We had absolutely glorious weather for our Autumn trial. The leaves are starting to turn and the scenery was wonderful at Blob's Park this past weekend. Cool, but comfortable temps and sunshine had the dogs running fast and the handlers smiling. Our judge Corey Wadja brought some really fun and challenging courses for us to try. Many of us were quite successful, those of us that weren't still had a blast.
A big part of the October trial is the gigantic raffle. Something like 100 baskets over the course of two days, carefully compiled by Pat Moloney-Harmon and her awesome basket-making elves from generous donations made by several people over the year. It is a tremendous undertaking and is critical to getting much needed donations for our equipment fund. Over the two days of the trial we received over $800 to put toward new equipment to keep our dogs running happy and safely! Thank you to all who donated, put together baskets and helped to run the raffle. And thanks to those who bought tickets to try their luck. Some of you buy MANY and it is definitely appreciated. Pivotal in making this year's raffle a success was PAWZAZZ Pit Crew Ruth Houser, who not only almost single handedly kept the raffle going, but bought a ton of tickets and had tons of loot to take home back to Florida! Good thing she won the big bag as well to lug home all of her goodies that she didn't share with friends.
Ruth is looking festive in her horns
When they weren't busy running dogs or working their tails off, several club members were participating in puppy playtime with their new teammates. There is a huge crop of baby dogs getting ready to start intro class in the Spring! Deb Baracco and Spy, Phyllis Hayden and Beamer, Patty Kimball and Elli, Charlotte Idleman and Torrey, Val Embrey and Carly and Sam Lietz and Squeak all took part in the fun! What a great group of puppies!
Elli and Carly having a good laugh at the boys' expense (L-R, Torrey, Spy, Beamer, Elli, Carly)
Torrey is learning to keep up with the big boys
Squeak catches Carly by surprise!
Speaking of baby dogs, we had some big debuts at this trial as well. First time handlers as well as seasoned handlers with their young dogs made their impact on the agility world. Welcome to the madness Beth Strother and Keegan, Ralph Corey and Buster and Susan Eiss and Jessie!
Keegan is flying!
Ralph and Buster running well
Jessie catching some air over the aframe
And taking the agility journey full circle, Mary McGlannan and Roscoe ran their last runs in competition. Mr Roscoe is now retired from agility but will continue working with Mary doing Nosework, which Roscoe loves!
There were lots of accomplishments, both big and small. Huge congrats go to the following:
Paula Goss and Trae - Versatility NATCH-8
Debbie Burdick and Dart - NATCH-4 and Versatility NATCH-3
Nicole Bailey and Jinn - Open Triple Superior
Joan Sullivan and Lucy (aka Lucy Goose Landshark) - Open Triple Superior
Steve Kowal and Sapphire - Open Triple Superior
Stephanie Reitz and Seamus - Superior Novice Chances and 1,000 Lifetime Points!
Diana Deadrick and Chesnee - Superior Open Regular
Connie Day and Arthas - Outstanding Novice Tunnelers
Connie Day and Jaina - Novice Tunnelers, Novice Regular titles
Peggy Simpson and Davy - Qualified for 2013 Champs!
Beth Strother and Keegan - A Q on his very first run!
We also celebrated Deb Baracco and Jet earning their Platinum Speed Star and Platinum Versatility Speed Star the week before at the CIA trial. That's a lot of VERY fast runs and one great team!
After it was all said and done we handed out the High in Trial Awards way to go guys!
Elite - Nicolette Eaton and Canon tied with Nicole Bailey and Jinn
Elite Veterans - Tom Moloney-Harmon and Piper tied with Peggy Simpson and Davy
Open - Lynn Sipe and Hootie
Novice - Diane Gilliam and Circe, a.k.a. "Brick House"
It was a fun time, a great way to end our 2012 trials. See everyone in February!
All photos courtesy of our amazing club photographers: Priscilla Warnock, Deb Baracco and Ken Briefel
