And, we are off! The 2016 National Amateur Retriever Championship begins
By Jamie Woodson
The test dogs have run the combined first and second series, the national anthem has been sung, and the mother of all retriever field trials for amateurs has begun. I'm too young to be nostalgic but, Wow, am I feeling sentimental this morning!
I'm pretty new in this sport. It was only 2005 when my husband, Bill, and I painstakingly picked out our little four legged bundle of joy from a litter of roly poly puppies who were so black they looked like they were covered in velvet. Within an hour, "Elvis", was on his way home with us. We were so proud. I had been the retriever in the family for the last few duck seasons so I was thrilled to have a real duck dog to assist in the recovery of game.
We had a copy of Waterdog and a few canvas puppy bumpers. We were convinced we had the greatest labrador retriever in the world. As you can imagine, we had no clue what we were doing.
Elvis was super birdy, hard-charging, stylish, and supremely independent. He taught Bill a ton of great lessons as they hunted together, competed in field trials, and stayed busy with chores at our Tennessee farm.
It didn't take long for me to start itching to have a dog to handle of my own. Enter Keeper. I raised her as a puppy and with the outstanding help of Right Start, Autumn Run & Handjem, we have had a heck of a ride together.
Flash forward to #2016NARC. Bill's young dog, Baby, didn't qualify this year. Really a bummer for my sweetheart - for both of us. That said, she's had an incredible year. A #2015NARC finalist at 3 years old, two open wins to start 2016, and is consistently placing in amateurs. Baby, like so many great dogs around the country, just wasn't able to get that elusive blue ribbon. Man, this is a tough sport!
As for Keeper, we have had a winding road to get here. Three years ago, she was half a point shy of qualifying and the next year - consistently placing, but no blue ribbon. She was test dog in Mondovi for the #2013NARC and last year (2015) was our very first official National. We made it to the 4th series and had an absolute blast during the entire experience. And, while we went out relatively early, I had the pleasure of watching all ten series and the most incredible dog work I have ever witnessed.
I'm normally not particularly sentimental but Keeper is nine years old now and I have an intense sense of gratitude every time we step up to the line together - even in training. This week, I am particularly thankful. Is it the fact that it's a national? Is it her greying beard? Maybe it's the reminder of our loss of our old boy, Elvis, this time last year. I don't know. What I do know is that these dogs just don't live long enough. They give us their heart and soul and so much more.
Back to the National...
We started with Dog #16 - Rosie (very nice job btw). Since Keeper's Number is 63, we have quite a while until we run. As I sit in the gallery, I'm feeling excited and nervous. I also sense the excitement and jitters of my fellow competitors and their families. I hear the genuine applause after a completion and the hushed whispers of "that was a nice flyer", "how deep is that retired bird", "see that green clump, that's where you want to be", "that's a very consistent throw", and the countless comments that help us process our excitement and anxiety.
The 2016 National Amateur has begun and we wish every competitor the best of luck! May the wind be with you and your flyers be friendly.
By Jamie Woodson
The test dogs have run the combined first and second series, the national anthem has been sung, and the mother of all retriever field trials for amateurs has begun. I'm too young to be nostalgic but, Wow, am I feeling sentimental this morning!
I'm pretty new in this sport. It was only 2005 when my husband, Bill, and I painstakingly picked out our little four legged bundle of joy from a litter of roly poly puppies who were so black they looked like they were covered in velvet. Within an hour, "Elvis", was on his way home with us. We were so proud. I had been the retriever in the family for the last few duck seasons so I was thrilled to have a real duck dog to assist in the recovery of game.
We had a copy of Waterdog and a few canvas puppy bumpers. We were convinced we had the greatest labrador retriever in the world. As you can imagine, we had no clue what we were doing.
Elvis was super birdy, hard-charging, stylish, and supremely independent. He taught Bill a ton of great lessons as they hunted together, competed in field trials, and stayed busy with chores at our Tennessee farm.
It didn't take long for me to start itching to have a dog to handle of my own. Enter Keeper. I raised her as a puppy and with the outstanding help of Right Start, Autumn Run & Handjem, we have had a heck of a ride together.
Flash forward to #2016NARC. Bill's young dog, Baby, didn't qualify this year. Really a bummer for my sweetheart - for both of us. That said, she's had an incredible year. A #2015NARC finalist at 3 years old, two open wins to start 2016, and is consistently placing in amateurs. Baby, like so many great dogs around the country, just wasn't able to get that elusive blue ribbon. Man, this is a tough sport!
As for Keeper, we have had a winding road to get here. Three years ago, she was half a point shy of qualifying and the next year - consistently placing, but no blue ribbon. She was test dog in Mondovi for the #2013NARC and last year (2015) was our very first official National. We made it to the 4th series and had an absolute blast during the entire experience. And, while we went out relatively early, I had the pleasure of watching all ten series and the most incredible dog work I have ever witnessed.
I'm normally not particularly sentimental but Keeper is nine years old now and I have an intense sense of gratitude every time we step up to the line together - even in training. This week, I am particularly thankful. Is it the fact that it's a national? Is it her greying beard? Maybe it's the reminder of our loss of our old boy, Elvis, this time last year. I don't know. What I do know is that these dogs just don't live long enough. They give us their heart and soul and so much more.
Back to the National...
We started with Dog #16 - Rosie (very nice job btw). Since Keeper's Number is 63, we have quite a while until we run. As I sit in the gallery, I'm feeling excited and nervous. I also sense the excitement and jitters of my fellow competitors and their families. I hear the genuine applause after a completion and the hushed whispers of "that was a nice flyer", "how deep is that retired bird", "see that green clump, that's where you want to be", "that's a very consistent throw", and the countless comments that help us process our excitement and anxiety.
The 2016 National Amateur has begun and we wish every competitor the best of luck! May the wind be with you and your flyers be friendly.