Maybe all new handlers think the same thing, but I honestly imagined Lilly could be quite an agility dog. Her early learning curve and performance astounded me. As time went on and difficulties mounted, reality forced me to adjust my expectations. The question lately … “How low can I go?”
Before Lilly, I spent 14+ years with a dalmatian, so a border collie came as a real revelation in my life. She learns things easily. She responds to my requests. She stares at me all day long and reacts to my every move. It’s a real ego boost after more than a decade being loved, but ignored, by the spotted princess.
What’s interesting is that early on I found myself way more frustrated with Lilly than I ever was with Penelope because my expectations for her were so much higher. As long as Penelope didn’t behave like a total beast, I was happy. With Lilly, I knew she could do better.
I’m not saying that I thought we would win big ribbons, go to nationals, or entertain any delusions about getting on the world team. I simply thought she’d be good enough to compete locally on a regular basis and be pretty good. In other words, I figured we would not make fools of ourselves.
So, my expectations began there.
Later, I told myself it was OK that we do not compete, but at least we could train every week and run courses at class and just have fun.
Then, I told myself that it was OK we could no longer take classes since Lilly refused to work in public. I worked hard to believe that we’d be perfectly happy running agility at home.
After all, Lilly doesn’t mind the cattle and horses from the nearby ranch watching her as they graze by. (Seriously, we’ve trained with 50 head of cattle mere feet away.) She even smiles when neighbors watch from their balconies up the mountain and clap for her.
It’s something. And, it may be all we have.
I tell myself that’s OK, but deep down I still believe she’s capable of more. Only time will tell. After all, she’s only 3.
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