Startline Rituals: about as religious as I get.

I always have alot to remember before we get to the startline ... and when we get there ... each dog requires something different from me - and my energy is also different with each of them.

I have quite a process to get in the game and pump me up - and get the dogs focused. Each dog has it's own playlist on my iPod - Kaleb's songs are much different that Gyp's. "You're a Jerk" by New Boyz for instance would be played during K's warm-up ... or perhaps "Time Bomb" by Rancid. Miss Gyp on the other hand warms up to more top 40 jams like Nicki Minaj "Moment 4 Life" and a little Lady Gaga "Born this Way" ... sometimes the Dixie chicks even make an iPod run.

It's all about getting into the zone ... and making kaleb fear for his life ... he loves to talk back to me, he makes me crazy and I love it. :)

I always let Gyp know how much she is loved. Her aura keeps me calm and zen-like.

My little Gyppie-do-right as Amanda calls her.

NOTE: kissing kaleb on the top of head ends up with a fat lip and bloody nose. Been there, done that - we'll stick to playing "the claw" and keeping my face far away from his on the startline instead.

(thanks for the awesome photos Aine Perrin)