Jessie is a rescue dog, and came from the local pound. She was re-homed the day before she was due for the 'big needle', at 8 months of age. She has rewarded her owner with unswerving loyalty, and a willingness to try just about anything, as long as there is food involved! She is the first dog her handler has ever owned, let alone trained, and t hey have both learned a lot in their 8-year journey.Jess is a happy and gentle dog. She has had a few challenges in life - being dumped at 6 months of age, and living scrounging in the local pine plantations has left her with an on-going fear of starvation. Then an argument with a car a few years ago left her with a broken rear paw, and more recently a broken front paw when a cow stomped on her. She is now 9 years old, and competing a little less than previously, but is still full of joy, and enthusiasm. Due to her health issues, her handler has been extrememly careful to maintain an appropriate body weight, as well as ensuring fitness. 
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 Above - Coming through the Tyre. A little older and greyer, but Jess still loves running around like a pup! Left: Bright and alert in a 'Sit Stay' Jess watches her surroundings.
Left: Spike and Jessie together. These two dogs have played together for the last 8 years, wrestling as pups and later working together in the ring in Strategic Pairs. At Bairnsdale, March 2014 they gained their SPDM Title; Masters Strategic Pairs Dog. The rapid-fire photographic sequence on the left took less than one second in real time, but demonstrates just how hard these animals work, and the level of fitness they need. Although nine years old, Jess demonstrates the typical action of a jumping dog. 1. Gaining speed: Strong hind quarters and a firm surface are essential. As is a strong drive forward, and a focus on the obstacle to be cleared. The dog must exhibit judgement of speed, pacing, and height in order to clear the jump 2. The powerful hind quarters bunch underneath, taking the dog's weight. At the same time, strong back muscles flex to raise the upper body off the ground. The tail is used for counter-balance, and her head is low, pointing the direction as she launches herself off the ground. 3. Speed and a boost from the muscular rear quarters drive the dog forward. She is suspended in mid-air, front legs tucked up to clear the bar without knocking it. The dog is already focusing on where she will land. Hind legs are either extended flat backwards, or tucked beneath the body depending on the individual animal. 4. Jess extends her front legs ready for landing with hind quarters tightly tucked out of the way, her strong shoulders will absorb the force of her landing. She lands on one front leg, typical of a jumping dog. The other foreleg strikes the ground a splint second later and further forward to absorb momentum. As they strike, the rear legs come up behind and push forward, and her stride continues on towards the next obstacle in the sequence. |
