Dogs and kids can be a great combination and at the Paws-abilities Open House (Spot On Agility’s new agility training home) we shared our dogs with future Agility enthusiasts!
Picture 1 – Here’s Merger focusing on his teeter performance and his young handler ready to reward with his favorite toy squirrel.
Picture 2 – Merger earns the squirrel!
Picture 3 – Merger begins his weave poles…
Picture 4 – Merger completes his weaves and looks for his reward!
Enjoy!
Today’s blog is dedicated to something not so commonly talked about…agility tattoos.
I’m going to show my age a bit, but I come from a conservative background and era where tattoos were hardcore and associated with a certain ‘type’ of person. Not so any more!
Today’s tattoos are works of art with feminine styles for the ladies, softer lines and shading to create depth and bring a sense of realness to the inked picture. Best yet – tattoos can be found on all sorts of people and they always include a story!
A few days ago, I joined the ranks of those dog lovers who have permanently inked their dog onto their skin and I’m THRILLED with the results. As you can see in the first picture, I chose my first agility dog, a Dalmatian named Pinky.
What’s my story?
Well, this is the dog who started me on an incredible journey in the dog agility world. She poured her heart into agility and taught me some amazing lessons about winning, loosing, how to tackle challenges and the type of agility person I want to be.
In my personal life, she saw me through some tough years, she taught me how to smile more (Dalmatians are smiling dogs), she encouraged me when I was sick, she cuddled with me every night and she literally licked away a few tears when life was a bit scary. She taught me that the journey really is the reward and I don’t ever want to loose those lessons. For me, the mere sight of her is a reminder of so many wonderful things as well as the reminder of who I am…especially through her eyes. Simply put, seeing her brings me peace.
More Tattoos and Their Stories:
Tattoos aren’t for everyone. Regardless, we can certainly appreciate the art (and maybe envy) those who took the plunge. Here are a few other amazing tattoos and the stories from fellow dog agility lovers. Enjoy!
Dave’s story of his tattoo of Penny, a chocolate lab.
Dave was looking for a companion and having temporarily sworn off of women, he thought a dog was sure to be a lot less of a hassle <g>. Penny chose Dave by following him around and patiently waiting for him to notice her (just like a real lady would!).
She was his companion and the need to train her ‘forced’ him to ‘get out there’ and soon lead him to dog competition sports. By the time she passed she had earned 18 AKC titles in a variety of disciplines. The one thing that she loved and excelled at more than anything else was hunting.
The tattoo was done 18 months after she passed and is over Dave’s heart which represents her as an “angel”. Dave didn’t want some cutesly thing with wings and such, but if you look close you can see the cloud lines underneath her and the yellow.
Susan’s tattoo is a celtic heart, Runes that spell ‘Lillan’, her heart dog, that she just lost a few months ago
Jody’s tattoo has the Kanji symbol which means “Teamwork”, which is next to the dog.
Tying in with the other parts of her life, the Japanese cherry blossoms have to do with Jody’s divorce, being empowered to walk away from an 18yr relationship and starting over.
Nancy’s puppy Tervuren tattoo.
This tattoo is from a picture of one of her first Tervs. When she sees the tattoo she remembers him and this image has also became a part of her logo.
Tammy and her Aussie Stormy.
Stormy is Tammy’s heart dog and she got the tattoo so she will always have Stormy with her even when dogs are not allowed. A blue-eyed pricked-ear Merle Aussie is one of a kind!
I KNOW there are many more amazing dog-related tattoos out there. Send me your pictures and I’ll be happy to include yours in a follow up blog!
In the meantime, enjoy the ink!
Agility competitors are proud of their devotion to their dogs as well as to the dog sports they compete in and they’re not afraid to show it!
Here are some ‘blinged-up’ license plates sporting our doggy addiction as well as some amazing creativity.
If you would like to view additional license plates, you can also click HERE to view the Bay Team’s website which has several pages of license plates.
There is no doubt that agility addicts everywhere are truly devoted to the sport, the comfort of their dogs and they’re NOT afraid to show it!
