~ 2011 in Review ~

Wow, what an amazing year! There were ups and downs but fortunately more good things than bad. We trained and trialed in Agility, K9 Nose Work, Ringsport and so many other fun activities!

I started adding to our YouTube Joyride Belgians account, so there are lots of fun videos.

Beginning in January, we were very lucky to be renewed with Natura for our sponsorship. Yeah! It seems a small thing, but boy what a big help with a great product, we are honored to be a part of the Pro Dog team again.

In February, March & April, we geared up for the year in front of us. May brought us some history-making success. After many years of training and trialing in K9 Nose Work, Emmy became the first NW3 title-holder! She proved that she was capable of filling the pawprints left by Oscar, who is still so very missed.

In June, we were so lucky to be a part of the USA Agility team, competing in the FMBB's - Belgian Shepherd World Championships - in Nieuwpoort, Belgium. What a fabulous experience! Traveling to Europe with Miss Emmy! I can't imagine a better vacation. :-)





On a sad note, we lost dear sweet Harold, who had reached the ripe old age of 15 years. It was a really hard decision but it was time to say goodbye.
Bonne nuit mon ami...

In September, I was one of the Staff Instructors for the K9 Nose Work Camp in the Poconos. I took Zen with me as my travel companion and demo dog. Another amazing experience, getting to meet and instruct so many terrific dogs and handlers on the east coast. And Zen was a wonderful traveler, making many friends along the way.

December brought even more K9 Nose Work success when Emmy became the FIRST NW3 Elite title holder! The first in the country, first EVER, making history again! Holy cow! What an honor!

I'm looking forward to even more adventures in 2012! Emmy and I plan to participate this year in the FMBB's in Rome, Italy! Zen is training in K9 Nose Work, Ringsport and Agility soon, too! So much fun to come!