Vet Check & Practice
This aft was our vet check at the trial site. They checked our rabies certificate, tested our microchip and then did an examination which involved checking the paw pads very closely, feeling the dog's spine and then watching them walk. They also measured all the 'Medium' dogs (Nitro, Chase, Flip & Stevie Ray). Sadly, little JRT Monroe, who has bad allergies and is off her medication due to the really strict drugging rules at FCI, was told that her dog had eye, ear and skin infections and was not allowed in the building! They didn't do any sort of testing other than a visual exam (no swabs, no temperature, nothing). Roxanne, Monroe's owner, is even a vet, but the FCI vet wouldn't believe that it was allergies 
We are all quite devestated by the news as Monroe, Roxanne and her husband Chad have been wonderful assets to the Canadian team. This also leaves us short a dog in the Mini division, so we won't be able to field a Mini Team. Bounder & Copine will still run in the Individual events on Saturday & Sunday however.
We had 16 minutes for our team practice. The ring was divided into 3 sections, each with one of the contacts. The jumps were able to be moved if desired, but not the weaves, tunnels or contacts. A few minutes prior to our practice, Susan G. & Adrian came up with some great little exercises based on how the course was set. Our team dogs were divided into Mini & Medium dogs, Black "large" dogs and Red "large" dogs. Team 'Red Dog' (Spirit, Rio, Encore) had our own section and we had a phenominal practice session although I've never had 16 minutes go so fast! Our poor dogs were begging for water when our time was up.
Crating of our dogs is very 'interesting' to say the least!!! Almost all the countries are packed together on the concourse level around the stands. It really doesn't appear very secure at all as they are right at the access point to the upper levels of the bleachers! Team Canada is squished between Italy & Russia and thankfully doesn't have any windows like other teams do as the sun was really beating down on most other teams areas. The most interesting part is that we are right in front of the beer kiosk! We have beer taps in our crating area!!!! Yes, of course I tried. They aren't turned on
A little bit tight for crating.... Sort of feels like Flyball!
"I'll take a pint please!"
It turns out that the Americans, Brits and one other country (that I can't remember!) have change rooms under the arena because the organizers were afraid of terrorist threats against those countries..... We're a little jealous of their crating arrangements, but are happy not to be thought of as being in the crosshares of some doggie terroist!
We met up with Fred Waters after watching practices this morning and then Jane Buckley as we headed back to the Ice Hall. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces and they were a very welcome addition during our quick practice time.
I think I've forgotten to mention the weather here. Since the moment we landed in Helsinki, the skies have been cloud free and the sun shining. Apparently this is a bit unheard of around here. Everyone is out walking and the patios are fully populated even though it is around the 15C mark. It's perfect walking weather. The only problem with the warm weather is that we don't appear to have airconditioning in our room and have to keep the window open (even that doesn't cool down our room). With the open window, we are treated to plenty of downtown city noises (which Rio, the country dog, really couldn't figure out the first night), many drunk Finns leaving the pubs (there are very few restaurants around our hotel, but TONS of pubs that don't serve food?!), fighting pigeons and this morning, very loud street sweepers.
Tonight we are having a team dinner, with just the team members. Tomorrow is our big day—we run first in the morning and then last in the evening. For now, I think its time to have a little R&R.
Send some good vibes our way tomorrow and don't forget to wear your red CAT shirts!!! Hey—if anyone questions you at the office, just claim your are supporting the troops' wear red on Friday 'campaign' (I know that's not the right term, but I'm too tired and can't think lol). Hmmmmm..... Some of you on the West Coast may have to sleep in your red shirts to ensure I have good luck while running!!!
Rio & I are ready to rock and feel like we are peaking at the perfect time Go Red Dogs & Team Canada!
We are all quite devestated by the news as Monroe, Roxanne and her husband Chad have been wonderful assets to the Canadian team. This also leaves us short a dog in the Mini division, so we won't be able to field a Mini Team. Bounder & Copine will still run in the Individual events on Saturday & Sunday however.We had 16 minutes for our team practice. The ring was divided into 3 sections, each with one of the contacts. The jumps were able to be moved if desired, but not the weaves, tunnels or contacts. A few minutes prior to our practice, Susan G. & Adrian came up with some great little exercises based on how the course was set. Our team dogs were divided into Mini & Medium dogs, Black "large" dogs and Red "large" dogs. Team 'Red Dog' (Spirit, Rio, Encore) had our own section and we had a phenominal practice session although I've never had 16 minutes go so fast! Our poor dogs were begging for water when our time was up.
