Dogs have been among my best friends and companions for most of my life.  They don’t judge, they are always happy to see you, and they know that jumping around and barking generally leads to feeling happy.

I’ve had some wonderful pups, first the Short Noses: my two big boy Boxers: Sinjin and Angus, and the firecracker Frenchie girl, Lucy.  Then Duncan came along, and besides feeling like a freak because he had a big beak, he was also so full of energy he needed something to keep him from driving the other dogs crazy.   Working him a little each day with him made for a happy boy, and we found agility and freestyle.   Then Desmond crashed the Merlie party.  Des is a full-on blast of ears and attitude, flying feet and puppy kisses.

Duncan introduced me to the world of agility.  He’s taught me more about patience and perseverance than I ever thought possible, and to find a better way when something wasn’t working.  When I run with Dunc, our goal first and foremost is to keep it fun.

Desmond, on the other hand, is all about play as often as he can get away with it.  He’s a voracious learner who is up for any new challenge I throw his way…as long as he can do it at warp speed.