The AKC Champion Tracker title: My journey

Selene’s diary: Since I got my Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) title in November 2019, I had been training for the Variable Surface title (VST). My training stopped during the COVID pandemic and then pretty soon it was summer. I hate the heat and the concrete surface burns my nose, so I do not like to track in the summer. When fall of 2020 came, mom said it was time to get my act together. So mom started to go lay me practice tracks and we would go to Braum’s to get my very favorite vanilla yogurt in a waffle cone after. Not all cones are the same, crispy waffle cones makes me salivate, and sometimes all I can think of is the cone when I track. 

Me tracking in a VST test in Kansas

I was not very good at sniffing on asphalt and mom would take me to this church parking lot. The ladies who work there always come watch me from the window and they all wanted to pet me, but mom told me that I have to ignore distractions. Sometimes they even come out and watch me!

Soon after mom retired from her job and we went tracking 3-4 times a week. My second favorite treat is McDonald’s french fries. I love it when mom and I would split a french fries. Mom always give me the long ones cos she did not want me to bite her fingers off. Hahaha!

My older sister Sophie who has degenerative myelopathy could not walk by that time. And mom said I have to be very confident in passing because we will have to take Sophie with us and she does not like to travel. We practiced a lot during the winter and March 2021 came, I think I am ready for show time.

My first test was in Overland Park, Kansas. Spencer had to stay home because mom said he is too needy and she could not take care of Sophie and him on the road. We got to Kansas a day early so mom could visit with her aunt and cousin. Sophie was very upset and she refused to eat Saturday. Mom was very upset and worried. Me? I wanted to eat her food since she was not going to eat anyways. Test day came, and it was very windy, 27 miles hour wind. I head out strong, and I made the first turn on grass to the spot very effortlessly. I was heading to the parking lot and missed the MOT (Moment of truth turn: turn on non-vegetated surface) and went to the other side. I started sniffing and realized that that was not it. So I turned back to go to the parking lot. Then I started to pick up the scent and was heading towards the article when the judge blew the whistle. Mom was disappointed but I thought I did a good job. We stopped by McDonald’s and mom got Sophie some chicken nuggets, and she was like “Now we are talking”! She said she wants her food freshly prepared. We spent the night in Oklahoma before we made it back home Monday.

Mom said we needed to practice a couple more times before we leave Saturday for Tulsa, Oklahoma. I think there is nothing wrong with my nose. Mom was worried about Sophie so she bought a pot to cook for her in the hotel. We got to Tulsa Saturday afternoon with Sophie and mom said I need to have a good night’s sleep cos we got to get up early. 

My Champion Tracker picture with the judges 
And tracklayer

We got up at 5 am and mom cooked us breakfast and we got to the test site at 7 am. It was a sunny day and almost no wind. Mom said I better pass because Sophie does not like to travel. Sophie said both she and Spencer has a Champion Tracker title and I, coming from 5 generations of IPO parents and grandparents and so on, should be able to do it. 

The test was held at 3 different sites. We stayed at Site #1 until about 11 am and mom gave us lunch, and I did my potty and mom said it is almost time so we headed towards site #3 where my track was.

I drew the last track, we got to the site and waited and waited. I fell asleep since I had been sitting in the car for 5 hours. Mom finally woke me up and said it was my turn. We had to leave Sophie in the car and she was not happy. She screamed at us when we left.

So here I was, the first turn was on grass then onto asphalt. Bingo! We had been practicing on asphalt and it was easy peasy. I got to the 1st interim article very effortlessly. Then 2nd interim article came. I continued to sniff but then I think I sniffed a rabbit, or maybe a cat? I just went all over cos I needed to find it. I was pulling mom and she kept telling me “Selene! Are you out of your mind?”. She knows that when I pulled her crazy like that I am not tracking. I needed to find out what that smell is. Finally I heard her said “Selene, where is it?” Oh then I realized that I am tracking, need to work for my treat, so I pulled her and headed towards the track. I pulled her so hard that she needed to run, but she knows that when I do that it is the right way. 

So I headed towards the street and made a turn and I found the steel box, so I told her “This is it!” She could not pick it up, then she said. “Selene, that’s not it”, I touched it with my nose and said “This is it!”. So I started to sniff out rabbits. I kept going towards the parking lot, and mom said “Selene, where is it?” What! So I went back and told her a second time, that steel box is it! She could not pick it up. So I went back to looking for rabbits. Then one of the judges called mom’s name and we walked towards the judges. Mom said “Selene I cannot believe you failed!” One of the judges said “Congratulations” and mom said good girl to me and I was so excited that I jumped up and pushed mom to the ground and licked her. It turned out that the steel box was buried into the ground so the judges had to dig it up. If I could speak, I would have told them “I told you so twice!”.

