Casa Calado ( English) - Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever: Belém

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Monastery of Jerónimos - Belém, Portugal

Never before I had attended an official Agility trial and Caoguros gave me that opportunity,

Pasteis de Belem

participating on the organization of a trial. And what better place than the one of the most beautiful places of Portugal, Belém.

The stage was its gardens, in front of the unforgettable Monastery of Jerónimos and the famous house of the Pasteis de Belém. Everything there shows the story, tradition and true Portuguese culture.

42º Agility Trophy

Angel, on the competition break

For someone that only sees and participates on a trial, doesn’t see the effort, dedication, and in the end, pleasure, around the successful organization of such a trial.

It starts with the maintenance and checking the condition of the obstacles. Then we have to load the obstacles, transport then to the trial site, put together the track and help the judge to place the obstacles. Finally all the documentation must be very carefully made and it is necessary to support all competitors and the judge.

Angel, on the competition break

A lot of work, but that doesn’t take out the pleasure of seeing the several trials, some with success and other without success, but all made with lot of enthusiasm and joy buy the dogs and conductors.

Of course, on the lunch break, me and my Australian Shepherd, Angel, went to try the first level course and it went quite well. Hopefully, next time we are also in the competition.

Without any doubt an unforgettable experience of social interaction with people that work on one of the most enjoyable sports with dogs.

My thanks to the Os Cãoguros for this memorable experience !