Did you make a New Year Resolution ….?
To get fit(ter)?
To get a (PT) Personal Trainer)?
Join a gym?
Get that old bike out?
Well, there’s no need!
You can have a PT (POINTER Trainer)
Save money!
And still get the bike out!
Canicross and Bikejor beckon. Join a club, make friends! One adopter has achieved great heights and would be happy to tell you how to get started.
So massive congratulations to Susan and her Team. They’re an inspiration!
“It’s been a few years since I last shared an update on my pair from Pointers In Need: Jack from Cyprus and Claire from Turkey.
“Jack is now almost 16 and, despite being on daily medication, is still pretty fit — very much fit as a flea.
“At Christmas, we took part in a social run with our local Canicross club. William, who originally raced with Jack asked if he could come along. William is a friend’s son, now 8 years old, who, like his brother, wanted to have a shot at Canicross . But they only had one dog! Jack stepped up for the role . These two share a special bond, and Jack absolutely adores William.
“I agreed, explaining that Jack would only manage a gentle trot, with no pulling, and that I’d stay at the back with them.
“Needless to say, those plans went out of the window. Off the rest of the club went — including William and Jack — with Jack flying along, tail in the air and clearly delighted with himself. So much for a leisurely stroll for our pensioner!
“Jack was the first racing dog for William, when he was 6 . He was trusted to look after him, which he did brilliantly. That partnership was cemented early on. Although William is now far too fast for Jack (he’s current Vice World Champion in School Boys Canicross ), they both still love the opportunity to meet up
“It can be such a great job for your older dog, if they still have fitness. Juniors need a steady reliable dog when starting out. It also gives your senior a new role. Jack absolutely loved being involved in the sport again and seemed to know he was looking after William too
“Now on to 7 year old Lady Claire. When rescued in Turkey by Pointers In Need, Claire was underweight and in very poor condition. But her resilience shone through, and after a month of care and feeding, she was deemed fit enough to travel (see picture below of her on arrival). It’s hard to believe this skinny girl is the same dog as the supreme athlete you see today,
“True to her name, she keeps us on our toes with her cheeky behaviour, balanced perfectly by her courage on the trails and her incredibly loving and loyal nature at home. She also does an excellent job of keeping the boys in the household in line.
“I’ve mentioned previously that Claire had a toe amputated following an accident when she jumped out of the car — worried she was missing out on something! I was understandably very concerned about how she would cope. Five years on, those worries seem almost unbelievable. Claire has since won numerous Canicross gold medals, represented Great Britain four times, and in December achieved a personal best on a trail where we had held the record since just six months after she arrived with us at the age of two.
“Claire has proven that her unlucky beginnings and toe amputation did not limit her in any way, and it is a true testament to her determination and character. She gives me absolutely everything on the trail.
Two years ago, I transitioned Claire to Bikejor — a sport similar to Canicross – but with the dog attached to a bike. It is considered easier on the dog, as the rider can assist by pedalling and, once rolling, the resistance is much lower than in Canicross.
“As expected, Claire embraced her new role immediately, and we went on to win our first very technical local race. I’m fairly sure we both crossed the finish line smiling from ear to ear.
“Last year, I decided to enter us into Bikejor at the British Championships. We compete in Bikejor purely for enjoyment, as Claire is smaller and a little older than many of the competing dogs. For that reason, I was absolutely delighted when we finished the season ranked 5th in the UK.
This season she out did herself again not only taking us to a silver medal, but overall bronze position in our category. This means a guaranteed place for the World Championships in November. What an incredible dog, once again, proving that I should never underestimate her abilities. What we lack in pace, she more than makes up for in heart.
“My Rescues have changed my life in countless positive ways. They are the most loving and loyal dogs anyone could ask for, and I cannot recommend Canicross or Bikejor enough. If you’re interested in giving either a try, please look up your local club, or feel free to contact me via Facebook or Instagram at Pointerfaces_Canicrosstails — I’m always happy to offer advice where I can.”
Adopter Susan Fraser
Editor’s Note: Susan told me that Claire, the Pointer, has the same Passport birthday as Claire, Pointers In Need CEO!
Named after her by her Rescuers before adoption. It’s quite uncanny – Susan’s description of Turkish Claire “determined, gives her all, and keeps the Team in order!”
Remind you of anyone?
