Esther Menashe

Town: Portland OR

Occupation: 

PAC Accomplishments: Hospitality chairperson

Agility Dogs:  Bailey Lily, Louie

Major Accomplishment:

Agility/Breed Philosophy: 

I began agility with two West Highland Terriers, Bailey and Lily.  Our oldest Westie, Bailey began life as a very challenging Terrier, because of this we were in constant obedience classes, this eventually led to agility.  In the beginning we just did it for discipline and fun, never planning to actually enter a show.  Eventually we entered a few shows here and there, but Bailey enjoyed the sport but wanted to do it on his "terrier" terms.

 Along came Lily and she loved it and the bug bit us.  Bailey had knee surgery and retired from agility, but started excelling in obedience(at least in class) . Both dogs earned their Companion Dog title that year.  It was so exciting for us.  Even more exciting was watching Lily progress in the sport of agility, she (opposite of Bailey) lived to please me and seemed to love working together.  She recently earned her MX and MXJ titles in AKC.  She is also working on her level 4 and 5 titles in CPE.  I have decided to retire her from AKC as she has reached the ripe old age of 10.  But we will continue classes and going to CPE trials here and there.  

We recently lost Bailey and though I mourned his passing am grateful  to him for taking me on this road.  Had he not challenged me with his "terrier behavior" I would not have been involved in so many classes which eventually led me down the path of agility.  

We now have Louie a 10 month old Bedlington Terrier that has just finished his first puppy agility course.  I am looking forward to many rewarding years of agility and obedience with my new friend, while we gently let Lily play until she let's me know it is time to retire gracefully and leave the running to her new brother Louie.