We had a pretty embarrassing start in CATS’s Pre-Agility class. All Yola wanted to do was play with the other dogs, and she stood and barked whenever we were being given instructions. On the last day of class, the instructors, Heidi and Valerie, each let me know they saw potential in Yola as an agility dog, so I contacted Elise and joined Breeze Thru Agility's beginner’s class. It wasn't long before Yola and I were both hooked!

We took classes from Breeze Thru Agility all fall and joined CATS at their annual meeting in December. One thing I remember from that meeting is when I was asked to leave the room so the club could decide if Yola and I were worthy to join. They started before I was out of earshot. When the club president asked if anyone knew me, I heard Elise say, "Well, she has an AWESOME dog." That was all I heard, but that was all I needed to hear. I decided that Yola and I were in this sport for the long haul.

Throughout that winter we continued classes at Breeze Thru Agility, and worked out at CATS's open practice at the barn. In March of 1999 we entered Breeze Thru Agility's indoor match, where we got our first ribbon. Today, one USDAA ADCH and seven NADAC NATCHes later, that Breeze Thru blue ribbon is still hanging on the wall at the top of all of Yola’s "big" ribbons!.

As we go into our 2006 season, I am trying to get Yola to enjoy jumping at 16". She qualified for Veterans three years ago when she turned seven, and I also qualified as a Veteran since last September, but Yola really dislikes "jumping" (stepping over!) 16" jump bars. She has always loved her "hang time" when jumping for frisbees and soaring over 26" and 24" jumps, and she was still making NADAC Elite Jumpers Standard times in 2005.

She seems to understand less than I do that we both need to pace ourselves if we're going to continue running agility together. For her, that means jumping at the Veteran's height. So, my challenge with her for 2006 is to convince her that Veterans is as serious and fun as Standard was!