Hope Springs Eternal

It's been a rough patch these past few weeks but for now things are looking up: my brother-in-law is eligible for a clinical trial close to home. We are now just waiting for them to tell him when he can start. Hurry up and wait, it's driving us all crazy and Barry is not getting any better while we wait. At least we have some hope and I'm grateful for that.
My husband got a job. It's a temp-to-hire one, but it's 12 weeks of no cash hemmorage so again, I'm grateful for that. It will be even better if after 12 weeks they decide to keep him.
The arrival of Pinch has changed things up considerably obedience-wise. Honestly speaking, it's a lot less pressure on Moto. I enjoy being competitive in the ring and while Moto *may* be competitive, it's more likely than not he'll be a dog who earns his titles with a happy smile and a green ribbon. Now that I have two dogs to train I'm OK with that.
We're off to another trial this weekend with Moto in Wildcard Novice. This setting will be a bit more challenging as it will be on soccer turf. They say it's "air conditioned but not refrigerated". Hmmmm. I plan on packing our battery fans. This could mean things will be a bit toasty. Depending on how he does I may debut him in Novice in the fall. He's qualified every single time in the non-regular classes so it may be time to get him out there.
Pinch will be coming along to get him used to the show ring environment. While he takes his surroundings in he reacts unlike any of my other dogs: say it's a big noisy fan along the wall. Most of mine will first shy away from it. Pinch runs towards it as if to say "Neat! What is that fun thing?" This pup thrives on change and new surroundings. This is both a good and bad thing. I'm pushed more than ever to keep thinking of new things to do with him, and how to present regular stuff in a new way to him. It's hard work but in the very best way.
So....hope springs eternal this weekend. First goal is for Moto to qualify. Ultimate goal is to have a good time and a nice effort. Best part of a road trip is snuggling with the dogs on the bed after the show. Moto's big fluffy body next to mine is a bit of Nirvana. Pinch cuddles briefly but likes to explore. We'll see if he's a good "bed dog" as he grows up!