Let the Season Begin

March 20th marked the start of our 2010 disc dog season.  The first competition of our year was the Dixie Disc Dog Championships held in Macon, GA.  I had been working with Shade during the offseason in putting together a freestyle routine so we could compete at the intermediate level.  I felt we had a good routine going in but knew it was still pretty raw and could use a lot of work.  Denver on the other hand isn't ready for freestyle yet and would be competing in the Advanced Toss & Fetch.  Who knew what the day would bring.

Going into the competition, Denver's best T&F round was a 15 out of a possible 22.5 points.  This day he would shatter that mark.  In round 1 he posted a shocking 21.5 points and was in first place after round 1.  Not only was this Denver's best score, but it was also my best score ever.  Round 2 would come up and because we were in first, we had the luxury of going last and could see what the score to beat would be.  Turns out we needed an 18 to win.  Denver though must not have felt any pressure because he came out in round 2 and scored 21 points.  I was utterly shocked at his performance that day and couldn't be more proud.

Shade's day was all pending on his freestyle routine.  After our T&F round part of the freestyle competition, we were in 2nd place down by just 3 points to the first place team.  Our music started and the routine began.  Shade was on fire and caught all but 1 throw during the routine.  We overtook the first place team and won by a pretty good margin.

What a way to start the year.  2 dogs, 2 first place metals.  I must say that this kind of performance from Shade does not surprise me, he has been a crazy frisbeast since he was a pup.  But for Denver to perform the way he did was just amazing.  I know I speak for Manda as well when I say we couldn't be more proud of our boys.  We can only hope for more days like this in the future.

The traditional couples pic.

And another couples pic.

Denver making the catch amongst pretty trees.

The metals.