Dog Vegas ran an extra show on the last weekend in April 2013. I had booked in not knowing that this would be Dylan's first competition after his four weeks rest due to my worry over his hips. He seemed fit and we were travelling with Rachel & Obi and meeting up with Jo and Paul Harker and their dogs Darcey, Freddie & Jasper.

Rachel and I had decided to run the Jewlwick Pairs qualifier together which was the Saturday. It was also our first show where we were actually competing against each other. I was so excited. It was Rachel's last show at Grade 6 having won out at a previous show into Grade 7 (clever clever!)

It was great fun watching Rachel & Obi, Jo and Darcey and Jo and Freddie complete too. We had a lovely evening at the pub (with the dogs) eating a rather delicious meal. All in all a fab weekend. Glad to be back in the swing it it all.

Dylan was xrayed today and his hips look pretty good actually. The vets decided a specialist opinion would be good and we'll get that next week, but talking with the vet she suggested that it looked basically fine. The pain could have been muscle based or tendon based. The fact that the Rymadil worked so quickly is a good sign. He is home and recovering well from the general anaesthetic and has had some tea.

Yumove tablets I think would be a good idea and vet seemed to think so as well. Proper warming up and cooling down after training and I will learn how to do some basic massage I think to help him.

So I think Dog Vegas at the end of the month will be fine and back to training by then as well.

Thank you to everyone who has been concerned and sent positive thoughts through the ether & by text, fb etc! 

Not good at the moment. Dylan is under investigation for a poorly right hip. Two weeks ago at Dylan's routine annual health check, we told the vet that once or twice when getting up from the sofa he had squealed.  Also jumping into the car after agility training was difficult. The vet checked him all over, but in particular stretched out his right back leg backwards and we created a squeal again of pain.
On reflection I think Dylan has always been reluctant to jump back into the car after agility training, he will often climb carefully. But he has never indicated any pain before. He has never limped, but is careful about playing with Joe - often from the lying down position! I always thought this was sweet.
Anyway the vet prescribed Rimadyl for 7 days (50mg) and rest or lead walks only (absolutely no agility) and careful up the stairs and jumping up. Within 2 hours of taking the first tablet, Dylan seemed back to his usual self. He has been on lead walks only and we have prevented him from being too boisterous indoors too. Actually he has been really good and not minded the lead walks (except when he wants a poo - he would rather walk as far away from me as possible for that lol)
He went back to the vet on Friday and is now booked in for an xray next Friday to see what is going on with his hip. 

Over Easter we went up to York to stay with my Dad. Dylan and Joe managed a whole day walking around York (with a bus ride home)without any issues.

Both dogs enjoyed sleeping on the bed (a real treat as that does not happen at home!). We had a couple of days at the Hare and Hounds Easter Agility Show meeting up with Joanne and Paul with Jasper, Freddie and Darcey (see blog on front page). Dylan did no agility, but I had a go at running Freddie over a couple of courses. However he was too much of a mummy's boy so didn't really want to run with me!

Camping was freezing cold, however we did cook a rather good spag. bol. followed by chocolate cake & custard! I helped scriming all day on Monday while Joanne judged her courses, and that was enough distraction from not having a dog to run. Also Joe had a little go in the ring after we had set up on Sunday evening. He did really well following my instruction and did a fab wait on the line. Here are a few pictures of our time in York and at Hare 'n' Hounds.