KG Korner page 2

Top Dawg Schutzhund Club December Trial and Holiday Dinner Dec 2 & 3rd, 2006

It was another great Florida December weekend. Absolutely perfect weather for a schutzhund trial, low to mid 70's. Couldn't ask for better. It was our first time to have Judge Gottfried Dildei with us. Entries were a little low but what was exciting was we had 6 BH's and 3 VPG dogs. That is a sure sign that our sport is anything but fading. New dogs mean continued interest.

The highlight of our trial was a member of our sister-club, Peace River's, Alyssa North. She had been training hard and was ready to trial for her VPG 1 with her GSD Ex. What is so cool is that Alyssa is 11 years old. This is her 2nd dog. She got Ex with very little foundation work and trained him herself with help from her training director, Noel Coward and personal coach, Melissa Hepler, both of Peace River.
As always, there was a great crowd and it was time for her to hit the field. She finished her obedience with an 86. Soon to follow was protection. They got a very impressive 91a. The crowd cheered as Gottfried finished their critique and I have to tell you there was a lot of emotion going on from all of us that have watched her grow through the years in the sport. Her parents, of course, were like peacocks.

Alyssa became interested in the sport at the age of 6. She would go with her father, Jamie North, twice a week and watch him work his dog. At one point she decided she wanted to try so she finished her dad's dog and put a BH on it when she was 9. Then she decided she wanted her own dog. The search was on for the perfect dog for her. When the day came, there was no doubt that this was her boy. She has been totally diligent in her efforts to be the best that they can be. I know first hand because I train with them often and I see if for myself. Her club cuts her NO slack. She has to walk the walk and gets treated as everyone else. She sets her goals high and goes for it. Watch for this very impressive team at this years Nationals.

Click here for photos!

It was time for our SEKG meeting and time for new board members to take the reins. On behalf of our KG, I'd like to thank our retiring officers, Caroline Poole, as President, Amanda Hoskinson, as Treasurer and Chris and Cathy Daugaard, Secretary, for doing all that they have in their respective positions. Thanks girls, we know these are thankless jobs. Your dedication is much appreciated.
Our new officers are: Melissa Hepler, President - Connie Johnson , Vice President - Lisa Kiefer, Secretary- Kim Cole, Treasurer and Randy Theen, OfS.

Some good ideas came to the floor to help build our relationships throughout our KG. We now have a social committee starting with these capable members....... Jaime North, Sabrina(Bree) Noble, Kim Cole and Chris Daugaard
Their job is to help create some events where all clubs are invited. We are hoping to bring our KG closer together and make our sport fun and exciting.
After our meeting, many of us headed out to get cleaned up for our Holiday Dinner. It was well attended and a lot of fun. We had dinner together and just had some plain old fashion relaxation. We had to make it a early night because of tracking the next morning.

Okay, now it's Sunday morning and the pressure is back on. Alyssa was up first with Ex. It has been said if your dog can track a Florida hay field they can track anywhere. It was not the best tracking conditions so stomachs were in knots..... They finished with an 80. She was really glad that was OVER!!! and she had passed all three phases!!! Thank God! The two VPG 3 dogs passed too.

As we all got back to Top Dawg, it was time for trophy presentations. First I want to congratulate our new BH dogs and handlers, Martha Sadler with Unix, Michelle Delaney with Hannah, Theresa Goodman with Cuda and Brian Arnold with Kyle. Good job everyone!!!

Melissa Hepler and Flash (their first trial together) took VPG 3 first place, and Theresa Goodman with Bakka ( his last trial as he is now retired) took second place.
Last but not least, Alyssa North with Ex took VPG 1 first place and of course another emotional moment for us all as I presented her HIGH IN TRIAL.
Needless to say, another Top Dawg trial was very successful

Connie Johnson