Crating of our dogs is very 'interesting' to say the least!!! Almost all the countries are packed together on the concourse level around the stands. It really doesn't appear very secure at all as they are right at the access point to the upper levels of the bleachers! Team Canada is squished between Italy & Russia and thankfully doesn't have any windows like other teams do as the sun was really beating down on most other teams areas. The most interesting part is that we are right in front of the beer kiosk! We have beer taps in our crating area!!!! Yes, of course I tried. They aren't turned on
A little bit tight for crating.... Sort of feels like Flyball!
"I'll take a pint please!"
It turns out that the Americans, Brits and one other country (that I can't remember!) have change rooms under the arena because the organizers were afraid of terrorist threats against those countries..... We're a little jealous of their crating arrangements, but are happy not to be thought of as being in the crosshares of some doggie terroist!
We met up with Fred Waters after watching practices this morning and then Jane Buckley as we headed back to the Ice Hall. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces and they were a very welcome addition during our quick practice time.
I think I've forgotten to mention the weather here. Since the moment we landed in Helsinki, the skies have been cloud free and the sun shining. Apparently this is a bit unheard of around here. Everyone is out walking and the patios are fully populated even though it is around the 15C mark. It's perfect walking weather. The only problem with the warm weather is that we don't appear to have airconditioning in our room and have to keep the window open (even that doesn't cool down our room). With the open window, we are treated to plenty of downtown city noises (which Rio, the country dog, really couldn't figure out the first night), many drunk Finns leaving the pubs (there are very few restaurants around our hotel, but TONS of pubs that don't serve food?!), fighting pigeons and this morning, very loud street sweepers.
Tonight we are having a team dinner, with just the team members. Tomorrow is our big day—we run first in the morning and then last in the evening. For now, I think its time to have a little R&R.
Send some good vibes our way tomorrow and don't forget to wear your red CAT shirts!!! Hey—if anyone questions you at the office, just claim your are supporting the troops' wear red on Friday 'campaign' (I know that's not the right term, but I'm too tired and can't think lol). Hmmmmm..... Some of you on the West Coast may have to sleep in your red shirts to ensure I have good luck while running!!!
Rio & I are ready to rock and feel like we are peaking at the perfect time
Go Red Dogs & Team Canada!
Tiffany:
run like the wind, sail over those jumps and cut the turns tight. We are with you all the way. Good luck
Jane N-R and JT
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Go red dogs! Best of luck Tiffany along with the rest of the team! Your blog goes great with my morning Java at work!
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Hi Tiff: I have worn the "red shirt" to the gym EVERY morning this week!! I will definitely be wearing it tomorrow knowing it is your BIG day and will be sending positive vibes your way. That is great that Rio is having such fantastic practices. I am sure Piper would send good wishes too...but she is too busy sulking because she was left behind while you and Rio travel the world!!! What a fickle sibling!!
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Best of luck to everyone but especially to Crazy Girl's favourite instructor.
I'll definitely wear my red shirt tomorrow!
All the best,
Jenn
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Tiff, you and Rio have been peaking at the right time for 4 years... You girls are gonna rock! After hearing the good news about who made the Large Dog Team, my first thoughts were: NOW, we have a shot at Gold!!! Canada could not be better represented! Run like hell my friend! Nath
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I was silly and didn't buy a shirt- but I will be thinking of you--- Good luck. Say hello to Linda O H for me.
Go Canada Go
Judith
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Just want to say how much I am enjoying your blogs and to wish you & Rio and all of Team Canada the best of luck tomorrow as the competition begins. Tell Rio that there will be lots of squirrels awaiting her attention when she arrives back homr!
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GOOD LUCK!! Love all the updates!!
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Best of luck to you and the whole team this weekend. I'll be cheering for you and Rio all the way. Thanks for letting us share your adventure.
