Cleveland ACoD Trip, March 28-30, 2008

Here is a video diary of my trip to ASFA's ACoD this year held March 28-30 in Cleveland, Ohio. Actually it was in Hudson, but that's close enough!

Lucy's Big Win

This past Sunday was Lucy's big debut in lure coursing at the CHASE Veteran's Day trials. Well, she had coursed before but only ran in Singles which means she obviously ran by herself and received a ribbon (two first placements) but no points were earned. Yesterday she ran in the Open category which means she runs with other dogs - two other ones in the morning and two in the afternoon. Points are tabulated and totaled with two judges judging. After the morning run of a course that was 840 yards in length and went every which way with three crossovers, she was actually in third place with two (more experienced) dogs tied for 1st. The afternoon final run was great and she scored really high, putting her in first place with a total of 304 points for the day. The 2nd place dog had 301 points. It's always close like that but she did really well and I am so proud of her. She could have run for Best of Breed against the Field Champion winner but they forfeited so she got the ribbon and more points that will count toward the Top 20 standings. Maybe at year-end she'll hit that list, who knows? She's doing great with only one corner of a pad that "burned off". The ground is extremely hard right now with the drought so that being the only injury is definitely a good thing!

On Monday to commemorate Lucy's big win, all three dogs received baths complete with an Epsom salt foot soak, manicures and pedicures, and ear cleanings and a fresh spritz of flea and tick spray. Then they were treated with fresh marrow bones which they devoured! What a weekend!! I couldn't be more proud of my girl Lucy!!

Heading West!

Yep, I'm psyched because tomorrow (on Friday the 13th of all days) I fly West to Phoenix, Arizona to attend a yearly Annual Convention of Delegates for ASFA, the governing agency for our lure coursing program. I'll be representing the Southeastern Greyhound Club along with it's president, John Parker. It's usually alot of fun seeing other coursing enthusiasts from around the country, all converged in one hotel for the duration while we review and vote on impending rules and regulations which could potentially affect all who participate in the sport. John and I have plans to join Rory Goree (GPA President) and his wife for dinner at a local greyhound gathering. Then Saturday it is the convention all day with plans to hit the local greyhound track that evening. Sunday mid-day, I fly back home. It should be an exciting weekend full of meeting new friends and having fun! I can't wait to see Phoenix for the first time. I'm sure I'll be posting details of the trip later!