Joie de vivre

Some dogs exude a particular joy when running the agility course, while others compete for the love of their owner. Bailey has been featured in previous posts, not only because of the challenge of capturing such a fast competitor, but also because she exudes a joie de vivre that is rare to witness.

Bailey’s stats are over 5 yards a second. She seems to be airborne through most of those seconds. Without the camera, the spectator has no opportunity to even grasp the beauty of her running. It is simply a blur of fur in motion.

I am not a part of the agility scene, yet I watch her and feel a pull to be a part of her run. I want to experience that pure, clean, crisp joy that she demonstrates with each jump and stride. 

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Bailey trains at Pawsitive Partners Dog Training Center on the South side of Indianapolis, Indiana, where her owner is a pre-agility instructor. She is also a member of the Greater Lafayette Kennel Club and a rescue / member of Indiana Sheltie Rescue.

Born to Herd

Like a spring on a tight coil, as indicated by her alert ears, the Border Collie, Pee Wee, goes into a “down” in a strategic maneuver delivered by a whistle from her handler.

Within seconds another whistle sends her circling the flock, herding them in the proper direction.

Kris, a young trainee, looks on with eager anticipation vibrating in every fiber. The Border Collies competed at the AKC sheep herding trials during the 2012 Scottish Festival in Columbus Indiana.