Hi, My name is Gail and I have been training with Oak Agility since 1995 when I met Frances in a field walking her many canine companions (six I think at the time). Tipsy, my springer spaniel took to agility with great enthusiasm and although only measuring 17.5 inches at the shoulder would clear a full height jump easily from a stand still! She was so fast I had no chance of keeping up with her and I'm sure I've never been so fit as when we first started.

It took us three years to get a clear round, weaving was not one of her favourite past times. Contacts were also a problem when she truly believed that to race round at break neck speed was what agility was all about. It was a wonder I took the punishment she dished out over the years.

As the Agility Bug got a serious hold of me I trekked all over the Country going to shows and her pinboard full of rosettes speaks for itself. We even managed the odd Trophy here and there.

I decided as Tips calmed down - slightly - that we should enter the Midi classes, what fun we had with clears and/or places at every Show.

When Tipsy turned five years old I decided it was time to bring another dog into the family to train up and continue my addiction. Enter Sunnie, KC Registered border collie who is an absolute darling. I was determined that I would not make the same mistakes as I had with Tips and she was weaving accurately - just for fun - at the age of 5 months. She knew what the contacts were too, however, she didn't like heights when we started training so would refuse to go up the dog walk or A-frame - doh! Gladly, after Les and John lowered the A-frame she decided it wasn't so scarey and went up with no problems. With the dog walk I eventually let her follow Tips up and she was okay about it after that!

Sunnie is totally different to run to Tips. Tips would let me jump over her during a class if I had to! Sunnie, however, has this personal space thing going on and is ultra sensative to every body movement I make - which doesn't always help! Sunnie is steady and accurate and although she will never be an agility champion, we have clear rounds at every show we attend. She is also a great teacher for my two young girls to practice on.

Hayley, then aged seven, wanted to have a go at agility in 2005, so I entered her with Sunnie. Unfortunately, Sunnie has such a strong bond with me she kept stopping and looking for me as she went round the ring. This happened several times - although Hayley has got several 'Judge's Specials' for her continued determination and good sportsmanship to show her it pays to keep going against the odds.

We decided in 2006 to see how Tips would run for her. Expecting the worst I thought Tips would leave her on the start line and zoom off - taking her own line! To my absolute shock she slowed down so Hayley could keep up with her! The partnership was set and Hayley and Tips get at least clear rounds at every show they attend.

Now Sally-Anne aged 7, wants to join in. What to do, three handlers and two dogs? Enter Skye, blue and white daughter of Sunnie, completely different in her outlook on life - super-fly-Skye - is her nickname! Skye will be a year old in February 2007 and is already showing excellent progress and ability in her agility training. I hope Tipsy hasn't been giving her advice!

Although she's not fully competent yet, I expect to be able to enter her in her first show in August 2007 - so watch this space!

Unfortunately we have had to make the decision to retire Tipsy from serious competition agility as an old injury has cropped up again and has left her intermittently lame. She will be given lots of TLC and gentle strolls and the occasional outing at Agility Shows. "Tips you've been the best and taught me so much, I wouldn't have wanted you any other way".

See my web-site for more about 'Team Bordertrix'!