Made My Weekend

Late on Sunday at the agility trial, I noticed an older gentleman sitting in a chair that didn't seem to be with anyone.  There were a few people milling around but most people were either building the last course, or off at the Ribbon Ceremony getting results, etc.  So me and the old guy started chatting.  He was fascinated with everything and asked a lot of questions.  I did my best to give him the layman's version of the sport, seeing as I'm a layman myself!

When everyone was done getting the results and came back to prepare to walk the course, he was amazed with the number of people. He wondered why they had to practice the course as all the obstacles were numbered.  :)  He wondered why everyone stuck their arm and fingers out while walking the course. He saw one person mentally practicing the course in one spot and wondered what he was doing. He wanted to know who the judge was and how he became one.  He asked about every little detail - he was that enthralled.

And when he saw the first dog actually run the course, he was in awe with her grace and style.  Then he saw a faster border collie run, and he actually leaned forward in his chair.  He grinned from ear to ear when he saw the Italian Greyhound enter the field. His emotions were so genuine, you couldn't help but smile with him.

Turns out I sort of knew this old gentleman.  He told me he and his wife had owned Chesapeake Bay Retrievers their entire lives and when he said this, something sort of twigged in my memory.  I asked who his wife was and he told me.  Turns out I used to work with her.  I was sad to hear she was diagnosed with Parkinson's about a year ago and he's been looking after her.  They had been out walking earlier in the day and had seen the field of equipment and all the dogs.  They both wanted to check it out, but by then she was too tired.  So he came back without her and promised to find out more for her.  If he manages to bring even a smidgen of his enthusiasm home with him, he'll have her grinning from ear to ear.