Clean Run - May 2017 - 36

Spring ahead, agility fans. There's a magical anti-aging cure.
It's not a serum, not a potion, not a snake oil. It's the dog
agility that lives in your heart. Don't stop. Keep it ticking!
Get out there with those dogs and dive into the fray. Start small,
pick your topic, get out a clicker or a tennis ball and just start.
Apply sunscreen. Treat yourself! Apply
more than you've been using, those
UVA rays are burning bright these
days with the skinny ozone and all, and
you're due for thousands of practice
hours starting now. Plus you need to
move all that equipment, that grass is
growing like crazy, and there's mowing
to be done. Add Chapstick if you're
feeling fancy.

train more verbals and distance skills if
you need to, add those onto the list of
yes we can. And buy bigger sized shorts.

Refresh.
Accessorizing your dog with some zippy
new colors can really brighten up their
complexion and make you feel like a
million bucks when you step to the line
and pull the tuggy leash off their head
while they're still trying to tug on it and
won't let you rip it out of their mouth.
When's the last time you got your dog
a new fleece leash and matching collar?
Spring's the perfect time to add two or
three or four or seven or whatever to
your collection. Support small business.
Order from your friendly neighborhood
fleece braider. How about turquoise?

Transform.
You're going to want to review the sturdy foundation garments for the good of
your girls. Uniboob to your heart's content, but keep them supported, because
those puffy jackets are sloughing off
this month. Gentlemen, you're probably
okay without a cup. Are thongs still in?
Not in dog agility, they're not.
Don't be bitter, add more glitter. The
layered look is coming in strong for spring, there can never be
too much moisture wicking, and nothing says decel like antibacterial socks. Parkas, be gone! Go from winter to spring
seamlessly in style, avoid unsightly farmer/dog trainer tans
lines by moving in leisurely increments. Long sleeves before
short sleeves, short sleeves before tank tops, end with spaghetti straps by June.

Energize.
Have you detoxed away the holidays? Did your January resolutions keep resolving or did they whither and slither away to
die? More veggies! It's garden time! How about some border
collieflower? Not really a recipe, just a food pun. But isn't it
a good one? Cruciferous vegetables have vitamins that help
your skin, your brain, your bones. Dig in! Hydrate! Throw ice
cream, wine, and extra buttery artisan baked goods into the
basket of deplorables located under the sink.
Didn't do a lot of running over the winter, did we? Legs feel a
bit jello-y and the jello-y bits feel a bit, well, particularly jello-y?
Yeah, sorry about that if you feel like your feet are being held
underwater in a viscous stew of maple syrup and butter. Mmm.
Pancakes. One foot in front of the other. And you can always

Reinvent.
Maybe that winter break from trialing gave you a new perspective of self-awareness. Self-awareness, very in for spring;
narcissism, very out. Ready to get out of your rut of unsavory
behavior? No more internal temper tantrums or globby weep
fests for you. Turn over a minty fresh new leaf and send some
positive vibes out there into the universe, it could use them
right now. Hear the call of Spring, the universe needs your
good vibes, dog agility trainers!

Hope.
Spring ahead, agility fans. There's a magical anti-aging cure. It's
not a serum, not a potion, not a snake oil. It's the dog agility
that lives in your heart. Don't stop. Keep it ticking! Get out
there with those dogs and dive into the fray. Start small, pick
your topic, get out a clicker or a tennis ball and just start. OK,
not a cure, life still moves on and does what it does. But you
know what, resistors and survivors of oppressive winters?
Dog agility is at least one thing to wrench a smile onto your
face. And, bonus tip. Fewer frown lines give the appearance
of anti-aging as well. No concealer needed. Smile away, spring
is here. D

Laura Hartwick spends a lot of time trying to get better at agility and walking around on a perennial vision quest in the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains with the
brave dogs of Team Small Dog. You can find her at www.teamsmalldog.com.
36

Clean Run | May 17

http://www.teamsmalldog.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - May 2017