Tag: Agility

Oh Lukie… How I miss you!

Christine (Tina) M. ArmbrustLeave a comment
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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!

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April 24, 2008 – November 14, 2020

C-ATCH 50 Comes to Sir Lukas on November 10, 2019

Christine (Tina) M. ArmbrustLeave a comment

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 4
Sir Lukas’ Life Photos

Happy 12th Birthday Baby Jake

Christine (Tina) M. ArmbrustLeave a comment

Baby Jake - Puppy
Baby Jake as a Puppy!

Happy 12th Birthday Baby Jake!! Baby Jake was my very first Agility Dog – running his first trial in May, 2009. Believe it or not – he was quick at home in the back yard… at trials or during training – not so much. In the beginning of our agility career… I was anxious – which made him anxious! He retired 17 months later… in December, 2010. He kept telling me all those months that he didn’t want to run… his last run it was clear. He did the first and last jump – ran beside everything else and refused to do the obstacles. I got it. From that point forward, he stayed at home and guarded his two “sisters” and the house when I was away running Sir Lukas. He seemed satisfied. In October, 2017 – both girls had crossed the Rainbow Bridge and he was alone at home. My neighbors said he would howl mournfully the whole time we were gone… and eventually started to jump the fence. I told him he would not be alone again and would be coming to trials with us.

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Baby Jake jumping a triple!

Eventually he would run one or two runs. He is much harder to run than Lukas… folks say he looks happy though (as I worried about that…)! Baby Jake is the type of dog that does not need to be close to you physically… but he always watches; he always knows what is going on. He’s a good dog! He will always be remembered as the pup that started it all for me in the agility ring! Thank you Baby Jake!! Happy Birthday! May you have many more!! Love you boy!!

Baby Jake Waiting to Run
Baby Jake in the Weave Poles
Merry Christmas Baby Jake