The Saber Jet Has Landed! Flying to CAX, Part 2

Hello again from your favorite shepherd, Saber! When we last chatted, I was telling you about all my adventures chasing wild bunnies and wildebeests on a string, flying towards my CAX title. Well it's about to get quite dramatic, so grab some bacon and sit back for the grande finale to this flying shepherd's coursing story!

Last August, my mother took me far away to Enumclaw, Washington to run four times at the Cascade Coursing Club's "AKC Coursing Fest." I was super excited because there are usually hot dogs at "fests", but I was to be disappointed. However there were very fast slabs of raw short ribs darting around on a string, or at least, that's what I imagined them to be as I was chasing them.

The grass was green and the sky was blue as this shepherd ran the course three times in record time and was met with great applause and admiration, or so I seem to recall. But tragedy struck on the fourth run. You will not believe what happened to me.

My run started out just fine as I took off after the short ribs and accelerated to mach speed! The crowds were in awe of my intensity as I made my way around the field.

Flying like the wind, I was quickly closing the gap between my teeth and my prey:

I almost have it! Just a few more strides and dinner will be mine!

But it was not to be. Somehow, somewhere between closing in and cornering, something went terribly wrong.

Was it a divot in the field? A paw laid down at the wrong angle? An invisible monster grabbing at my legs, intent to destroy me and take the short ribs for itself?

The world will never know. But this gallant, brave shepherd ran until she could run no more, then watched in great agony of soul as the prey raced off without her.

I could do nothing but lie down, motionless, in the field, preparing for my horrible fate at the hands of the short-ribs-stealing monster.

Of course, my mother and everyone else was terribly worried about me because I had never done anything like this before. In fact, I had never even slowed down on any coursing run in my life, much less stopped. They knew something was wrong. My mother called to me from across the field, and I valiantly raised myself up from near death and limped over to her. I wondered if I would ever run again. Luckily, mom and the vet said I was too magnificent to be taken down by any monster. I took my medicine, rested, and saw a ridiculous woman at an agility trial who gave me an "adjustment" (excuse me? I was already quite perfect the way I was) and I was all better within a week or so.

I was not too hurt to visit this amazing bridge on the drive home from the Coursing Fest, though. Hmmm, would this not make the most wonderful dock jump ever? If only there was a river underneath it.

After I was all healed up, mom was worried that I might not like to lure course anymore. She thought I might get inured again or maybe I would remember what happened with the monster and be too afraid to run again. Pffft!! Too afraid?? Oh, how she underestimates my braveness. I am not afraid of anything. Do not ask the cat if I am telling the truth about that. Cats are vicious monsters, and liars.

Mom waited two months before entering me in another coursing event, and she only entered me in one race to see how I would do. We went to Spokane in October, which I already told you about since I won so many ribbons impressing judges with my obedience and Rally skills. Of course, I also got a lure coursing ribbon and got to spend the night in luxury accommodations that are generally reserved for famous, highly skilled shepherds like myself. I prefer extra pillows.

Four months went by and mom finally decided it was time for me to try for the last two runs I needed for my AKC Coursing Ability Excellent title. I knew this would be successful and couldn't wait to chase the raw meat, bunnies, or wildebeests, as the case may be. So in February we drove up to Argus Ranch in Auburn, Washington for my final thrilling performance.

Well, actually, I was not too thrilled. It was pouring rain. I am not a fan of rain. It gets in my ears, and that is no way to welcome a dignified shepherd to an event, now, is it?

I had to sit in the car. A lot. I did not like it very much. But I did it for the good of the breed, because I am noble and wanted to show everyone, once again, that German Shepherds can fly. And fly I did!

Mom only got one picture of my last run because it was so rainy out. She also got a few pictures of us covered in mud, but she declined to share those here. However I was very proud when the judge awarded me my CAX rosette!

Yes, I am now officially, on-the-books excellent, but Mom says I was excellent all along. I am, in fact, the fifth German Shepherd in the whole world to earn this title. I think they can stop having Coursing Fests now.

