BETHANY JD
a greyhound, handled by Jaki Wallbank

I would like to preface this picture gallery by mentioning my admiration of anyone who trains a greyhound to do agility. Bethany was a reject from the racing track. It is difficult to understand how many of these graceful dogs are euthanased each year, just because they don't make it at the track. A dedicated group of people run greyhound rescue and Bethany was just one of the lucky ones. Jaki has been amazingly patient developing the bond that is required with a dog to get around an agility course. I have fond memories, especially at Sydney Royal, when Bethany has "disconnected" and gone into greyhound hoon mode, doing circuits of the arena (see picture, bottom in the centre). Jaki has kept the best of humour throughout! Convincing Bethany that it was not torture to go through a tunnel, and then having it slowly dawn on her that it was actually fun and rewarding has been but one of Jaki's challenges. This first title, her JD has been well earnt!