A couple of friends nominated me to post a picture that makes me happy/proud to be a dog owner. This photo was taken at the 2009 NARC in Hibbing, MN. It took a while to go through all of the years of photos I have looking for this one. I am proud to be a dog owner because it brings amazing people together. We cross barriers, accept challenge, persevere, grow, love, laugh, or cry together, all for the love of dogs. From L to R are: Martha Russell, Yvonne Hays, Tera Lanczak & Sharon Gierman. I chose this picture because these are the three ladies I admire most in my life. Not only are they accomplished Retriever Field Trial trainers/handlers they are excellent examples of how to play the game with grace, integrity and true sportsmanship. For this I am thankful to know them and call them friends! If I had never owned a dog I would have never experienced my greatest love of all. The Labrador Retriever!
Pat Burns - Elite Retrievers, shares some of his journey with the dogs.
"32 years ago today I was headed to Stowe, Vt for the 1984 National Amateur Championship. I was assisting Rex Carr in pre-National training. The group consisted of 4 women handlers Judy Aycock, Delma Hazzard, Leslie Karnes and Betty Schrader. All 4 handlers were finalists! The winner was Judy with Trumarc's Zip Code. This marked the beginning of my professional career. I am just as excited today on my trek to Vermont. I am honored to join the Retriever News Team in providing coverage for the 2016 National Amateur Championship."
We want to hear from you. Tell us about your journey as a dog owner. Share your fondest memories & one of your favorite photos. Send to tstyan@theretrievernews.com Subject:"dog owner" Or Share with us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook. Remember to "follow" or "like" our page so you don't miss out on the latest retriever news!