Kaiden and I continue to run as a team… even when we don’t “Q” – we are running well. This past weekend we “Q” – 72% of the time… which is pretty good! We didn’t Q when he left the table early and dropped a bar in three runs (one time it was all on me!).
What is most exciting is that we are running well… it feels like we are as one! I’ll tell you it is the very best feeling! He is reading me well… and I am being timely in my info to Kaiden (at least this week – HaHa!!). Running well like this is the best 30-40 seconds… it gives you such a rush! It’s a moment in time when things stand still… and it is just you and your dog. It’s that bond you both have with each other that is spectacular! It’s that link with your dog – that makes all the work you have put into training so worthwhile! I think that is why I continue to run… it is a feeling that you find no other place – you and your dog! How blessed I am!!
Now – Kaiden and I are still working for the invitation to “Invitationals.” The top five dogs of your breed are invited… Kaiden is presently #1 by some 800+ points! In the process – we have gotten three MACH’s (Masters of Agility Champion) and moving very close to our “Grand Champion!’
MOST of all though… we are working together – as one!! Love you little Kaiden!!
Kaiden jumping at the Pinnacle trial (March 25, 2023)
What was I thinking??? I know my little Kaiden loves agility! I know my little Kaiden loves to please!
Kaiden running confidently!
I also know, that as confident as he is on the course typically running – my little Kaiden is “soft” so to speak (which means if he thinks he has done something wrong – which includes disappointing you he “shuts down”… he goes very very slow!).
So the day before – we were trialing and lost two runs (not qualifying) because he did not hit the yellow down contact on the A-Frame. He knows he is to come all the way down… and didn’t. On the way home – I was very overbearing… very loud (in both words and tone). Little Kaiden just sat in his crate and listened. Quite frankly – he may or may not have known why I was upset; on why I had him in the crate (where normally he rides with me).
It took me about 20 miles before I started to reflect and feel badly over my behaviors. He’s my little boy… the one who has stayed with me through thick and thin… the one who comes and cuddles when I am sad… the one who sings back when I sing to him. He’s my little boy… I spoke to him softly and petted him gently. I apologized.
They say dogs know when you apologize to them… when you are sorry for something. I believe they do as he responded with soft talking to me.
So we got home… went to the field and played ball. He looked for deer and enjoyed his life as a dog. I brought out the little A-frame and we practiced some five or six times… celebrating big time each time (because of course he hit the contact each time!). Two hours later – we did the same – out to the field for some play and then to the A-frame for four or five times. Finally an hour and a half later – we did it again. Each time… he did it right. Each time I was thinking – why did I act the way I did when all I needed to do was to come home and just show him what I needed him to do with the ultimate comment in my head, “For God’s sake – it’s JUST a Q!”
Kaiden’s errors were really on me though… Kaiden’s actions are the result of training. Kaiden’s actions are a result of what I have allowed.
You know… I know that he doesn’t really know or care if he qualifies or not. He just wants to run with me. He wants to be on the course… jumping and weaving! He wants to see me excited at the end of the run so he can celebrate our teamwork. Honestly though… he has “saved” me on the course more times than I can remember… late calls, late crosses, no commands at all. He corrects me with barking (on or off the course) for 2 seconds and then moves on. When finished – he looks at me with love.
Well – I thought I had made repairs to our relationship by the end of the night. I found though that what I did ultimately was to damage his confidence. I made him worry about what he was doing. The first run of the day, it became clear what I had done. It made me so very very sad and reminded me of the power of words and tone.
Kaiden LOVES his weaves… I mean just loves them!! He’s very good at them too! The run below shows what I had done to his confidence. I was able to do a lead out followed by a backside to the weaves. He entered the weaves very well and very quickly. I knew he had them and looked down stream at the next two obstacles I was concerned about… never making eye contact with him or talking to him in the weaves (“Come on weaver – weave!!”) after he entered. He looks at me at pole six as if to say – “Am I doing this right?” I didn’t see it as I wasn’t paying attention to the next two obstacles (until after I saw the video) and he slowed way down and eventually came out at pole 11. We regrouped and did spectacularly on the rest of the course.
