December 1995: My first AKC trials.

I may not remember which I did first and would have to check my records.  However, I do remember running Abbi on an AKC courses in November and December of 1995 when she got her Novice title (NA).  Back then, there was only a Standard course in AKC.  I was competing with two dogs and would drive hours to a trial.  I drove to Michigan and Minnesota for AKC trials to run two dogs on one run a piece per day for a total of 4 runs.  Now a days I look for the weekend where I can get the most runs for the price.  Times have certainly changed.

Here are Abbi's first 3 Q's in AKC:

Event Date	Event Name	Judge	Class	Placement
12/02/1995	Event Held On 12/02/1995	Willard Koukkari	Ag Novice A
12/03/1995	Event Held On 12/03/1995	Earl Kyle	Ag Novice A	2nd
12/09/1995	Event Held On 12/09/1995	Beverly Fick	Ag Novice A	1st

The surprising fact was that I was a very "green" handler and Abbi had only started agility training in August of 1995.  Abbi came to live with me shortly after she turned 1 year on in August of 1995.  In 1995 in AKC, a dog only had to be 1 year old in order to compete in agility.  So after 4 months of training, Abbi was out competing in agility.

Kodi, my other Keeshond, at the time who turned 4 in August of 1995 and had been training in agility for probably a year.  Also started to show in AKC at the same time as Abbi.  He was not as confident or as fast as Abbi.  However, according to my records he also achieved his NA title on the same day as Abbi.  He also Q'd on the Sunday.  Looks like in those days one could not move up in-between Saturday and Sunday.

Event Date	Event Name	Judge	Class	Placement
12/02/1995	Event Held On 12/02/1995	Willard Koukkari	Ag Novice A	1st
12/03/1995	Event Held On 12/03/1995	Earl Kyle	Ag Novice A
12/09/1995	Event Held On 12/09/1995	Beverly Fick	Ag Novice A
12/10/1995	Event Held On 12/10/1995	Mike Bohanon	Ag Novice A	4th

I do have pictures of Kodi and Abbi with their ribbons from the December Trial in Michigan and the little red bag that they gave out with the placements.  I took the pictures at my mom's house in-front of the Christmas tree.  Funny thing is that I still have those little red carrying bags which I got over 18 years ago.

I do remember driving to Minnesota and to Michigan for the trials.  I don't remember how I felt after the runs or what I was thinking any longer.  I am sure I was nervous and worried and my body positioning was probably way off and my commands were probably way late.  However, they Q'd inspite of me and my lack of experience and knowledge. 

Saga will continue with future posts and hopefully pictures as well.