In this first edition of Pimp My Ride, Agility Style, here are three inspirational designs.
First, we have an AMAZING custom crating area that is as stylish, functional and comfy as they come. Oh, and did I mention safe and sturdy?
Next we have the I Love My Dogs custom color and graphic van. This lavender to violet van has pawprints, a beautiful dog profile and and more.
Be sure to keep an eye out for this van if you’re traveling in the California area.
Last, but certainly not least is the magnet mania automobile. Not only does this vehicle keep the owner’s personal style in tact with specialized license plates, but she also boldly states her dog devotion with magnets that clearly shares where she’s headed each weekend (the agility trial).
Thanks to our photo contributors who won a free 90-day subscription to SpotOnAgility.com’s Course Map and Agility Analysis Membership.
If you have a pimped out agility ride, please send a picture to Lisa@SpotOnAgility.com and you could be a winner and featured in our Pimp My Ride, Agility Style Part 2.
I have to admit, when my hubby (who was the agility judge of record) told me the story of a man running agility in a pink tutu, I was afraid <g>. Very, very afraid <g>.
First, that they make a pink tutu in a man’s size and second the visual…
You may be asking yourself “Why?!?!” well, it was all for a good doggy cause so silliness is allowed. Mr. Robin (as he’s fondly called around here) agreed (or was volunteered by his wife…) to compete in one of his runs wearing a pink tutu, but only if the agility exhibitors donated over $500 to the Bark for Life fundraiser.
Who can resist seeing a man in pink tights and a tutu, so everyone pitched in and the result was a run to remember.
Nice job Mr. Robin!
Let’s have a little fun here…While these might be the worst agility shoes to run in, these designs from Kobi Levi are certainly one of the cutest and worthy of our adoration.
Sure, most of us sport the latest and greatest running, gym or trail shoe for agility, but that doesn’t mean we can’t admire these artistic dog-heels.
While these ‘pups’ may be anything but practical, admit it, that’s what makes them so fun! Imagine long beautiful legs and well-manicured feet…wouldn’t these be perfect to wear when accepting your next dog award?
Or maybe your goal is to get some doggies revved up and howling? If so, then the Miao shoe is perrrfect for you!
This shoe is sure to bring out the cat-like grace of any agility handler and almost promises to help mentally prepare for those upcoming ballet-style front-crosses found in your agility future.
Oh and think of the catty-attitude this shoe is sure to bring out! Okay, maybe that’s not a good selling point, but you get the idea.
We hoped you enjoyed our little moment of fun : )
Lisa
I officially declare this dog fashion week!
First we had some amazing dog & cat heals and thanks to my Aunt Brenda, here are some amazing shots from a grooming contest.
Imagine this little guy buzzing around the agility course. He’s sure to fly over the a-frame in this cut!
Next we have our flower-child-dog.
It would be nearly impossible not to smile as this beautiful babe fragrantly jumped sprung over jumps and entwined through the weaves.
Last, but certainly not least. Our fish cut!
I’m told that when the tail wags it resembles a fish swimming in the water. Now that’s pretty darned cool!
I admit, I’d LOVE to see these pups and their cutting-edge grooming on an agility course…and I’ll even wear doggy pumps to help celebrate : )
Lisa
All photos are copyright of Brenda Robinson. All rights reserved.
This past weekend in OH we not only judged, but did a few fun things as well.
We went to this amazingly HUGE grocery store called Jungle Jim’s where they have every specialty item you could ever dream of. We seemed to be stuck in the wine, beer and cigar section (one of Dan’s hobbies) and being the dog enthusiast I am, I took the opportunity to take pictures of the dog-themed beers.
Here were some of the names we saw:
* Ellie’s Brown Ale – featuring a chocolate lab of course!
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The picture attached was taken in Gig Harbor, WA where my friend Jill & I had lunch on Monday. It was such a beautiful day! We walked w/ Ru on the beach, had a seafood lunch and more – I felt like a tourist!
I hope I never become bored of the PNW, it really is beautiful country and I love the mountains, the water and everything in between.
Very easy to make Corn Salsa
Drain the corn and the beans. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Enjoy!
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