I nearly broke Kaiden…
We ended up q-ing only once that day. I didn’t care though as I was running with my little buddy. I am sorry little Kaiden. I love you so and will try never to do that again to you. I MUST keep the proper perspective. I MUST remember all the things WE do right and write down the things we need to work on – the things WE need to improve on. You are my partner… my team mate. You are my heart… you are my soul. I love you so Courageous Kaiden! Please forgive me!
My Dear Sweet Baby Jake – who is going to be 16 years old in May – had another seizure Saturday, February 26, 2022. It was the third Grand Mal seizure (perhaps four) since his surgery on his right torn CCL. I was asleep and heard him thrashing. I jumped out of bed and ran over to him. I am not sure how long it had been going on… but I held him in my arms… with it eventually slowed some 3 minutes later. He quieted… with Kaiden laying near both of us.
As we laid together – memories flooded back. I remembered Baby Jake as a small little puppy; Jake playing with Lukas; and Jake running agility (and hating every moment). I remembered Jake laying down watching me from afar – as my protector. I remembered telling him that his job was to “guard” the house… protecting both the house and me. I remembered how lonely he was after both Misty and Shadow passed and he was left at home while Lukas ran agility (howling and jumping the fence trying to find us). He is such a good dog… he is my Baby Jake.
So as the recovery began, Jakey tried to get up. His vision was impacted as he had no menace response. When he tried to walk – he would walk into walls. He so wanted to walk… was pacing continually. I walked with him – hoping that his vision would return; hoping that he would become less anxious, hoping he would return to his old self. I wiped off the “foam” from his mouth area and from the carpet and prepared for the post seizure period.
He paced… and paced… and paced.
I took him outside on a leash so he could walk some more. I followed him in a circular fashion in the master bedroom… the carpeted area – then the bathroom area – back to the carpeted area. I can’t tell you how many “laps” we did… but I know it seemed to comfort him.
His vision returned about 45 minutes later. I shut the bedroom door and allowed him to pace as he had no desire to lay down and got very agitated when I had him lay with me. He eventually did lay down at 11:30p – 2.25 hours after the seizure. Started to walk again after some 15 minutes… and then laid down again.
Thank the Lord… he returned and slept the night. I didn’t sleep well – waking every 15 minutes. Kaiden didn’t sleep well either… with him watching Jake as he slept throughout the night.
We love you Baby Jake.
Baby Jake with Lukas and Kaiden getting ready for the Christmas Card photo.
Lukas passed two months ago on November 14, 2020 at 7:30a. I’ll write about what happened later… as it is still very difficult thinking about it.
What I did want to do is write down a verse from a song I heard around the Christmas Season. It speaks to my heart… then and now. It is from the song called “Memories” and the particular verse is:
“There’s a time that I remember, when I did not know no pain. When I believed in forever, and everything would stay the same. Now my heart feels like December when somebody says your name. ‘Cause I can’t reach out to call you, but I know I will one day – yeah.“
…”Now my heart feels like December… when somebody says your name…” my dear dear Lukie… how I miss you! I’d like to share the letter I wrote to him that I posted on my Facebook page several days after he passed. Still ever so “real:”
“Sir Lukas of Center Village from his minion Tina.” Dear Lukie – I love you little boy and I so miss you even though you just left me three days ago. You know what I miss the most? It’s the simple things you gave me Lukie… to hear you bark just one more time as we stand at the start line and I say to you “Are you ready Little Boy? Speak to me Lukie” – and you would bark – each time – to signal it was time to run; I will miss you escaping from your crate – looking for food – and people calling for me to come and get you; I’ll miss you running on the hill with Baby Jake and Kaiden – know that they miss you too; I’ll miss watching you weave… and how you reacted when I said “Weave weaver weave!” I’ll miss you sleeping on my bed and when I start to move… snuggling up and pawing me; I’ll miss you laying in the closet watching and waiting for me to come out of the shower; I will even miss racing you in the yard for the “poop” Baby Jake just left… you so loved his droppings! I’ll miss that look you would give me after we finished our run… so very sweet! I’ll miss singing to you – “You are my Sunshine” – for you truly are my Sunshine. I’ll miss you keeping Kaiden in his place; I’ll miss you lining up with the other two boys to get your after meal treat. It’s the simple things I will miss Lukie. Know that my heart will be forever burden in the fact that I didn’t react fast enough to take care of you… for that Little Lukie I am so so sorry. I love you Little Boy… you were truly my Sunshine. I will never forget you and you will FOREVER be deep in my soul!”
