The Way of the Warrior
Ask anyone who has participated in the sport of dog agility, and they will tell you that the Sheltie is a natural. Fearless in the face of challenging obstacles, eager to please their handler, and strong and nimble are apt descriptions of the agility dog.
Learning Together
Cory is my second Sheltie. It took me a long time to discover his talent because I didn't know about the sport of dog agility. Together we learned to run a course of jumps, tunnels, climbing to great heights and balancing on obstacles. Watching Cory run the obstacles is like watching a child on a playground. Eager to tackle each obstacle, Cory flies on the field. He is hindered only by my attempts to keep up and point out which obstacle to take next.
This is the heart and spirit of the warrior. Cory knows how to conquer. He faces the battle with confidence and determination. Should he slip or stumble, he is undaunted. He regains his footing and charges on without looking back.
How many of us stumble in our daily lives at some task, great or small? How many of us can carry on in spite of it? How many of us stumble once again because we are looking back at what tripped us up, instead of looking ahead?
It takes courage to not let mistakes trip us up and make us land flat on our faces. It also takes a strong will to carry on in the midst of daunting challenges.
One Obstacle at a Time
Recently I saw a small, five pound dog run the agility course. While the jumps were lowered, the height of the climbing obstacles were not. With great confidence he worked his way through the same course that the big dogs ran. He knew he could do it. There was no question in his mind that his master would not ask more of him than he could deliver. Trusting his handler, he made his way, one obstacle at a time, until he had reached the end of the course.
Maybe that's the secret. Dogs don't know to look for the end of the course. They just work their way through the course under the direction of their handler, until the handler throws up their arms with a joyous, "Well done!" of celebration and together they dance a victory dance. The run may not have been perfect, but a good handler always celebrates at the end. They have run the course together, and that's the most important part.
Cory has taught me that to "run my course" I don't have to be concerned about how I'm going to make it to the end. I just need to conquer the obstacle that's ahead of me - not the one I just tripped up on or the ones ahead that fill my path. And he has also taught me that it helps to have someone who knows the course to lead the way - be it a friend, a parent, a partner or a higher power.
Do you have an obstacle in your way? Remember the "Way of the Warrior": Keep your eyes before you and don't look back. The next thing you know, you'll be doing a victory dance.
Cory Quotes
"The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible,
but these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore...
unlike the mediocre, intrepid spirits seek victory
over those things that seem impossible...
it is with an iron will that they embark
on the most daring of all endeavors...
to meet the shadowy future without fear
and conquer the unknown."
-Ferdinand Magellan
Here's something our Shelties love. Your's will too:
The Chase-It has a nylon braided flexible rod and an erconomic handle. Help your dog get the excerise he or she needs, even if you have limited mobility. It's loads of fun for you, too.
www.chaseitpettoys.com
