I just want to express my thanks and appreciation to Chris and Amanda and all of the NADAC staff, and of course to Sharon for creating NADAC in the first place. My experience running in my first Champs was really terrific, even better than I had hoped it would be. Even though we were near the bottom in the standings, (which I admit was hard to hear), I was so happy that my dogs and I had confidence and connection and energy, and in some ways performed better than we do at local trials. Why was it a "dream come true" for me? Because i went. I have been doing NADAC for a really long time but never felt ready or brave enough to go. I knew that this year was my last chance to go with my wonderful 10 year old, Penny, so I said dammit, we are going! From working hard to qualify, to saving up my vacation time at work, to joining a gym to get my endurance up, the year was all aimed at going. And we did it!! It was so great to see so many super fast and accurate dogs and handlers running the same courses as we did, in the same huge arena! It's clear that everyone works really hard to get there, and that everyone loves their dogs very much too. I think the thing that stood out for me the most was how much the organizers care about the exhibitors, and care that we all have a good experience. It would have been easier to just say "too bad" when things didn't work out for someone, but instead they were sincere about trying to make it a positive memory for EVERYONE. I'll never forget the look of concern on Chris's face when he asked "Is everything all right???" when I told him I was scratching my dog from one run. Yes, everything was fine, she just doesn't weave, and this course had 5 sets! He immediately understood and gave such a sympathetic look, I knew that I was doing the right thing for me and my dog and wouldn't be discounted because of it. Really glad that I could support NADAC by going to Champs this year, and hope that I can do it again! I'm already working on my list of things to remember for 2019!
-Heidi in NH with Penny and Hi Jack
