It's been two years of competing in ASCA with Ace.
May 4th, 2013, we accomplished something I couldn't even dream of when I was younger and getting into the sport. Putting an agility champion title on a dog. And under a great judge: Pamela Bryant-Meeks.
We needed a gambler Q and two standard Qs for our very first ATCH. Knocked out the gambler requirement in the first run of the day. Then our round 1 standard run. Heart racing, nerves shaking, and eyes tired from the two hour drive and 4am wake-up, we entered the ring for our round 2 standard run. The run we needed. Somewhat of a tight course for a dog of Ace's size, I took it slow. Making sure he had good approaches to each jump and stopped on his contacts. At the end of the run, we found that we made it... Cheers and congratulations came our way. Support and joy from those I didn't even know. It was a great feeling. It was a memorable day for sure.
I got involved with ASCA when Sara Swanson told me about it. A few months before our first trial, I took classes with Joan Meyer, who also did some ASCA.
My first trial was at the Columbia Canine Sports Center in Columbia, MO. The same location we got our ATCH.
Judge Mike Willis judged my first trial, where Ace took High in Trial Novice dog and earned all three novice titles.
We then moved up to open. That weekend we earned all three open titles and High in Trial Open dog.
Then we got to run with the big dogs in Elite. We earned all three elite titles quickly, earning High in Trial Elite dog and High in Trial Overall multiple times.
So I'd like to take this time to thank a few people.
First, Ace. My heart dog. Thanks for putting up with me while I learned and evolved my training when we were younger... You're a rockstar and I couldn't imagine life without you.
My family, especially Mom. Thank you for supporting me 110% and driving me to trials and being there for me.
Sara Swanson. Thank you for introducing me to ASCA and helping me out at my first trial. You're a great friend.
Joan Meyer. Thank you for having Ace and I in your classes. We learned a lot, you inspired me, and helped build my confidence in agility.
Judge Pamela Bryant-Meeks. Thank you for being one of the most fun judges I've shown under and designing such fun courses for the trial I got my ATCH at.
All of the judges I've shown under and friends and trial secretaries I've met throughout the years. Thank you for being there for me. Your support means a lot and I couldn't have done it without you.
It was a great journey and I look forward to what else Ace and I can accomplish together.
-Kelsey & ATCH KK's Flyin Ace
