By Shanna Wilkinson

As the wind rushed passed my face, Holly flew over the next jump. I looked up "only two more jumps to go," I thought to myself. "Turn" I yelled in an excited voice as Holly turned just in time to clear the triple. "Go, Go," I whispered, holding my breath and hoping that she didn't run past the last jump. Holly knew exactly what to do; it was as if our hearts were one. After Holly flew over the last jump, she leaped into my arms and gave me a big, wet, sloppy kiss. I heard screams come from my loved ones and friends. I couldn't be happier. We had a clean run and we got our excellent jumpers title three days before I turned 18.

Holly is my four-year-old Shetland Sheepdog. She is not only my companion and my team member, she is my best friend. Together we have earned our Excellent JWW title, Open Standard title, CD title, and one leg in Herding.

Together we have learned the rules of Agility, Obedience, Herding, and Confirmation. We have learned how to become one as a team. I have taught Holly tricks, manners, how to watch and listen and how to wait her turn. But, Holly has taught me much more then how to run a course or how to listen. She has taught me the value of friendship, how to work as a team, how to have fun no matter what, that laughing at yourself is OK, that there are more important things then winning, and that no matter what happens in the ring, the most important thing is, that we had a blast.

My experiences as a junior in Agility, Obedience, and Herding will live with me forever. I will always remember what fun we had in the ring and not what place we took. I will always remember to value friendship and I will always remember how to turn a bad day into an amazing day. Holly has taught me these important things and I will never forget them as we compete for our MACH and for a place in the Agility Nationals.