I was so excited I pushed mom to the ground
At the end of the track.

Spencer’s birthday and the BIG Snowstorm

Spencer and mom

Selene’s diary: My brother Spencer turned 8 years old on February 8. We all got to go to Sonics for ice cream for celebration. Mom also made a beef roast with potatoes and carrots for us. It was a great day.

A week later, the BIG snowstorm came. I had seen snow one time at an agility trial In Cleburne, Texas, but I did not get to run off leash, I was dragging mom along and it was fun to see snow the first time.

The morning of February 13th, the weather started to go bad. It was icy outside and Sophie had to go to the vet. Spencer and I stayed home and it was very cold. We woke up the morning of Valentine’s Day and our yard was covered in snow. Mom took Sophie for a walk and dad took Spencer. I stayed home, still wearing my bootie because of my cracked paw. 

By morning of the 15th, more snow had fallen, and it was dad’s birthday. Mom could not pull Sophie’s wheelchair through the thick snow, so she came back into the house and got me. I had to walk with the one bootie on and there was ice in some spots and I even slipped once. It was fun walking in the snow.

Sophie all bundle up for her walk 

Spencer and I got to play in the snow for 4 days before it started to melt. It was fun although it was cold. We did not lose power so at least it was warm inside the house. We lost water one day but I got plenty to eat. It sure was a fun filled few days. No classes, no training, just playing in the snow. 

Mom walking me and dad walking Spencer

Fall/Winter 2020/2021

 

December 31, 2020

Selene’s diary: Mom had retired, and our lives changed forever for good. Lunch is promptly served, and we always have a cooked breakfast with multiple menu items. Then Spencer and I would sit next to mom while she eats, and we will get toast or sausage too. I love eggs too.

Our days are fun-filled. We have agility class twice and week, and I generally get to go tracking twice a week and one or 2 days of obedience practice. I am usually tired on Sundays, so all I so is go outside and bark. Since mom is home all the time, she is downstairs all the time with us. Storm sometimes come down and I will “snuggle” with him. He is a really cool cat.

Me and Storm

As the weather got cooler, we sit outside with Sophie a lot in the afternoons, while mom knits. She also spend a lot of time walking Sophie. I am really scared of Sophie in her wheelchair and I do not know why she cannot run around like us anymore. But she still barks like one of us. 

Spencer, Sophie and I on a sunny cold day

Thanksgiving, Christmas came and gone. We had lots of good food. The weather was getting colder. I competed in 2 agility trials, and both of my hind legs had a crack on my foot. It hurts when I have to walk or run. So I rested a lot at home. Sophie also had an infection and did not feel well. She lost her appetite which was good for me and Spencer. We got lots of leftovers. Mom would cook something else or Sophie and if she does not finish, we got to clean it up. But that was short-lived. Sophie went to the vet and a couple weeks later, her appetite came back. 

Then in the beginning of February I had another crack on my paw, this time my front leg. This time it really hurts, I limp a lot and mom put ointment on and made me wear a bottle during the day. I tried to take it off but it actually feels pretty good when I had it on. My foot did not hurt that bad. So I was on house rest again. Sigh.

My cracked front paw

Our life during COVID

Selene’s diary: Life during COVID was very good for us. Mom started to work from home. We did not have to go to class. Every day we went on walks. We went on so many walks that mom got Spencer and I sunglasses. Since mom worked from home, we also got lunch every day. We stopped going to shows and I missed my trips to McDonald’s.

Spencer and I wearing our new sunglasses

Our sister Sophie also got to the advanced stage of Degenerative Myelopathy. Mom got her a wheelchair so she could get around. She could no longer get up and play with us anymore, but she still barks like a lunatic if she hears someone at the front door. I had to step up working in security. 

Sophie in her wheelchair

We were on vacation for about 4 months, and part of the time we were on lock down. Mom was worried that she could not buy us food. Spencer loves pork butt roast and she was not able to get it, but she got pork loin instead. I am not very picky as long as I have food but Spencer is very demanding. In July we went back to classes and we went to a few shows. I got 2 more double Qs but I was really out of practice. I got a lot of drop bars. Spencer decided that he is not going to compete anymore by sitting on the start line. He got very comfortable during the pandemic and he decided to retire. All he wants is to go on walks. He still wants to come with me to agility because of the treats. 