Here is a picture of me with all of my coursing ribbons. You are free to print this picture out to frame and hang on your wall. You're welcome.

Mom says I am now retired from coursing, but I don't know what she is talking about. I NEVER get tired. And I am just as fast as ever!

Many thanks to the clubs we coursed with: Inland Gazehound Fanciers, Willamette Valley Basenji Club, Chintimini Kennel Club, and our favorite, Cascade Coursing Club. Tally ho!

The Saber Jet has Landed! Flying to CAX, Part 1

When my breeder named me Jette, she was not kidding. I am the Jet of all jets. When my mother named me Saber, perhaps she had in mind the amazing F-86 Sabre Jet, a U.S. combat fighter jet during the Korean war that could go 670 miles per hour... almost as fast as me!

Sabre Jet:

Saber Jet:

See? So alike. So fast. So flawless.

By the way, that photo of me was taken in Redmond, Oregon last June when I was lure coursing. And boy, do I have a lot of lure coursing updates for you!

I have been doing a lot of running lately. Where did I leave off? Oh yes. I told you about my three successful runs in Walla Walla in April 2013. Well, our next trip was to Spokane in June, where I earned two more ribbons. Mom forgot to take pictures of my ribbons, but she did take pictures of the magnificent shepherd having fun in Spokane! Here I am at Riverfront Park:

My favorite fountain! Nomming all the noms and entertaining the crowds:

We also got to stay in a hotel and of course, I got my own bed so I could rest after all my hard work:

Back to lure coursing. As I mentioned, our next runs were in Redmond, Oregon with the Chintimini Kennel Club, and I had three amazing, qualifying runs. We got some great pictures here, thanks to a very nice couple of photographers. Run 1:

Flying with all feet off the ground!

 Look! I've got those bunnies in my sights!

Got it! Nom nom nom. Tastes like chicken.

Hmmm. I think I broke it. Oh well.

Run 2: off I go!

Look at those turns! Even a Sabre Jet could not compete!

Such form! Such grace and beauty!

Channeling my inner wolf, about to take down the prey:

Success! The pack shall eat well tonight.

I tried very hard to bring the bunnies to my mom, but someone tied them together, complicating things.

And Run 3:

Look at that focus!

Taking off down the runway...

...and coming in for a landing:

And once again Saber Jet takes down the bunnies! They almost never win these races!

Must. Shred. Rabbits.

I never get tired of catching bunnies.

On the way to Redmond, mom took me to visit a ghost town called Shaniko. Here I am in the Shaniko jail wagon. I am obviously a police dog:

I actually have a dog friend named Shaniko. I think he needs to come here and get his picture taken in his wagon. Someday we will find the towns named after me, and go there. I am sure there are several.

We also visited the museum (no one was in there but the ghosts, but I protected my mom and my girl)

As a reward, mom got me some ice cream. I love sharing ice cream with my mom. I always let her have the first licks because I am a very considerate shepherd:

We had so much fun on our trip, and mom got some wonderful photographs of me with these giant metal wheels that aren't going anywhere. I like to bite lawn mower wheels, but not these dead metal ones. Too hard on the teeth.

After our Redmond trip, I had a total of 19 runs toward my Coursing Ability Excellent (CAX) AKC title. Stay tuned for part 2... a dramatic story about my lure coursing injury, how I healed, and the awe-inspiring landing of the Saber Jet at CAX!

Saber Starts Rally! And a New Obedience Title.

Saber here with an update on all the fun things my Mom and I have been up to! You already know from my last post that I am a fantastic obedience dog, but did you know I am a Rally star too? Yes, this little black and tan puppy is a creature of many talents. In fact, I have not found anything that I do not excel at. Do not ask the cat for her opinion on that, though.

Anyway, a few weeks ago Mom and I started taking classes to learn AKC Rally obedience. Here are some pictures of us practicing in the Clubhouse and at the park. I'm the one with the pointy ears and the perfect sit:

After our second class, I so impressed my mother that she entered me in a Rally trial this past weekend! We were already going to Spokane for the obedience trial and lure coursing, so why not? She didn't think I would qualify, but I sure surprised her! Look at all my pretty ribbons!