After putting this in… I need to stop as I am in tears. Will I ever not miss you? Love you Little Lukie! Truly – forever in my soul!
November 10, 2019: What a very special weekend at Flashpoint!! Sir Lukas got his C-ATCH 50 on Saturday! It was an exciting run as “the weaver” came out of the weaves – which was the third obstacle – but corrected them. He came out because I was running so cautiously… I decided to run hard and fast… if it happens – it happens! He ran perfectly for the rest of the run!!
At the end of the run… I announced that he would not be retiring yet (as many folks were asking me) and then asked folks to sing with me “You are my Sunshine” to him at the end of his run (This is what I sing to him as we are waiting in line to run)!! It was so very sweet! It was so hard to believe… as we started on this goal after he got his C-ATCH 22 (March 27, 2016).
Then on Sunday – he got his 50,000 Lifetime Points Award! In addition, he was High in Trial for Veterans!! Courageous Kaiden – also did well and got his C-ATCH 4! Sir Lukas was 9 for 10 and Kaiden 7 for 10!
Reflection on C-ATCH 50: It is so hard to believe… we presently have more C-ATCH’s than anyone in the United States. It’s bigger than that though… my little boy has battled through many, many health issues. He never quits… his only desire is to be out there running with me as my teammate. He knows me so very well… and I know him. He covers for me when I make an error… he gives his all. When we are finish running… our eyes connect – and it is pure joy! It is pure love…
I am not sure how I ended up so very lucky… but I am. I so love my little boy! He will always be close to my heart. It was through him that I have met so many good people. It is through him that I now have a life after work. It was through him that Courageous Kaiden has come to me… and continues to grow into the pup he is – because Lukas came first. Sir Lukas… my Lukas – know that you will always be “my sunshine” – my little boy! I love you Lukie!!
Sir Lukas: C-ATCH 50 & Courageous Kaiden: C-ATCH 4Sir Lukas’ Life Photos
Hard to believe that I don’t have a trial this weekend. It has been since July 18 since I had a weekend off… but boy do I love to trial!! On that weekend… a teacher from school and her boyfriend came out and help me paint the barn. It was then that we discovered how bad the roof was (needing the porch area replaced on both the front and the back). When I built the barn I was unaware of how the lack of a high pitch impacts the materials you use to roof the roof. Oh well… I’ll know in my next life!! HaHa!!
Last night, a friend of mine from St. Michael came out to my house… we had a bottle of wine, a bonfire, and good conversation. It was nice. I worked on the outside a little before she came so it looked presentable as well as the inside – to the bathroom – if she needed to use it. I hadn’t cleaned in a very long time!! I love it when my house is clean and so I got up – made a list of how I would clean the house throughout the week… and then got started.
Today – Sunday – was the Den. Now I had been working in the den for the last several days as I had to get my 2019 taxes in (had filed for an extension and it was coming up soon for payment – October 15, 2020). UGH! Got them in to the accountant on Thursday and so Friday and Saturday I organized my stack of bills and balanced my checkbook (last time July, 30, 2020). Felt ever so good to become current on my checkbook… I have all my bills automatically paid so I am seldom delinquent in my bills and I know how much is in the checkbook – generally. It’s nice to be up to date. I want to file my 2020 taxes on time so that when I retire in June, 2021 – all is done!
Soooo… I filed all my bills downstairs in the file folders, moved the 2019 tax file to the basement, dusted the bookcases and vacuumed the carpet. I even washed a section of it (where Kaiden had gone and rolled around after coming out of the pond making it look dirty). Followed up with washing my clothes and putting them away. Then it was time for my pups!!