Sophie’s situation got worse and she was leaking pee every where. She also had a hard time walking without the wheelchair. Mom could not carry her so we stopped going to shows in September. Mom started working obedience with me since my obedience class had been cancelled since February. I got a new obedience teacher and I love running in the field after I do something right and I got to chase the ball. Where have the squeaky ball been all my life?

Me, Sophie and Spencer sitting outside on a sunny day

Mom retired from work the beginning of September. She does not have to work anymore. We are so happy. We started going to more tracking sessions. I love tracking but have not been practicing a lot during COVID. And I love going to Braum’s getting my frozen yogurt after practice. Our lunch continued, and our menu includes grilled chicken feet and grilled sweet potatoes since Spencer loves anything from the grill. Mom said he should be enjoying his retirement too. I sure enjoy my frozen yogurt.

My first year in agility

Selene’s diary: I love agility. I started in agility competition in March of 2019 in novice class. I made it to Master class in mid-July of the same year. I love going to classes, and I love staying at hotels, and love going to trials, which means lots of McDonald’s.

Me coming out of the tunnel

I started off this year with 7 double Qs and 440 points, 16 Qs in Master jumpers and 15 Qs in Master standard. We went to Belton in January twice and it was cold, so I ran fast and got some good points. By the end of January I had 9 double Qs and 559 points.

Me going over a triple jump

We stayed at home during February and March and went to quite a few trials. The first weekend in March marked my 1st year competition in agility. I got my jumpers bronze and master bronze titles (25 Qs each), and ended up with 14 double Qs and 754 points. Which means, I already have the points for a Preferred Agility Champion, but still need 6 more double Qs.

A week or so later, COVID pandemic hit. We stopped going to class, we did not go tracking and the state went into lockdown. Mom stayed home and work and we went walking each day after dinner. Mom was doing some small exercises with me while Spencer was only interested in lunch. Yes, the good thing about mom working from home is lunch. Spencer and I would stay around her desk in the living room since we do not want to miss any food opportunities. All our trials have been cancelled. And I really miss our drive thru burgers and chicken nuggets. Mom said she really cannot wait for my  6 double Qs.

2019: That’s a wrap

Sophie’s diary: 2019 sure is a good year for Spencer and Selene. Spencer got 2 performance champions and made top 20 GSD in preferred agility (20” jump height). We had a lot of fun, we went swimming several times in the summer, and we went to Chris’ parents in Oklahoma in the fall.

Spencer, Selene and I swimming at the dog park

Spencer, Selene and I at Chris’ parents’ house in Oklahoma, with Chris and Mom

2019 is also a sad year, my legs are not doing too good and I can only walk on grass, and not on concrete. Mom said that if I drag my leg on concrete I might scrap my foot and will bleed. Mom started giving me all sorts of supplements but I can still walk around, a little wobbly though.

Sammy, our feline brother passed away at the end of the summer. Mom and Chris were very sad. They were in tears for a long time. Sammy had been sick, and Mom started bottle feeding him in April, and that was when we stopped walking in the morning. 

Sammy in his younger days

Selene also did well in agility but she did not seem to be working hard enough for her obedience title. She went to shows all year and got only 1 Q in Open A level (intermediate). Mom was very stressed. We all had to practice along with her. All I have to do is stay and I get treats so that was good.

Our July 4th picture

Our Halloween picture

Our Christmas picture 

I look forward to 2020, more treats, more trips, more McDonald’s and cannot wait to see what’s next. Mom said 2020 is going to be great.

The AKC TDX title: My journey

Selene’s diary: I started tracking when I was little. I did not like it. I was 8 weeks old and it was hot. I was not even interested in Vienna sausages. I thought I was going to die in the heat. Mom said to me that I am living in Texas although I was conceived in Germany. She said 80 degrees is not hot. As I grew older, it was better as we got into the fall. I got my TD (tracking dog title - novice) when I was 9 months old on my first attempt.

That was a year and a half ago. During that time, Mom worked hard with me and we go to different places to track anytime we do not go to a show. Spencer and I love to track. Mom was tracking with Spencer a lot but when Spencer got his Champion Tracker, Mom started spending a lot of time with me. It was just me and Mom and I loved it. When Mom has more time, we would all go and it was just like the old times. Sophie loves going with us and we would go to McDonald’s after that.

But when Mom does not have enough time, it would just be Mom and me. Mom always tell me not to tell Spencer that we went to McDonald’s but I think he can smell me. He is usually very upset.

