Reflecting on the time I missed documenting the escapades I have taken with my feisty companions, Finn and Zoey Quinn evokes a sense of nostalgia tinged with the fear of fading memories. As we embark on new adventures from this point forward, I am inspired to revisit the cherished moments we have experienced together in the past.

After realizing the need to enhance my level of responsibility as a dog parent compared to my younger years, Finn and I embarked on a journey of extensive training. From attending S.T.A.R. Puppy class to mastering Basic Obedience and progressing to CGC/Therapy dog classes at Courteous Canine, we delved into various options for skill development. On the way to CGC class, we stumbled upon a dock diving competition hosted by the facility. Intrigued by the concept, our first venture was a Puppy/Dog Swimming Safety course, where I discovered Finn's aversion to water activities. Exploring the class offerings further, a 90-minute group mini-Fast Cat or Lure Coursing session caught my eye. Researching these new activities piqued my interest, especially recognizing Finn's strong prey drive. To my delight, Finn not only enjoyed but truly thrived in these pursuits. The instructor's mention of Fast Cat competitions sparked a newfound curiosity in canine sports, which had never previously crossed my mind. In this chapter of my life, everything revolved around Finn, my loyal Velcro dog, and now Zoey Quinn. As Finn's Velcro human, our bond continues to strengthen through shared adventures and new experiences. I hope you enjoy following our Canine Chronicles with all the fun and silly escapades we get up to.

This was a revelation to me regarding dog sports. The C.A.T. in Fast Cat actually stands for coursing ability test. According to AKC, Fast Cat involves a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, pursuing a lure - typically a white trash bag mimicking a bunny. Despite AKC documenting the highest MPH for each breed and hosting an annual invitational for the top 5 in every breed, Finn and now Zoey Quinn will likely never reach those elite levels. Nonetheless, they love it, and I love it, and we get to embark on trips and spend time with remarkable dogs and individuals.

Our latest adventure took us to Savannah, Georgia. Now most people think I am insane to travel to different events to watch my dogs run for less than 15 seconds each run but it is what it is. This event had a theme which was a first for us. We have run and volunteered with Time To Fly Dog Sports numerous times but they have started doing themed Saturdays where people and dogs dress up. The theme for Savannah was Alice in Wonderland. When I brought Finn home I wanted him to have matching collars, leashes, and bowties but they were expensive too buy so I taught myself to sew. So I made Finn and Zoey Quinn costumes for the event. Zoey Quinn was the Queen of Hearts and Finn was the White Rabbit.

This weekend blessed us with beautiful weather in Savannah for another exhilarating Fast Cat event. Zoey Quinn enjoyed her second trip, while Finn marked his fourth. Over the years, we've experienced scorching heat, torrential downpours, and everything in between during our trips. The dogs performed splendidly, with Finn clocking his fastest time at 10.299 seconds and an average speed of 10.53 seconds, equivalent to 19.42 MPH. Zoey Quinn showcased her agility with a fastest time of 14.3 seconds, averaging 14.655 seconds at 13.96 MPH. In addition to Fast Cat, they both tackled the challenging CABT (coursing ability test and run up to 600 yards), conquering the 300-yard course's twists and turns. Finn achieved two brand-new titles this weekend, earning his FCAT15 (7500 points) and CAX5 (125 CABT runs), making it an exceptionally exciting weekend for us all.

Where to Next???

Thank you for exploring our initial story about our escapades in Savannah, Georgia. Our upcoming journey will take us to Elkton/St. Augustine, Florida. While we prepare for that, feel free to read our latest blog entry sharing the cherished moments from Finn's and my inaugural visit to St. Augustine.