I have to admit, I was disappointed this past weekend that Bryce and I didn’t make more progress in our Regular or Chances classes. This prompted comments from people about how fortunate I was just to be still running with Bryce.

Don’t get me wrong – I know that it is a blessing and am very thankful for each and every opportunity I have to run with him. Heck – I count myself lucky each morning that I wake up and am greeted by his wagging tail and smiling face!

So why do I still care about goals?

I don’t trial as often as many people, so while my dogs may have the potential and the training to finish advanced titles and championships, they don’t do so at an early age.

Bryce was stricken with cancer at the very peak of his career. A lot of things were right within our reach, then the rug was pulled out from underneath our feet. We were robbed. We were cheated. We worked hard for years and years and now Big Bad Cancer was trying to take it all away from my little boy.

Each time we run, each time we qualify, each time we get a title, it’s one more thing that bastard cancer hasn’t managed to take from us.

Stubborn ass that I am, I just don’t want to let the bastard win!