Taken with my HTC Sensation – Miss Pipistrelle in the backyard in Derby.

In bed on a Thursday morning contemplating about this very special game we get to play with our dogs and what amazing opportunities it has brought me. Here I am halfway around the world from home, having made some new friends, new connections who share my passion for this game, who share my unconditional love for the dogs in our lives.

The World Agility Open Championships are just over a week away and are no doubt the biggest event I will ever be competing in when it comes to my sport. I’m feeling fitter and faster than I was last year and yet I still ask of myself – will I be fast enough? Pip is three and a half years old and very, VERY quick. And I just LOVE that about her, her athleticism, her litheness and her powerful strength in a surprisingly slight package makes me very excited to compete with her. It is clear to see Sandra has put in a lot of fun training this girl and she is beautifully responsive. So then I think – don’t be thinking about yourself here, whether you’ll be quick enough, just think about us as a team. Pip and I working together on a course and having a blast. I’m not naive enough to think that I can form  partnership the likes of which equates to three years of relationship forming with her like Sandra has. But I do think that Pip and I can form a bond through our mutual love for this game that will let us see the best of each other. I imagine some people in this sport must be wondering – where’s the sense of satisfaction in running someone else’s dog in such an event? – surely it’s the whole experience of owning, training, playing and working with your own dog to be able to compete together that’s what we do this for. I agree that this is a special moment to have with your own dog, but I disagree with anyone who thinks it can’t be a satisfying, rewarding experience. In many ways what the Australian team is doing is harder and more challenging and for me that would make success just as sweet but in a totally different way from success with your own dog.

I’ve gotta run now, get ready to go and play some more and meet some new friends and old friends. Today is going to be a great day.