In September 2002, our family loaded up the car and started the long drive out to Alabama for a USDAA trial.  Moseley just needed one more gamble for her title and it appeared there wouldn't be many local options to finish up that leg.  Moseley was really on a roll and I wanted to give her as many chances as I could to prove her distance skills. 

It was an uneventful trip and 12 hours later we arrived in Cullman, AL.  The trial was in a beautiful arena with a very nice surface and was hosted by North Alabama Canine Cruisers.  They are a very small club but put on an excellent show.  Even the hotel was great -- reasonably priced with no pet fee and a hot breakfast was included!

Gamblers was later in the day, so I had many hours obsess over the course map.  I normally send in my entries early and end up in the beginning of the running order.  Not this time!  Moseley was the very last dog in the 22" jump height.  I decided not to watch the other dogs in my class because I'd get too nervous.  After what seemed like forever, it was our turn. 

I led out 2 jumps to set up her opening.  The judge knew we just needed one leg and said, "Good luck!"  Moseley started out her usual barking self.  I knew we wouldn't have any trouble getting the opening points.  Moseley was working a bit faster than I expected and the whistle didn't blow where I thought it would.  Still, we were in a good position to start the gamble.  I thought she could do it, but had three concerns:  that she'd knock a bar (either #2 or #4), that she'd check back on the send away to the tunnel or the table and get a refusal.

Moseley performed like a dream.  She sent easily over the first two jumps, immediately responding to my directional command and sailed to the tunnel without looking back.  Many dogs that came directly out of the tunnel and over jump #4 went out to the tire instead of the table.  I had to back up almost to the first jump to set up her approach to the table.  When Moseley got near me and the gamble line, I redirected her over jump #4 and to the table.  I can still picture her shaggy butt running toward the table.  I prayed she wouldn't turn back to check with me.  She sailed onto the table and turned back to give a PON smile.  I stood waiting to see if we made time.  I'm sure it was only a few seconds, but it felt like forever waiting for the timer to check the watch.  Finally, he read our time and the judge gave us a thumbs up.  I screamed and hugged him and then Moseley and I ran from the ring to her cookies.  She knew she was a good girl!

Thanks to my students and all our friends and family for supporting us and cheering for my best PON.  We all knew she could do it!