Celebrating Skittles' 4th Birthday: A Journey of Love, Growth, and Learning

Today is a special day—Skittles turns 4! 🎉 It feels like just yesterday that I brought her home in the midst of the pandemic, completely unaware of how much this little dog would change my life. Over the last four years, Skittles has not only become my trusted agility partner but also a constant source of joy, love, and countless life lessons.

The Beginning: A Bond Forged in Uncertainty

I got Skittles during the COVID pandemic, a time of uncertainty for many of us. Having her around gave me a sense of purpose and routine when everything else felt chaotic. While I initially didn’t know we could start agility training at home, Skittles was always eager to learn, and she had boundless energy to match. Her determination to master every skill quickly showed me how much potential she had.

Lessons in Patience

One of the biggest lessons Skittles has taught me is patience. I started training her in agility when she was 2.5 years old, later than I would have liked. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Skittles, it’s that timing doesn’t matter as much as persistence. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, and she showed me the importance of allowing time for growth—both hers and mine as a handler.

Embracing Progress Over Perfection

From the very beginning, it was clear that agility training would be an ongoing journey. As a beginner, I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the amount of work involved, but Skittles never seemed to mind. She would take on each challenge with enthusiasm, reminding me that it’s not about being perfect but about improving with every run. She’s taught me to embrace progress over perfection, a lesson I’ve applied to my life in so many ways.

The Power of Perseverance

Training for agility has required a lot of dedication—not just from Skittles, but from me as well. There were times when it felt like we weren’t making any progress at all, but Skittles’ boundless spirit kept us going. Whether it was mastering a tricky weave or speeding through a tunnel, her perseverance has always been inspiring. It’s because of her that I’ve learned how to stick with things, even when the results aren’t immediate.

The Heart of My Pack

As Skittles turns 4, I can’t help but reflect on the immense role she plays in my life. She’s more than just a dog; she’s a constant companion, a source of comfort, and a reminder that love and determination can take us far. She’s also been a great role model for Bentley, her older sibling, and she’ll soon welcome another dog into our family. I know she’ll continue to be the heart of our little pack, teaching us all the value of patience, progress, and perseverance.

Looking to the Future

Skittles has already taught me so much in her four years, and I know our journey together is just beginning. I look forward to many more years of training, competing, and growing together. As we celebrate her birthday, I’m filled with gratitude for everything she’s brought into my life—especially the lessons I didn’t even know I needed.

Happy 4th birthday, Skittles. Here’s to many more years of love, learning, and endless adventures. 🐾❤️