Box Loader - Chris Moore

  I have been involved with Flyball since 2002.

  My dog, Truffles, a Kelpie, was handled by my daughter Anne and I travelled to each competition in which they were entered.

  My daughter also ran Jimmy, a black Staffy.

  I began as a boxloader at Ballarat 2005 when the team needed someone to put the tennis balls into the box for each dog.

  Boxloading can be a taxing job.  Which side, left or right?  Large ball or small ball? Do I need to brace myself for the fast dogs on their turns or back off as a flying   

  Staffy  hits the box front on?  Does that dog need to rerun?  Was that a second false start?  What's the order?

   It is great to see new dogs at their first competition, the handler being more nervous than the dog.  Competition is fierce and excitement levels rise when a dog

   achieves his/her first title or adds to the titles list.  Flyball is a team sport and enjoyed by both dogs and humans.

   I have travelled to Redcliffe, Canberra and Sydney and we as a team are looking forward to hosting this years "Nationals" at Dandenong , Victoria.