Tomorrow is Iris's first birthday.  She opted to celebrate in style by earning her first title today at the Carroll County Kennel Club show in North Conway.  Diane (her breeder) and I could not be more thrilled.  Iris earned her Rally Novice title in three attempts.  For those unfamiliar with it,  Rally is judged against a standard.  100 is a perfect score.  A score of 70 is required to earn a "leg".  Three legs are required for a title.  Iris started classes for Rally in July.  Then Diane encouraged her students to enter an evening Rally trial in Fitchburg.  Why not? 

So, without having even completed her first class series, Iris went out with me (completely novice handler) and earned her first leg with a respectable 87.  I went home from the first show and entered her for both days this weekend.  Yesterday was our best run with a 97.  Today was going well until we reached the mid-way point.  That was when the horrific odor of cheap hamburgers on the grill came wafting our way.  Iris lost her focus as she basked in the scent.  We then lost several points for lagging as I had to really encourage her to move along with me.  She finished with a respectable 93.  I'd been hoping to finish in the ribbons.

Iris did pose for a formal photo with the judge.  Unfortunately, the dog show organizers didn't bother to have the ribbons for those who finished their titles, so no pretty ribbons.  At Fitchburg, the organizers had the new title ribbons on hand to pass out, so I was expecting to have it in hand. 


Working on her spiral







Finishing a spiral






On to her next obstacle







Waiting for awards with her friend, Levi, who earned his second leg today.  And for those who
wonder, Levi is an American Cocker Spaniel in the rare color of blue merle