08/04/2026
Our two July agility trial weekends were some of the hardest since Rain’s shoulder injury.
These were our first trials with contacts since coming back, and after four weeks of practicing, I honestly thought we’d pick up right where we left off.
We didn’t.
After our CPE trial, I was heartbroken. I questioned everything - even whether Rain still enjoyed agility. I was frustrated, discouraged, and honestly considered quitting.
But then I started talking with people who have achieved so much in this sport. One of them simply said, “I can help you. We can fix that.”
Those words gave me hope.
After our CPE trial, we had an AKC trial the following weekend. I treated it as training. And although it wasn’t perfect, there were glimpses of the team we know we can be. I saw them. Others saw them. And it reminded me that we’re still worth investing in.
Last week at physical therapy, we got another piece of good news - Rain’s shoulders look great, and our therapist doesn’t believe pain is what’s causing what we’re seeing. One more step toward finding the answers.
Then something happened that I’ll never forget.
A little gecko ran across the therapy room, and of course Rain chased it! (No gecko was harmed)
Later, I got in my car, and the radio was talking about the spiritual meaning of lizards.🦎 How Lizards symbolize renewal, adaptation, and letting go of what no longer serves you.
I immediately teared up.
Because for me, that was God reminding me that healing isn’t about becoming who we were before. We have the opportunity to adapt and become a new, stronger team together now!
I’ve spent so much time wanting us to be the team we were before the injury.
But the truth is... we’ll never be that team again.
And maybe that’s exactly the point.
We’re becoming a new team. A stronger team. One with a deeper connection.
And I truly believe God sent me that lizard during our PT appointment to remind me - He isn’t finished with us yet.
Our story isn’t over!
Because Healing isn’t about becoming who we were before. It’s about becoming who we’re meant to be now!
📸: ↞ Beau & Arrow Images ↠ - CPE July 2026 trial
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