In early August, I packed up my 6 dogs in the RV for my first ever AAC Nationals and IFCS World Tryouts in Leduc, Alberta. Life on the road has so many unexpected moments that teach you to pivot, adapt, and grow - and boy, did this trip deliver on all fronts! 🚐

Here's how it really went down.

Living with 6 dogs means something is always going sideways, and this trip was no exception. 🐕 Before we even left, we were delayed by 2 days when my Aussie developed a sudden UTI. A 52-hour drive ahead and a UTI? Not exactly the send-off I had planned... 😅

​But we eventually made it to my first ever AAC Nationals and IFCS World Tryouts! 

This was my first time competing with all three dogs at a National event - all who run quite differently. For those with multiple dogs - you know the challenge! Still a learning curve, especially with dogs in the same height class!! 😅 🐕

Agility is such a mental and physical game at any given trial, but over a 4 day event, it is truly a marathon!!

The weather tested us right from the start with brutal conditions - cold, rain, wind. It definitely messed with my mental game, and eating dirt Saturday morning (after a fall) didn't help my confidence! One of my dogs was also performing uncharacteristically, forcing me to change my handling while trying to problem solve the underlying issue. 😅

By Saturday at lunch, I was feeling defeated and struggling to be the best teammate for my dogs - and we were only halfway through our weekend!!

But sometimes you need that rock bottom moment to find your turning point. Trust yourself. Trust your dogs.

Today, I'd like to share a story about my Aussie, Quinn, and her recent experience with dental health. This story underscores the importance of comprehensive dental exams for our dogs' overall well-being.

Dental health is a critical aspect of our dogs' overall health. Poor dental health in dogs can lead to a range of complications, including: pain, discomfort, periodontal disease, and even behavioral changes. More seriously, bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially damaging vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Difficulty eating due to dental issues can result in weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. In extreme cases, severe periodontal disease can even cause the jaw to weaken and fracture. Regular and comprehensive dental check-ups and routine dentistries are crucial in preventing these issues and ensuring your dog's overall health and longevity.