Kerry Blue Terrier Performance Newsletter

March 2007

By Jane Eno

I had an interesting weekend that reinforced my thinking about the general soundness of our breed. I had a weekend of shows planned for both my Kerry Blue Terrier and my Shih Tzu. Coming up to the show, Bailey, the Shih Tzu started limping at a Show’N’Go. He got better after a little crate rest, only to start again anytime I would have him jump. As I write this he is at home, on crate rest and medication. I ended up at the show with my nine and half year old Kerry Blue Terrier, while my five year old Shih Tzu was at home on crate rest. You would think it would be the older dog that would be struggling with soundness!

From the way Jessie acted, you would have placed his age in the crazy two year old category, not in the veteran range. We started the day in Rally Excellent, where after the first jump, he got so excited he spent the rest of run spinning and barking in joy. We barely squeaked out a passing score. After that we headed to the agility rings where Jessie put in a lovely run in Excellent Agility Preferred, to come in well under time, and he picked up his 2nd MXP leg and a 2nd place ribbon. Later in the day, he once again ran in agility, this time Excellent Jumpers With Weaves, and had a nice run, only he popped out of his weaves. After the show, we went for a nice brisk jog, and then headed home. He spent the evening playing with his toys and generally making a nuisance of himself. The next day we got up at 5:30 AM and did the whole thing again. Not bad for a dog that qualifies for Veterans!

FAST News

I’ve been asking for more information and titles earned in the new FAST class in agility. Eve Fishell was kind enough to come with some words of wisdom. I plan to heed them, when I make my FAST debut in May.

From Eve Fishell

Hi Jane,
Tonka completed her FAST Novice Preferred title last Saturday, March 3.

The Fast class is interesting, but it pays to know the rules. It is similar to Gamblers in USDAA and NASDAC and Snooker, but sufficiently different to find it confusing. It is important to find a smooth path through the course to accumulate sufficient points. I recommend doing the required "send" portion in the first half of the course and plan to be near finish line towards the end. One loses 1 point for each second after the buzzer goes, and I lost at least one Q by taking too long to cross the finish line.

This coming Saturday Tonka will try her luck in FAST Open for the first time.

Plus we have another FAST titled kerry.

From Janet Beeby and MACH 2 Gabby & Annie Oakley

Hey Jane,
Gabby got her Novice Fast title. - It's been a long time since we got a new title!

BRAGS

From Virginia Barishek, Philadelphia, PA
Andy finished his RAE in March, and will now be known as Garryowen's Smarty Pants, UD, RAE, NA. The 9th leg was at Lower Camden County DTC on March 25 under Judge Nancy Withers, with a 98 in Excellent B and a 99, for 1st place, in Advanced B. The 10th leg was at Sand and Sea KC on March 31, under Judge Diane Stout, where we qualified in Excellent B, even though the 3-step backup engine misfired and despite "pilot error" on the offset figure 8. However, we aced Advanced B to finish with a score of 100 and 1st place. In every attempt for a combined leg, Andy qualified in both classes and was in the ribbons many times.

At Lower Camden, Judge Nancy Withers took the time to point out to Spectators how nice it was to see "nontraditional" breeds in the placement lineup for Rally Advanced B: in 1st, Kerry Blue Terrier; 2nd, Siberian Husky; 3rd, Bernese Mountain Dog; and 4th, Border Terrier. She graciously applauded all of us.

From Dr.Natalia Samajova-Glover, Cross The Rubicon KBT
Kelsey (Duvessa Cross the Rubicon CD, NAJ, NA, OA, OAJ,AXJ) got four USDAA Starters titles the 2nd week of March 07. They are Agility Dog (AD), Starters Gamblers (SG), Starters Snooker (SS) and Starters Relay (SR). She has one remaining Starters class to title in, Starters Jumpers. She has two of three required legs.

Her owner Eric Shannon (FL) is also working on Excellent Standard (AX).

"Kelsey"- Duvessa Cross the Rubicon got two Excellent B Jumpers legs and 17 Mach points in Ocala, FL this weekend. She was the only terrier in the taller jump heights (12"-26") this weekend.

From Jane Eno
Jessie completed his 2nd MXP leg with a 2nd place. He also got his first two Rally Excellent legs.

Last Updated: 04/06/2007, 12:08 pm