Can a Sport Save a Dog’s Life? (contains a tissue warning)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/can-a-dog-sport-save-a-dogs-life.html

Lisa Spector November 12, 2014 3:33 pm


Anne Kajava and Manja at World Agility Open in Spain


In June of 2014, Manja, a 10 and 1/2 year-old, high-spirited Sheltie, suffered a stroke or a seizure. At the time of the debilitating episode, she was already qualified for the Cynosport World Agility Games. Just one year prior, she was on Team USA in Spain competing at the World Agility Open. After her stroke in June, veterinary neurologists gave her three to six months to live.

But Manja didn’t hear their prediction and made a miraculous recovery, determined to run her heart out with her trainer/handler/mom, Anne Kajava, at Cynosport World Agility Games in Morgan Hill, California in October 2014. Not only did she run, but this inspirational team won gold in the 12? Speed Jumping Championship category.

Grab some kleenex while you watch the video, which includes Manja’s retirement gold medal run with Anne, owner of Jump’n Java Agility in the San Francisco Bay Area.

A month later, Manja is enjoying her retirement, which includes frequent romps on the beach, and eating all the extra treats she can manage. She is winning at life and teaches us all about hope and gratitude. Manja’s motto is a good one for all of us to remember…. Life is short. Live Tall.

FULL story at link.

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Published on Nov 10, 2014

Manja wins 2014 USDAA Cynosport Performance Speed Jumping Championships!! More importantly--she wins in life--and teaches us about hope and gratitude. Life is short. Live Tall.

[shenmue]

1. OMG squee!

[Enthusiast]

2. Manja!

[yourpicturehere]

3. This is why people compete in dog sport

God, that was great!

I don't do agility, BUT getting out in the ring with your dog and working as a team and totally watching your dog have a blast is one of the greatest things in the world. It's a high like no other. You and your dog are totally on the same page.

To know a dog from the time he is born and to be the first thing he smells and the first gentle hands to stroke him to the time he is leaving this world and to be the last thing he smells and the last gentle hands to touch him is a GIFT. Everything painful and everything frustrating fades into the background when you are with your dog.

I have been lucky enough to do this for 40 years and I will sorely miss it when my body no longer wants to cooperate.

Thanks, Omaha Steve!

[irisblue]

4. well you did say kleenex warning

(wipes cheeks) go Manja! on that victory lap, the weave poles looked as still as statues...