It happened this way. It was my second herding trial with Robin handling my Border Collie, Dashiell. I get horrible ring nerves at trials, even the ones where I'm not the one running my dog. Whether Dashiell is competing in obedience, agility or herding, it doesn't matter. Of all the dog sports, however, I think herding is the toughest and consequently attracts the toughest competitors.

Robin, of course, is the epitome of the phrase "true grit". Seeing her in action is really something. If she gets the same bad sheep twice in a row, she doesn't miss a beat. Just looks you in the eye and says "Great- I LOVE those sheep!"

Unfortunately, Robin has a chronic, extremely painful gastrointestinal condition. It hit her at that last trial. After running her two dogs, it was time for Dashiell. Others offered, but Robin, fighting severe nausea and discomfort, still insisted on handling him. She gutted it out, literally, for another first place performance. So, when I saw a fellow "lamber" battling a few ring nerves while waiting for her turn, I told her to "Robin up". She got it immediately and so does everyone who knows Robin.

Anyway, that's the inspiration for the "Robin Up" t-shirts. I just got mine and wore it to an obedience trial, where it worked like magic. I received many compliments about how relaxed and confident I looked as Dashiell and I earned our second CD leg. So remember, next time you feel a twinge (or more) of ring nerves: when the going gets tough, just suck it in and "Robin up"!