MEDALS!!!

Sorry about being MIA these past few months...  been very, very busy with life, as usual.  I do have a new Silhouette project I will be posting soon, and here is some news about Alva, my agility dog.

I had a pleasant surprise at the PDT NADAC trial a few weekends ago...  my friend Ronni brought back NADAC awards earned through 2012 for most people in the Southern California area.  They are in the form of medals, different styles and sizes depending on what you've earned!  Alva got 6 awards, most of them in the Novice level, and one Open award.  Here's a picture of them all:

Aren't they PRETTY???!!!  I'm particularly thrilled with Alva's Novice All-Around award.  It is the big one :-).  It means he earned Superior titles in everything:  100 points (minimal 10 Qs) in ALL of the games (Chances, Jumpers, Touch n' Go, Weavers, Tunnelers, and Hoopers) and 200 points in Regular Agility.  Most people do not go for Superior titles.  Most earn their title (30 points) or at most their Outstanding title (60 pts in the games, 100 pts in Regular) and move up to a higher level.  We stayed in Novice to get better...  and we stayed in Open to prepare for Elite.  Yes, it takes longer, and includes many, many expensive trials, but it was worth it, because we are so much better as a team.  I will do this with every one of my agility dogs.  And look at the cool, shiny, pretty medal we earned!  I'm thrilled...  Alva couldn't care less, but it makes me happy.  Bling always does!
-Dayle