But hopefully not the last...
 Every
day Paula Triggs and her Hungarian Vizsla Ross would go for a run in the forest with her two
Bedlington Xs, trying to get into shape with some free running. And it was training as usual
twice a week at Wrexham DA. But trying to keep a lid on her excitement was not easy. It was
like being a kid at Christmas. She didn't want Ross to catch the bug. She'd pretend that it was
just another run at a local show, but she couldn't fool herself. This was Olympia!
We went
to London the day before competing. The rest of the family wanted to go to see The Lion King
show, so Ross and I went off to Holland Park for a run and a cuppa in the cafe before booking
in at the Olympia Hilton as furry guests were welcome there!
Our
room was on the sixth floor so Ross had to learn to use the lift, which didn't impress him as
it was a fast one which dipped when it came to a stop, but conquered that problem by bribing
him with treats! Had a pizza for tea - didn't want to risk any spicy takeaways as figured
my stomach would be churning with nerves without that. Then off to bed!
 Woke
at 4am!
Oh my, our first Olympia/ It's really happening today, but in about 10 hours, so had to turn
over and try to sleep again! Gave up at 7.20am, dressed quickly and off to Holland Park, which
thankfully opens at 7.30am, and could give my furry star a chance to burn off some energy!
On
return to the hotel a marvellous breakfast was on offer. It was just a shame it seemed to stick
in my throat at the thought of the day’s event, but did feel better after eating and numerous
cups of tea! Text messages are flooding in from friends wishing us good luck. I’ll try not to
let them down.
 Got
into the venue at 11am
Blimey,
the arena is huge! Found the competitors bar and put up a folding crate for Ross alongside ones
for the other dogs. A few of the handlers were there already. Some had competed at
Olympia before and, in true Agility sportsmanship, they were explaining how it worked and
calming down nerves with good humour and reassurances.
Had a
quick wander round the shopping village, and then back to change into running shoes before
a quick photo session with handlers and dogs. Picked up our all important copies of the
two courses we would run. Soon after we were called to the Judge's briefing with Graham
Partridge and further info from Dave Ray. Not long now.... Eek!
Collected our dogs and grooms - in my case younger daughter Alexandra. Grace had drawn the
short straw and was looking after our other dogs! Then all too soon we were heading through
into the main arena. Wow, it looks even bigger now, so hot too from the spectators and
all the bright lights. Handed dogs to grooms and called forward to walk the Jumping
course briefly as it was being built, which was weird as jumps kept being moved a bit and a few
numbers put round the correct way. Thank heavens we'd all studied the course plan! All
too soon the bell was going and first dog was on the line and the crowds were encouraged to
'cheer to make the dogs go faster' by the commentator!
 No
time to be nervous now
It's
our go. Ross ran well, a bit wide in a couple of places, not woofing as much as he normally
does but think he was saving his energy for once as the course was spread out more than usual!
Big cheers went up as we crossed the line with Ross more interested in the moving hand held
camera and me wondering where the oxygen was kept! There were a few more dogs to go and
then the presentation. We got 6th, not bad for a noisy gundog and oldest dog of the ABC
Finalists!
Back at
the competitor's bar, it was water and treats for the dogs with handlers discussing how the
course ran for them. A quick dash to watch Lorenzo The Flying Frenchman - an amazing act -
before a trip to the Kennel Club stand where the public were waiting to meet our furry star.
There was lots of attention and hugs for the dogs, questions about the breeds and listening to
stories of their own pets. Then it was nearly 3pm, time to beat a hasty exit as the Horse
Artillery were bringing in four cannons and firing them all!
All too
soon time the evening performance was about to begin. Course plans were studied again. There
were relays to the bathroom for handlers and trips outside to empty dogs. Then suddenly tannoy
announcement saying we would be 15 minutes earlier than scheduled! Gulp!
 Back
into the arena we went
The
seats were full and seemed even noisier and hotter than before. A quick walk of the course and
then the bell signalling first handler... ME! Over the first and second jump, into the
near end of the tunnel and onto the dog walk flat out. Curses, missed the down contact and
roared off the end a long way wasting valuable time. Through the cloth tunnel, over jumps to
the see-saw. Nice contact. Good lad. Then off to the wall and pipe tunnel, over the jump, round
the wide wings, back through the pipe tunnel to the A-scale. In the usual Ross-style, he 'hit
up contact, sailed over apex and landed on down contact, much to the gasped amazement of the
crowd - and me trying hard not to laugh! More jumps round a corner and into the weaves,
followed by long jump and tyre to finish. Whoooppppeee! We made it to the end with Ross
springing about like Tigger! Shame about the five faults, but we still had fun.
Watching the other handlers run - some having faster runs with faults, some great clears and a
couple which didn't go to plan. Such a shame. The last two dogs to run finished on exactly the
same time, so both had to go again to get a winner. Fabulous second runs. Poor handlers
must have been exhausted. The dogs were probably keen enough to want to go again. Such
excitement with the crowds going wild!
We have
a winner. The Malinois pips the Australian Kelpie, but a close finish. Hugs and congratulations
to the winner, put into presentation order followed by a quick walk round the arena to collect
our rosettes, and for the top three places, there were beautiful crystal trophies! Then out of
the arena and upstairs for a champagne reception with group photos under the Christmas tree,
toasting the winner and thanking the organisers.
Later
back in the competitors bar it was time to pack up and a chance to reply to text and phone
calls before the long journey home. It was a fabulous, but nerve wracking experience. Just hope
we do well enough to qualify again sometime?
 Author
credit...
Paula Triggs is
an Administrator at a Cheshire GPs. Ross is her first agility dog and together they have been
competing since April 2001, working their way up. They recently won into Grade 6.
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