Yes, that is right. I got my first Q in Rally Novice, even though there were TRAINS barreling past the ring just as Mom and I entered. I thought those things only appeared when we are in our car, so imagine my shock when two of them came right by us without any windows or car parts between us! I guess they heard about the trial and wanted to watch me perform. Who can blame them?

So I did my best work for Mom and the Judge gave me a pretty green ribbon!

Then we went inside to the Obedience ring and there was a different Judge there, waiting to see the amazing, famous, blogging Shepherd. When I appeared, he gave his orders and Mom and I did all of the obedience exercises he asked for. He was so awed by my talent and beauty that he gave me not only a green ribbon, but also this gorgeous red rosette and a polka dotted fleece blanket! That was pretty nice of him but he forgot the bacon. Maybe next time. Anyway, Mom was happy, I got second place in Beginner Novice and earned my AKC BN title!

But that's not all! See that orange ribbon hanging from my collar? The next day Mom took me to my FAVORITE activity (besides eating): lure coursing! It was lots of fun, I ran fast and caught the bunnies right at the end (they tasted like plastic), and I got that ribbon. I just need two more to earn my AKC CAX title!

Well after all that hard work, I am a very tired puppy. Lucky I have this new blanket to keep me warm and cozy. Good night!

Adventures in Obedience

I have been a very busy puppy over the summer, which is why you haven't heard from me in awhile. But I have a great update that I want to share! I have started entering Obedience trials with my Mom! So far, she is not too obedient, but soon I hope to be able to get her to fetch me some bacon on the first command.

Anyway, you might remember that I'd been back in obedience classes this spring with my favorite teacher of all time, Lezlie. She was my teacher when I was just a little STAR puppy and she has been my favorite teacher ever since. After the class was over, Lezlie kept working with Mom and a few of our other friends to help us get ready for some trials this fall. Then about two months ago, Mom became the club's Obedience Group Leader, and that means lots more practice for me! We get together with our friends at least twice a week and practice obedience. Here we are doing group stays in the park:

After lots of practices, Mom decided it was time to take me to Cashmere, Washington for a real dog show. I had so much fun in the Beginner Novice ring! First, instead of doing a boring old heeling pattern, I just tracked the dog who went before we did! It was a lot simpler than reading all of those signs, plus I found this great patch of smelly yummy stuff on the ground. I was on a leash so I couldn't stop and eat it, but don't worry. I ran over and ate it during the recall.

The next day I did a lot better. My heeling was pretty good, my sit for exam, sit stay, and recall were perfect! But there was this guy. He had big metal poles he was using like legs and he was walking right next to our ring! I had to keep an eye on him. He might have been thinking of chasing my Mom or throwing one of those poles for me to fetch. So I watched him instead of doing a figure 8. Mom said I didn't qualify in either show, but she hugged me and petted me so I guess I am still her best puppy! She took me to fetch sticks in the river afterwards. It was fun but I could not find any alligators or big metal poles.

On the way home we stopped at the Ginkgo Petrified Forest to see trees that turned into rocks. I did not like that idea. This stick, which is now a rock, is unfetchable. So sad.

They did have a nice water fountain at this park. There were also bighorn sheep, but Mom said they were NOT for herding. Bummer.

Back to obedience.

Today Mom entered me in the local trials in Beginner Novice. I was really excited when she drove up to the park, but when I got out, things looked very different. There were strange dogs and people everywhere! Mom said it was time to work, so we got ready and waited our turn to go in the ring. Someone told Mom that the judge had a sharp pencil. I was really glad to hear that, because he was definitely going to need it to write all the compliments and wonderful adjectives about me in his little notebook! We went into the ring and this time, instead of tracking I tried to pay attention to my Mom. There was nothing good to eat in this ring anyway. Apparently I did pretty well this time, because after we got done Mom was giving me a big kiss on the snout when the Judge said something to her. She looked up and said, "What??" and he said, "you qualified." Hey, that made Mom pretty happy and later we got some pretty ribbons. I got third place!

