When Dreams Become Reality

Participating in the National Specialty for any breed is an exciting thing, but if you have never been before AND you get invited to finals well that is about as much of a high as a newbie can get. This is what happened to me this year when Diva and I managed to qualify for Novice Obedience finals in just one weekend of showing. I had never even considered the possibility but having earned our CD with an average of 192.3 it was enough to get that wonderful letter in the mail! Immediately the wheels started turning. I will forever be grateful to my family and friends who all helped to make this dream a reality for me. Without them I would not have been able to go. So before I continue with my story I feel it is only fitting to recognize everyone individually. 

A heartfelt thanks to my wonderful husband, Scott Hyon. You manage to not only be a one man business and support our family, often working hours and days at a time with very little reward, but you also are a loving father and supportive husband. Everyone who knows you knows that animals are not your thing but you still made an effort to show the proper amount of enthusiasm and pride in Diva's and my accomplishment. 

To my Mother, Cynthia Pollard, and my Grandmother, Gertrude Docteur. When I called to ask you if you could come down to Maryland from New York to watch the kids for 10 days while I was gone you never hesitated. There is no way I would have been able to leave for so long without you and no other two people that I would trust to see to my children for that length of time. Grandma and Great Grandma made things so fun  the kids hardly missed Mommy! Mommy on the other hand was missing the kids a ton by day 2 :).

My cousin, Jessica Melton. The best honorary Aunt ever :). Thank you for juggling Taylor's pick up the first two days before Mom and Gram could get down. You know the kids adore you and I never have to worry about them when they are having Aunt Jessica time. 

My dear friend, Mary Totaro. Bless you for picking Taylor up from school and keeping her safe and entertained until Jessica got off of work. Those 4 hours could have been a deal breaker because as you know I will not leave my children with just anyone!

Sally Josselyn, without your offer of staying in your RV and traveling together I probably wouldn't have been able to financially swing such a long trip. Staying onsite was not only convenient but fun! Diva and I appreciate that you and the girls made space for us and that you weren't to exasperated with my luggage :). I am also glad that you didn't get sick when I was contaminating the RV with my germs!

Kelly Hughes and Raechelle Embrey. You two ladies have been so supportive this year in everything Diva and I have done. I consider myself lucky to have friendships that started with a common interest in Aussies and have turned into so much more. Thanks for answering my endless questions and offering advice when I was getting frustrated with training! 2013 MVA, just saying ;).

Nancy Chromey, You and spunk were there with Diva and I when we earned our CD. If I remember correctly you kicked our butt then and just for good measure you did it at Nationals too ;). All joking aside, it is great to trial with you Nancy. Spunk is a super star! PS: Thank you for the Starbucks and ride to Walmart in West Bend.  

This might not be the most exciting blog post but if it does nothing else I hope it shows the network of people that it takes to make dreams come true. Having friends and family that are willing to make sacrifices so that you can reach your dreams is a humbling thing. I hope that I have been worthy of those sacrifices. Wisconsin was an amazing experience. Diva and I had many success and we tasted bitter disappointment. I met some new friends, saw some great dogs, and most importantly I left wanting "more". 

Novice Obedience Finals 7th Place

Diva posing for a picture on the fair grounds in West Bend, WI.