Defying the Odds

Blitz turned 2 this weekend. It's a small cause for celebration as the vets told me he would only live to be 2. We've had a few scares and some close calls, but overall he is as healthy as can be, in fantastic spirits and his quality of life is excellent. I can't make any predictions as to his life length as things change so suddenly with him. So for now, as with Dusty, we enjoy the here and now and are very, very thankful to have him here with us.
Moto training log: Also this weekend we introduced article #2. After a brief go-over of articles and retrieving of articles I introduced the 2nd article. It was way behind the 1st and correct article which had squeeze cheese on it. Moto did great. After a few times I moved the correct article BEHIND article #2. At first he wanted to retrieve it, but a gentle "ah-ah" and I pointed him to the article with the squeeze cheese on it. Oh....I get it! When he licked the cheese and brought back the right article to my praise his tail wagged and he was so pleased with himself. After that he caught onto the game and truly enjoyed himself. So now we begin the Around The Clock method of training articles and I know progress will continue to be rapid.
He's dropping his eyes a bit on the about turn which we are working on. Otherwise, attention is very very good. He still needs to be reminded to move quickly on his finishes but he is always trying hard. He CAN pop into a sit but I don't think he can physically do it when heeling, his back is just too long. So, a fast sit is critical or this will be our biggest point-loser in the Obedience Game.
Sunday we went to Bridget's and Moto got to see his first goats. Very cute and nimble. He is still fearful and lacking in confidence and the goats immediately sensed this. If they turned to face him he ran away but as Bridget says he DID stick with it and we walked around the pen several times with Moto bringing up the rear. Gosh I hope he "turns on" at some point so we can get some herding titles!