Later in the afternoon we went into the ring and did the whole thing again for a different judge. But this time, you will not believe what happened. It was RAINING and my Mother did not take me home! Instead, do you know what she did? She took me in the ring and in the middle of all these commands and this rain, she told me to SIT and then she left me there. Yes, she walked away and left this cold, wet, devoted German Shepherd in the middle of the ring while she walked around. I could not believe it. You see, we live in the desert. I do not go out in the rain unless absolutely necessary. We do not even take walks in the rain. Yet here she was, doing Obedience in the rain. But because I am loyal, I sat, unflinching, as the rain pelted my coat and dripped into my ears, stoically waiting for my Mother's return.

I should have a statue made of me in that park for doing that.

Anyway, in the end I got more ribbons and earned 3rd place again so now Mom says I have two legs of my AKC BN title. I know I started out with 4 legs this morning, so perhaps two of them melted off in the rain. I will cope.

Happy trials!

Flying Shepherd

I bet you didn't know this, but German Shepherds can fly! Well, not all German Shepherds. But this one can! Mom took me coursing again the last weekend in April. This time, we went to Walla Walla for two days and ran three times! It was great fun. There were lots of other dogs there, but as usual, I think I was the only German Shepherd. This time, there was a photographer who snapped some shots as evidence that I can, in fact, fly!

All four feet off the ground:

and again!

Just look at me go! I love the chase. I always imagine I am hunting wildebeests, or bunnies.

I did touch the ground just a few times, with one paw.

Of course, I did an awesome job and got 3 qualifying ribbons over the weekend. We also went to visit some parks in Walla Walla, including the dog park! I will share those pictures with you later. Finally, here I am in back of our hotel, teaching my girl to sit and stay. Isn't she doing a great job?

Now, if I can just teach her to fly!

Saber at the Show and Go

Hi again! Saber here. As I mentioned last month, I have been busy practicing my obedience. Mom takes me to Advanced Novice class every week where I get to heel, stay, stand, and come over and over. It was getting kind of boring, but Mom gives me lots of cheese and lately she's been very happy with my work. I am a good obedience dog.

Mom thinks I am almost ready to enter an AKC obedience trial. So a couple weeks ago, she took me to something called a "Show and Go" in Wenatchee. It sounded like lots of fun: she'd show everyone what a gorgeous, smart dog I am and then we'd GO! I love going. But it didn't really turn out that way. In fact, we were in this little building watching obedience stuff for hours! I guess the other dogs got to"show" first, and they were taking their sweet time doing it. At first it was fun sniffing and looking around, and Mom worked on my obedience with me in the hallway a bit, too. But then I got SO bored. Finally, it was my turn in the ring! But really by this time I was not too interested in heeling, so my heeling was not so great. In fact, the lady told me I could do it over again, for practice. I did much better the second time. I did a fantastic job standing, sitting, downing, and coming, but oh I was just so terribly tired of it all by the time we got to stays! In the group sit stay, I laid down. In the group down stay, I did a really great thing! I laid there and counted the seconds in my head for 3 minutes so I would not have to wait for the judge lady to tell me when the time was up. So about 2 seconds before she said "return to your dogs," I got to 180 seconds and just calmly got up and stretched to let her know it was time. My Mom didn't seem to appreciate it though.

Anyway, here I am in the ring, being a real obedience dog.

 Don't I look regal?

I was pretty excited that I got to stay by a Bearded Collie. I love Bearded Collies. But I did not bother him.

Mom says I did a good job at most of the obedience stuff but I still need to keep working at it. Maybe soon I will get to enter a real trial!

When we were done, we got to play on some old trains at the park with my boy and girl. That was the highlight of our trip, since there was no bacon in Wenatchee. Here I am on a train.

I always have fun on trips with my family.

Stay tuned for more lure coursing and dog park adventures!