We go “to the hill” nearly every day. It’s beyond the pond and looks over the other acres. I can see the horses two houses down and the neighbors back fields. It’s quiet… it’s pretty. The dogs can be let off lead… well really only Jake is on lead and I take it off when we are at the hill. He took off and ran down the fence to chase the neighbor’s dogs – up close and personal like. Ever since that happened – I am more vigilant. He and Lukas though love to run and smell the field. They sometimes head to the back of the field… and that’s just fine. It wonderful watching them enjoy the outside. Does my soul well! Kaiden chases his ball! He lives to do that… I can chuck that ball a good distance and he chases it like a “bat out of hell!” He brings it back and we do it again… and again… and again! Sometimes – Jake will bomb dive him! He uses all his weight and throws himself towards Kaiden. Kaiden just dodges him… and keeps running! Lukas loves to play too… he can’t outrun Kaiden so I will hold Kaiden and throw it so Lukas can see it and catch it on a bounce or two. I let Kaiden go then… Lukas brings it back and I tell him – “It’s Kaiden’s turn now!” This goes on for some 20-30 minutes. We then walk back to the house… now without Jake on lead. They stop and walk the banks of the pond and then into the yard.
We did this twice today… This trip to the hill started when Covid hit… and we were at home. This is one of the good things that came from the Covid 19 virus – a good “tradition” now!
The second time… we ended up going in the pond! Kaiden loves swimming for his water ball! Lukas loves barking at him trying to get it (he won’t go in the water… but will go in up to his chest).
Lukas will try to block Kaiden from getting out of the water until Kaiden drops the ball. Jake just runs back and forth. They love doing this! I love watching them do it. It’s so simple… and yet so fulfilling… so peaceful… and complete
I also got to set up a several obstacles in the yard to work with Kaiden. I am trying to teach him to collect and not jump so big. I am trying to teach him lateral sends. He is so darn smart. I just need to move faster & smarter!!
Today was a good day overall… got what I wanted to get done. Got to play with my pups… and now – just chilling!! Will get the dogs their dinner… and actually – I think I will go to bed early.
Thank you Lord for such a GREAT weekend! Thank you Lord for my pups!
Yesterday, July 16, 2019, after cutting some grass – I came into the porch area to put my grass blower and weed wacker away. It was about 7:27p. A storm was coming in… literally and figuratively. Walked up the little ramp that I had built for Shadow and Lukas was looking at me at the top of the ramp… his head was cocked and he was holding his left leg out (as to “give me 5”). I thought this might be the beginning of a seizure… so I tried to get him into the house/on the balcony… but he wouldn’t move – so we just sat down. I held him.
He shook/trembled some… he seemed awake and aware – but his muscles seemed “locked.” I looked at the time and it was 7:32p. His shaking stopped some 2 mins (actually about 1.5 minutes) but we stayed down until 7:35p. He eventually got up and moved as if nothing had happened.
In the house – I noticed that he had thrown up in the living room (I thought he had been eating “poop” while I was cutting the grass)… it was dark and liquidy. After he entered the house from the seizure he went to the dog dish and drank. He drank – not a ton of water though. He threw up two additional times in the next hour. Always the vomit was dark and watery. I chose not to feed him his dinner as I wanted his stomach to settled.
I thought to myself… is there anything that is “different” that would have brought this on? The only thing I thought of… I had placed a Glade “Plug In” in the dining room. It was giving off a pretty strong smell. Could this have triggered it? I don’t know but I took it down so not to have it going. In addition, I have decided to start the herb that he was on from Dr. Carlson. I have an appointment in a few weeks… and will ask him about it.
Lukas was diagnosed with Atypical Cushings in late March, 2018, when his adrenal test – which was sent to the University of Tennessee – came back positive. His symptoms started in November… went to the vet for his heavy panting while running in the weave poles (something that had never happened before); in January… for his excessive drinking of water; in March for his loss of hair on both sides of his shoulders.
I started him on melatonin initially – no lignans (as I didn’t realize I needed to start both). Got a call from the vet regarding where I was getting my lignans (for another client)… told them I hadn’t started that yet. Read again – found out I should have been. Thank God for the call – my guardian angel strikes again!! On April 6, 2018 – he started on both Melatonin and Lignans (plus supplements… vitamins, omega 3, etc.).
We were on everything for two months before “Nationals” in June. His drinking had lesson some. His hair was thin… but regrowing. His skin is still thin. His panting had not improved at all and his muscle mass… seemed a lot.
At Nationals – although it may have been due to heat – he was slow and lethargic through most the trail. We did not q on a standard due to time faults. This had never happened before. Was it his Cushings or was it the heat?
