Gratitude and the Sunset Tour –
An Amateur Competitor's Perspective
By: Jamie Woodson #45
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| FC-AFC Lock Five's My Mother's Keeper, "Keeper" |
With a handle in the Second Series, I suspected our job in the fourth was not going to cut the mustard. It didn't. "Keeper" #45 and I were not invited to the fifth series. That said, I simply could not be prouder of my little dog. What a ride and what a year!
For those of you who know me, you know I'm not shy about sharing my deep adoration for Keeper and my recognition that in many ways, this year is a sunset tour for me and my partner of over ten years. I can be quite sappy about it.
While I've had pets my whole life, there's something supremely special about the partnership that exists between a retriever and her human. Keeper is really MY first dog and certainly my first field trial retriever. She is a lovely marker, smart as a whip, and extremely consistent. She is also an Oscar award-winning actress at times, ridiculously food oriented, and totally has my number. She has retrieved thousands of birds for me – both in the field as my duck-dog and as my partner in retriever competitions.
Keeper is an old dog now and I recognize that every time we step up on line together, it could be our last. I treat those moments as precious gifts, because they are.
Some of you may be expecting a real tear-jerker from me this morning. Well, not today. For a lot of reasons, I just don't have my words yet. Keeper has given me a great deal and taught me so very much. For today, I will simply be thankful for her and for this incredible year.
The field is narrowing and now Bill and I will turn our full attention to volunteering and rooting on the remaining competitors.
We have much to be thankful for this week. As I enjoyed my morning coffee, I had the great gift of laughing at my four-legged senior companion tossing her favorite stuffed animal around our happy little cottage like a two year old puppy. I felt what I feel every time I look at her – gratitude.
Until next time, may the wind be with you and your flyers be friendly.
-Jamie Woodson #45