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Tiff, Good Luck to you and Rio tomorrow!
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Good Luck tomorrow Tiff!! You and Rio (with your teammates) will rock the world I am sure
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Tiffany -
Good Luck!! I will be rooting for the RED TEAM all the way - Thank you for the great blog. It is almost like being there - almost....
Go Rio and Tiffany!
Kathy
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Hey Tiff, best of luck to you, Rio and the rest of Team Canada. We all know you will do amazing! Love your blog, thanks so much for sharing your adventure! Can't wait to hear how you and the Team make out tomorrow. we are all cheering for you!
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Hi Tiffany,
Your blog has been awesome! I've enjoyed reading it all week and checking out the pics. Best of luck to you, Rio and the red team!! We'll be anxiously waiting for news.
Gail
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Best of luck to you and Rio!
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Good luck tomorrow! Flare will be cheering for her mom! Go Rio and Tiff!!! Oh ya and all other team members. Sorry to hear about the little jack, that is heart breaking...
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Best of luck Tiffany and Rio from your Burlington fans. Can't wait to hear the results!
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Go Tiffany and Rio!!!! I have been wearing my Canada shirt to the confusion of those that just don't understand (can I be an honorary Canadian?). Doggie terrorist?? Great something else to worry about. I wonder if they will have a alert sign for that like they do at the airport HIGH ALERT LOL
Go team Canada! Go Mommy Rio!!! Go Tiffany!!!
Have fun!
Christy, Flynn and everyone at the Parlapiano house!!
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Tiff and Gang
Fabulous BLOG and great information on how you get ready for the competition. Very best wishes for bringing home buckets of ribbons for Canada.
Love George
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We're watching your blog carefully, and loving all the updates!! Good luck to you and Rio, and to all of Team Canada! Have a blast with your runs tomorrow - we're all cheering for you
~Sarah, Scott, Julia and Thai (who wishes that his humans would let him run agility, I'm sure!)
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Good Luck Tiffany, I love this blog. You should become a writer after this venture. What will I do in the mornings after this event is over?
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Best of luck to Rio, Tiff and the entire Canadian team.
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Good luck Tiffany, Rio and the whole Canadian team and a special good luck to the red dogs from you know who aka Biff.
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Great Blog - Hope all ran well this morning, trying to get updates, but not having any luck finding out about Canada - I can tell you Brazil seems to be doing really well! Fanny Gott posted some warm up coverage - Susan, Lynda and Adrian - great to see they were on fire. Footing looks great! So wish I was there......but with blogs like this - I feel very much included!! The situation with Roxane is awful......what a shame!!! She is a stong person to continue on with team spirit!!!
Go RED DOG's Go..........and ofcourse the entire team!!! Shouting from afar.....Sarah and Gabby!!!!!
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Just watched the Large Dog Team runs - way to go you two! A beautiful run! It is so exciting to be able to watch the runs so quickly after they happen. Good luck with the standard run - can't wait to see it!
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Hi Sue: Can you share where you are finding the runs on here? I am not having much luck finding them. Thanks.
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I'm so excited for you all! I'm sending good vibes your way! I love the way that this blog is set up.....almost like I'm there but not quite :>( Go Canada Go!
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Hi Tiff,
I've been checking your blog. It's so exciting. I also watched your jumpers run on YouTube. WELL DONE! Keep up the good work. Hi to Nan as well.
Good luck.
Charlotte
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watched you on You tube. I am sure all canadian agility enthusiast are proud and excited for you. congratualations. sorry you and Rio are not running the individual courses
Jane N-R and JT
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Go Mom(s) Go !
We both wish you guys and the whole team good running! Have fun !
H & Goose-man
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Great Jumper's run Tiff and Rio, it was awesome to be able to watch the video already!Congrats!!!hope you kick some butt in the standard team. would of loved to have seen you run the individuals. Go Canada!
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Awesome!Zephyr and I just wanted to add in our Congrats! You and Rio look like a well-oiled machine. Go Canada and Go red dogs! Looking forward to more updates
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Way to go, Tiffany and Rio, and all of Team Canada!
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