My TDX picture with the judges and tracklayer

The day of the test came, I knew we were going somewhere because Mom told me to go into the garage. Spencer was upset that he did not get to go. It was a nice sunny day, not too cold and very little wind. Mom told me that I better pay attention and not bark at the judges. This is my first attempt at the TDX.

I got out of the car and there were tons of people, I got to bark. I was afraid that they were going to attack Mom! Then Mom led me to the flag and I said to myself, I know what I am doing! So I turn around and bark at the judges and spectators some more before I started. The track was very uneventful until I got to almost the end and found a half eaten snake. Mom kept telling me where is it? But I got to find out what this snake is, I have never smell this before. Mom said you need to go “find it”. Do you want to go to McDonald’s? Now there, she caught my attention. So there, I went to show her the glove and everybody clapped. So now, we need to get to McDonald’s but we still have to pose for a picture? I began to worry about my McDonald’s.

So Mom said don’t worry, we will get to McDonald’s. And then we had to stop and pose for more pictures. I was very impatient at that point. More pictures?

My TDX picture with Mom

So we finally got to go to McDonald’s and Mom got me a quarter pounder. She said there is more meat in it and told me to eat slowly. I was very happy.

Top 20 German Shepherds in agility: My journey

Spencer’s diary: After I got my PACH, Mom said that I got to work on getting some more points so we can get to the nationals. Well it finally happened. I am #15 German shepherd in preferred agility in the country! How exciting! Mom said we are going to Colorado!

Sophie, Selene and I all ready and buckled up for Colorado

It is October, and the time has come for me to go to the GSD nationals to get my award. We were very excited. Going on a trip means lots of food, lots of McDonald’s and staying at a hotel. We also get lots of walks because Mom has to let us pee and poop. Sometimes we walk and walk and hold our pee and poop so we can walk longer. Mom always said we need to hurry up!

Me next to my crate wearing my neck rosette

Sophie, Selene and I had a good time. We had barbecue chicken and pork every night in addition to the dinner that Mom brought along. The altitude in Loveland, Colorado made it difficult for me to run fast, but Selene did not have a problem. Mom was also out of breath sometimes. We earned a lot of ribbons and Mom was proud.

Me with my rosettes and prizes

Selene definitely beat me in rosettes and prizes

Top 20 agility dogs who made it to the 2019 GSD Nationals in Loveland, Colorado

I love agility

Selene’s diary: I started showing in novice agility in March, I love doing it. Sometimes, I am so excited I see all those jumps I just jump, without listening to what Mom tells me to do. Mom said I was jumping the wrong jump, that I have to pay more attention. It was very hard for me to sit and wait at the start line, and sometimes when Mom turns around and walk I had to jump, then I did not know what the next jump is.

Me jumping over a triple on turf

Mom did a lot of exercises with me telling me to wait and stay. She even made me stay for my dinner. I cannot get to the bowl until she said it is ok. I get the idea, but sometimes it is very hard. Mom said that now that I am 2 years old, I need to work harder.

My birthday “cake” made of ground turkey

So finally on July 14th, after 4 months, 9 shows and 9 titles, I am officially competing in the master class division, earning my first master Q and first 18 championship points.

Ribbons from the weekend I made into Master.

The Preferred Agility Champion (PACH) title: My journey

Spencer’s diary: I got my 20 double Qs back in September, and I had been working hard to earn points to qualify for my PACH. Mom always cheered me on in the ring, but I seemed to have a hard time weaving fast when people are looking at me. Sometimes I run a good run but I did not make time. I have had some bad shows where I came home with only single digit points.

Me going over a triple on turf

I got my Champion Tracker title in March, and I was still short of 50 points for my PACH. Mom said I was doing good and gave me a lot of incentive. First since I became Champion, I do not have to sit for a treat anymore. But mom keep reminding me that I still need to get those points. A couple of agility weekends went by and I was still short until THE weekend came. I was very tired already having competitions every weekend and I was not running very fast. Mom tried her best to cheer me on, I needed 5 more points and I got 6 points on a Sunday afternoon running a standard run.

My PACH picture with the judges
Look how smart I look with the neck rosette

Dad got us steaks to celebrate, and Mom was very proud of me. She said I did well and I deserve a well-earned time off for a while. Mom said that I still need to focus for a couple more months to try to make top 20 German Shepherds so we can go to the nationals.

My victory run after I got my PACH, with a nod to me always afraid of the teeter!