The Truth In Flyball Never Dies

I started this blog because I believed the truth in flyball was needed, was missing (at the time), and perhaps would help flyballers and the sport. 

http://flyballcanbefun.blogspot.com/2012/04/heres-what-to-expect-truth-about.html


Now, two and half years later, I wonder did this blog or the truth help in any way?  On a personal level, I know it has helped me and the flyballers closest to me.  On an organizational level, e.g., NAFA and U-FLI, I think it has helped some folks sort out a few things but has yet to help either organization on a long-term or permanent level.  On a group or team level, a tiny bit of progress has been noticeable.


This leads me to confirmation that some people thrive on the truth and some people prefer to ignore and hide (from) the truth either out of fear or some other negative motivator.  It also confirms for me the truth in flyball never dies.
 

Here are a few examples:

1) Growth of flyball...NAFA used to publish a Growth Chart on the corporate information page of their website...it's been missing for at least a year now (maybe 2 years).  Here's the last chart I'm aware of:  http://www.flyball.org/nafa_numbers.html

Since they've removed the chart, it makes me wonder why and what do they not want to show other flyballers.  I've heard there has been a pretty big decline in participation over the past several years but I have not personally been able to look at any stats since the chart is no longer published.  

U-FLI stats have never been available to flyballers as far as I know. 

From a personal standpoint, I have no clue whether either organization is ignoring or hiding the truth, but perhaps it really doesn't matter.  I am now going to be just one of 'those flyballers who only wants to play with her dogs and only cares whether there are working lights'.  Nah, I'm just kidding.  

The truth is, for many years, I had been caught up in other flyballer's interests.  I knew it had happened, but I went along with it.  Some of it was simply thrust on my shoulders without my really wanting it.  But, I like helping people fulfill their dreams and along the way there were some successes, and I had some really fun times.  

Now, however, I just want to play with my dogs.  And, my friends.  And, I still care what happens to the sport and the truth in flyball.
   

2) Stories about flyball beginnings... one of my former teams is having an exciting anniversary, 10 years!  Whoo-hoo!  I love that it's still going.  And, I love that they are promoting and sharing the history of how flyball got started in their Region. 

What I've noticed, however, is things being omitted in the stories.  The stories are so far, in my perspective, an incomplete version of history.  Perhaps new truths will be told and perhaps some people will choose to tell the complete history.  I believe the whole truth is a good thing and I have hope the full story will be told.


3) Team splits caused by mean people damage the sport of flyball...another team I know recently went through a split-up caused by people being unkind, purposefully hurtful and mistreating their teammates.  What I noticed is the events were told in two completely different versions.  And, some people refused to listen to others.  Therefore, some were able to deny the truth until it was too late.  Almost one year later, a few of them listened and then were able to admit and acknowledge the truth.  Despite knowing the truth, In their viewpoint, it no longer mattered and could still be ignored.  To the other people, severe damage had been done; perhaps damage that may be permanent.  


These three examples are somewhat disheartening, I think, because it is a repetitive pattern in flyball everywhere.  What gives me peace, however, is knowledge (that) the truth is always out there waiting and it will continue to be told by those who know it and it will continue to be heard by those who listen.

I continue to believe the truth lives forever and truly sets one free.






Let all you do be done in love.
[1Corin 4:16]


 

 

Respectfully,
I Like Flyball!
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Follow The Dogs

You've heard the quote 'follow the money', right?      

I was reminded of this concept again recently when I came across another flyball announcement posted from someone else regarding their acquisition of a puppy for the specific purpose of playing flyball.  The puppy was said to be from a flyball lineage; both male and female parents were great flyball dogs.  From the announcement, it appeared the breeding was purposeful and strictly for flyball.  Also, it appeared there was great pride associated with both the breeding and the acquisition of the puppy.

Dog breeding has always struck me oddly compared to how some of my dog friends feel about it.  I try very hard not to judge those who choose to purposefully breed and sell or give away the puppies from the breeding.  It's tough for me and I readily admit that.

My dog acquisitions have all been rescue dogs.  Shelter dogs, rescue group dogs, fostered dogs looking for a new home.  I have never thought about nor desired to get a dog from a breeder nor to subsequently breed any of my dogs...never.  To me, there are way too many dogs who need homes out there and I could never purposefully contribute to any more of them.

Those are my thoughts and I believe most folks who also rescue may have some if not all of the same thoughts.

I have no idea how or what a dog breeder thinks.  I've heard others say why they think breeders do what they do.  To better the breed or to continue a good breed is all I can truthfully remember as sounding like possibly legitimate reasons in my perspective.  And maybe these are motives I can relate to on some level.  That's where my ability to relate ends.

Over the past several years, some breeders have taken up breeding specific 'sport dogs'.  These dogs are said to be designed for optimal physical traits that contribute to highly successful athletic abilities.  Also, over the years I've heard of flyballers who specifically breed their team dogs and then sell or give away the puppies to other flyballers.

Here's where the phrase 'follow the dogs' comes in.

There are some big names (i.e., flyball teams) in flyball who are now in the business of breeding for the sport.  Perhaps their motives are all good.  Since I am unable to relate to this type of business, I have a lot of reservations.  I know my motives are all good.  I want the best for flyball and for flyballers.

And, my most important desire is for what's best for the dog(s).

In my mind, there are tons of dogs out there who can be rescued and who would be great at flyball.  I think I'll always look there first whenever I decide to add to my family again.

And, I will pray.

 



Sincerely,

I Like Flyball!

     

How about something new in flyball...well, new for me at least.  Up til now I'd say 99% of my blog has been devoted to just about everything except training and my dogs.  This morning I decided to just do it differently...yeah!

Last weekend my newest flyball-dog-to-be successfully did a 4-pawed box turn at practice.  She's a tall and long husky type and I can't tell you how excited I was when she repeated the turn several more times.  She has a really happy and fun spirit and is learning soooooo fast it makes my head spin.

And, it makes me reminisce a little about my flyball experiences over the past 15 years.  Just last November, I retired my first flyball dog after 13 successful years consistently playing and competing.  She turned 14 just before retirement.  What a joy it is to have played at the sport with her for so many years and my heart is overflowing thanks to her!  The year before, 2012, I retired my second flyball dog (hmmm, she was also 14 at the time, sweet).  She just turned 15 last month.  I am thankful every day for both these wonderful spirits who came into my life and shared themselves with me.

So, now we are all sharing flyball with the newbie in our household and things are starting to click.  I think we will be introducing the ball into the 4-pawed swimmer's turn pretty soon.  She already knows the entire course down and back, taught herself to trigger the box (and) catch the ball and return.  I bet she'll be able to put the swimmer's turn into her repertoire in no time.

Practice is coming up in a few days.  Can't wait!  I Like Flyball!