Made an appointment at the vet for Tueday, June 12, 2018. Shared the information. Although the melatonin and lignans seemed to be making a dent… he still wasn’t “right.” We decided to add Lysodren – 250 mg – every three or four days. I went with every four days. His first dose he received on June 13, 2018. His second on June 17th. His panting was still extreme. Panted all night… all the time. His third dose came on June 21. I began to see changes. His panting slowed and all but disappeared (panting at “appropriate” times). At the trial June 23-24, he ran much better – more with energy. Not like his old self… but with more energy (maybe it was me who was also running with energy). He got home from the trial and actually started playing with Kaiden. He hadn’t done that in a while. He wanted to “wrestle” with me. His look is different… more attentive. Maybe the old Lukie was returning!! I could only hope and pray!
Two people asked me – as I was stating my concern at the trial on June 23-24, 2018 – have you ever thought of retiring him or taking some time off. I talked of his C-ATCH runs… I talked about how he loves running with me.
I wasn’t completely truthful. Bottom line… it is me who loves running for the C-ATCH record and most important – it is that I love running with him. I love knowing he almost can read my mind when we are on the course together. I loves that connection! It seems ever so selfish… but I love being with him.
I will continue to monitor his progress. Hopefully we are on the right track!! Lukie I love ya…
Update: Gave the fourth (4th) dose the evening (7:30p) of June 25, 2018. His panting seemed to have reoccurred… at least for the moment. He has slowed now (9:00p).
My little Lukas had a seizure after over a year without… or at least I think a year without. I now am wonder if he has been having them and I am not aware.
He had dinner at around 6:30p.m. Everything was normal. Went outside around 8:45p.m. to repair a board on the barn and I saw him holding up his paw like he was stiff. Got out there right away… he looked at me as if he was confused. Kaiden reacted with sniffing and whining around him. Kaiden has a good heart for noticing when his dogs are “in trouble.”
In any case, I put my arms around Lukas and laid him down. He was stiff and shaking. He seemed to be struggling some with a unawareness of what was happening. I ended up bringing him into my lap and holding him close. It may have been my imagination but this seemed to help a little. I thought the seizure was stronger and lasted longer than in the past. I began to sing to him… “Hush little baby…” Believe it or not… I do truly think he calmed even more. Sung for about two minutes until the seizure was over.
His recovery… he laid in my lap for some 5 minutes. When he eventually wanted to get up his back legs were widely spread to balance his body. His stands was wider than normal. He seemed to be a bit unsteady on his feet – not a lot but a bit. We went to the bedroom and onto the bed so that he could lay comfortably. He recovered.
Jake started to bark at the neighbor’s dogs… and Lukas wanted to get down. He seemed a bit unstable on the stairs that lead to the bed but went out the bedroom door, down another set of steps and to the fenced area. He did went to the bathroom (urinated).
It has been over a year. This was stronger and seemed a little longer (a little over 2 minutes). I will increase the herb back up to two scoops (from the one he has been on for a little while). I will watch him the rest of the night…
I will also ask Jen Ortman (appointment on August 23) if he knew he was having a seizure as well as did Kaiden know what was happening. I am wondering if Kaiden can let me know somethings happening… I’ll ask her.
It’s pretty amazing what your mind can do… ever since Lukas was diagnosed with Atypical Cushings, my mind has played with me. I worry… I worry a lot about him. I am not sure I have been doing the right thing for him… am I doing enough? Are his meds working? How can I help or can I help return his muscle mass to his body? What else can I do? Too much… too much… too much!! At what expense… the loss of enjoyment and happiness – and a loss of the time we have together (which may be years!!).
My agility friend posted this… and I immediately thought of my pups!! They so have enriched my life – and I hope theirs! Each pup brings a gift with them… thank you pups!
I need – I must – enjoy his presence in my life each and every day! I need to enjoy the funny things he does! I need to enjoy how he plays with Kaiden and to some extent – Jake. How he carries his guggy (his toy) around with him. How he takes Kaiden outside so Kaiden doesn’t have an “accident” in the house. How he barks at me right before we run! How he looks at me – after we complete a run as if to say, “We did good mom – didn’t we?!” How he will lay close to me… keeping an eye on me.
This is my Lukie… and how blessed I am! How I need to recognize this… always keeping these things in the forefront of my mind!
The Road Traveled with my Companions 
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