I finally decided to condense my blog posts so far into one website here at this domain: spryteleeagilitytraining.com – this has resulted in a bit of a revamp to the look and theme of this page.  I’ve imported all my sherunswithdogs posts and that domain will be left to run out and not be renewed next time. I’ve also decided it’s time I apply to register Sprytelee as a business as we come to the end of 2019 and the third year of me running my little “side-business” teaching and training agility here in Byford.

When I reflect on the year that has been the word I would use is “tumultuous”. A lot of highs and lows and I think if I am honest the highs just nudge out the lows. I am incredibly grateful I get to do what I do even if I find myself struggling at times and thinking it’s never enough.

On the agility front the world has gotten smaller and the passion even stronger despite my personal circumstances of currently not actually being able to compete or train in the sport with my own dog. New friendships formed in the last couple years have thankfully meant that I have not had to step away from the sport completely. This time last year was this thought was definitely foremost and a very real contemplation in my mind as I faced the fact that with both my dogs injured to the point of needing surgery and metal implants that the reality of competing again was never going to eventuate. I’m so very fortunate that my little sister shares her little Border Collie Kili with me and that I have two very good friends – Heather and Wendy who allow me to play, train and run with their beautiful girls Lola and Bella. Whilst it is still not quite the same as having your own dog that lives with you 24/7 it has been an absolute gift to be able to still play this sport.

Some highlights include:

Hosting and organising three amazing instructors and presenters coming out to Perth:
Daisy Peel

Tamas Traj

Craig Ogilvie

Travelling family holiday for judging in Canberra and competing at the Border Collie Nationals in Sydney – placing and winning in the Games.

BC National Novice Strat Pairs Champions! Kili and Nova

Achieving titles for Kili and Lola and winning at the State Agility Titles as well as our Western Classic with Kili. Also Kili’s first Masters Jumping pass – a first place under FCI World Championship Judge Tamas Traj. Bella’s first debut into Novice Jumping resulting two 2nd places and her first ever go as a State Titles finalist!

Bella’s first go in the Jumping ring!

Kili in Albany – weavin demon!

Bella in Albany

Lola in Albany – so lucky, I get to have so much fun!

Colt (returning from TPLO surgery) gaining his ADX title.

Completing the OfCourse Online Course Design learning with internationally renowned FCI judges instructing – Jan Egil Eide, Petr Pupik and Tamas Traj.

Working in seminars with Daisy Peel, Tamas Traj, Craig Ogilvie, Jan Egil Eide and Dave Munnings.

Auditing/participating in 4 online learning environments – Daisy Peel’s The Agility Challenge, Shape Up Weaves without Worry, Dave Munnings Puppy Power and Consistent Contacts here in Australia with Kelly and Sarah.

It’s been a year of massive learning growth for me both personally and professionally. I’m hoping 2020 proves just as productive.

2020 is actually shaping up to be huge as well – teaching, hosting, judging, competing, a new baby on the way for my sister and with a bit of lady luck shining down, hopefully a new furry addition to the family. All this on top of hosting and helping to organise the biggest agility event in Australia in Perth next year in May – the ANKC Agility Nationals! Just in time for my birthday too! HAPPY DAYS AHEAD and never forgetting the ones behind us.