy your retirement. You are only as old as you think is the saying. Just look at you ruff housing with Nelson! Maybe he will keep you young at heart. Has your mom tried acupuncture , cold light laser or the assisi loop. I use all 3 plus aquapuncture on my girl that has disc disease plus,she goes to water treadmill. They all help tremendously. Plus sge gets Arnica Montana 30c, a few pellets in her food. I hope to a homeopathic vet. Don’t do steroids, or hard drugs.
It was years ago, but it still is something we keep an eye on. I take a natural supplement and I get to play around the yard and stuff. We just don’t think a lot of FastCAT runs are something I need to keep doing at this point.
I’m sorry you got hurt. All things come to an end and I know mom will showcase you here and there so we can know what you’re up to.
Thank you for joining the Happy Tuesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Happy Tuesday. Scritches all around and my best to your mom. ♥
I’m fine with no more FastCAT. I love to chase leaves which is like private FastCAT, and I have my siblings to chase around with. I got hurt a long time ago, but sometimes I do still limp and FastCAT isn’t necessary for me.
I totally understand because I will be 9 next month. Sometimes my right front leg hurts after a play rough with Puffin. You had a stellar career in F CAT. You have beautiful ribbons and more letters after your name. Yay, Bailie! XOXO Sparkle
Mom is sad we didn’t know about FastCAT sooner, but I still enjoyed a lot of fun runs and I had a great time with it. My siblings can continue on with the chase.
Oh I certainly understand Uncle Authur-itis. Feeling sick in the tummy is no fun either. I have it too and it mostly behaves as long as I behave and realize that I am not as young as you used to be.
Congrats on the FASTCAT
Hugs Cecilia
I’m definitely not old, but I am older and I have to be more careful with my choices. No need to get hurt if I don’t have to. Mom and I are very happy with me and my DCAT. My siblings can continue the chasing.
Awww I am so sorry you have hurt yourself by running a lot- wishing you lots of fun days without pain!
I hurt myself playing somehow, but it was a long time ago. It’s just important to listen to my body and not do things that may cause damage.
You are your Mom are very wise and how cool you finished with that cool title and beautiful ribbons. Congratulations!!!
Thank you. I love my ribbon and a DCAT is more than we ever thought I would get anyway.
Jakey totally understands why you are retiring from Fast CAT Bailie…Car rides are no fun at all!
We know you’ll excel in whatever sport you decide to compete!
I have to go in the car for any sport, but not so far is better. The trip to Montana almost did me in I told my mom.
Congratulations! I do hope you enjoy your other sports as well as running in the back yard as often as you feel up to it.
I have no lack of things to do, and racing around the backyard is not as hard on a body as a super fast 100 yard dash.
Not to worry. Retirement has an upside. You can rest, remember the good times and cheer your siblings on to victory in the future. Time catches up with all of us eventually, so enjoy your retirement. I am sure you have earned it.
Mom just doesn’t want me to get hurt, so it is best to stop while one is ahead. I will do other things that are less taxing on my body.
Congratulations! What a great accomplishment. Now sit back and enjoy the perks of retirement, sweet girl.
I’m fine with everyone else running and I can just stay home, put my paws up and enjoy some quiet time.
Bailie, I am so furry happy that you are ending your Fast Cat racinging on a high note! Wow! What an accomplishment considering that you don’t like to travel. I bet there are loads of other events that you will be totally awesome at! We send you loads of concatulations! Purrs Marv
I will work on some of my sniffing sports and stay local. Sports are fine with me, but I don’t have to do them all the time like some of my siblings who just love them.