[John Schmidt]

Is it possible to have the union of all these sets not lead to the empty set?

1. Retriever trainers
2. Spouse and family -- have at least one child under the age of 18
3. Competitive in field trials -- get to the last series of All-Age stakes
4. Work 40 hours a week
5. Train dogs without aid of a pro
6. Sleeps in the same bed as spouse

I'm trying to do the above, but it is pretty daunting. If you are in this set, want to share some tips on how you do it?

John

 

[AmiableLabs]

Hehe! :lol:

Well, I don't fit #3 yet, but I am getting there.

I am blessed in that my wife loves these dang dawgs more than I do.

Heck, she loves them more than she does me! :lol:

 

[Kristie Wilder]

I'm sure there are a good number of people running the national right now that fit that bill to some extent. I would think a decent percentage use the help of a pro, just as a best guess. Although I have heard we have a pretty darn high divorce rate in our sport... I'm sure we can all name a "few" people whose marriages are no longer.

-Kristie

 

[junbe]

NO!!! But if you change the word union to intersection you probably have your original intent of the question.

 

[EdA]

If you get the "right " dog your only encumberment may be #6, unless of course, you also happen to have the "right spouse". Kid under 18= indentured servant bird thrower, 40 hour week leaves lots of training time esp. with daylight savings time, the help of a GOOD PRO would definitely be advantageous but not essential, and if you've got the right dog being competitive is NO PROBLEM, the biggest problem is how long it takes to get the "right dog", some participate for years without ever having one, some get lucky the first time. Field trials are for people who savor success but don't necessarily expect it. It can be a long ride, but where else can you go and run your dog, have it do well, and then root for all your friends to screw up.

 

[John Schmidt]

NO!!! But if you change the word union to intersection you probably have your original intent of the question.

Intersection, that's it! How right you are. Goes to show you how easy it is to fall on your face when you try to be cute.

John

 

[AmiableLabs]

. . .Kid under 18= indentured servant bird thrower. . .

Too true! We had it good for the last decade! But now --

My oldest boy turned 20, has a job and attends college, so doesn't throw for us very often anymore. My youngest boy, just turned eighteen and ships out for Marine Corps boot camp in seventeen days. :?

 

[Kristie Wilder]

This is actually really sad... But I did some research on adoption (even though I can and hopefully will naturally have children) and there were LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of kids that were almost at their 18th birthday awaiting families. That is so tragic.

But to bring a little bit of humor into it... You could adopt a whole crew of bird-boy-ready kids. No need to wait until they come of age.

How about foster kids?

Geesh, this sounds distasteful. I'm going to quit.

-Kristie

 

[Anthony Heath]

John,

I fit into your group of "sets" quite well.

Intersection of all varies.

#6 varies throughout the year. Less so in the Spring and Fall (Trial season for me) :lol: :evil: :shock:

#3 1st dog, not quite 4yo, and have finished a couple of AA stakes so far.

Anthony

 

[Chris Kingrea]

I don't know if it's possible or not John, but I'm gonna die tryin'.

Add several SHIFT WORK hours to #4, and then add a #7 of being "grounds poor" and I fit into your "problem" nicely. Get back with me in about a year or two.