Cocktails and Dreams...

Scratches

25. AFC 3R's Mister Cross Your T's, "Tommy," LM, Fred Kampo

29. Smoke'N High Heat, "Smoke," LF, Charlene Koeth 

91. FC-AFC Candlewood's Skyrocket, "Sky," LF, Tommy Parrish 

General Meeting

Meeting came to order at 3:17 pm

Pledge of Allegiance - Pat Burns

Randy Whittaker introduced a member of the community - Owner/Operator of the Town & Country Resort. This is the 4th NARC held in Stowe, VT. The first NARC was held 32 yrs ago.

Some Facts on Stowe, VT:
Stowe was chartered to 64 proprietors in 1763.
In 1794 the first resident arrived in Stowe.
The first hotel in Stowe was built in 1858
In 1863 a 450 guest hotel on main street opened for 200 guests.
In 1933 the first ski trails were cut.
Stowe was open last year for skiing from Nov. 23th - April 24th
There are between 4,500 - 15,000 skiers and snowboarders come to Stowe to take advantage of the 100's of ski trails.
Stowe has more breweries per capita than any other state.

Revenues: in 2015 we - $4,000 - $5,000 Reasons: extra bird costs and geographic area was expensive.

A moment of silence was honored for those the Field Trial community has lost in the past year.

Don Drigger's gave a report on the Hall of Fame.

Fred Kampo

Kate Simonds

Mark Medford VP explained electronic voting for the Retriever Hall of Fame nominees.

Nominations for the RHOF will open tomorrow and will close Aug 15th.

John Russell - Canine Health - talked about AKC matching donations on the research of Tick Borne Diseases and urged everyone to donate. Thru Entry Express the retriever community has donated $20,000 thus far.

Gwen Jones presented the Sponsors with gifts of appreciation:
Purina - Exclusive dog food supplier - Dean Reinke
Avery - David Carrington
Dogtra - Ken Neil accepted on behalf.
Garmin/Tri-Tronics - Warner Smith was diagnosed with ALS. A fund raiser on Entry Express - mock trial has been set up on his behalf to raise monies for his medical expenses and his family.

Gwen also thanked our two vendors, Brenda Neil from Lucky Lab Pins and Eddie Dunford from WettMutt. A special note of appreciation was made to Kati Becker from Move the Dog Transportation for her gift to this year's NARC. A challenge was made to the audience to step up and donate to this prestigious event.

Dean Reinke, Purina, and Gwen Jones

David Carrington, Avery, with Gwen Jones

Ken Neil represented Dogtra

Gwen Jones

Mark Atwater, Upclose Photo, Official Photogrpher

Announcers - Andrew Kenneally and Alex Washburn

Dean Reinke presents the last years winner Bill Benson with the painting from, Ross Young of Roxie McBunn.

John Stracka announced the Judges for the 2017 NARC: Mountain Time Zone - Judy Bly, Western Time Zone - Charlene Koeth, Eastern Time Zone - Tommy Parrish. Field Trial Chairman - Randy Spangler, Chief Marshal - Pete Hayes Co-Marshal - Laura Parrott. It will be held in Mondovi, WI from Saturday June 17 to Saturday June 24th. See you there!

John Stracka, 2017 NARC President

Martha Russell introduces Dick Jennings - Raffle/Auction Coordinator - explains how the festivities will run.

Dick Jennings

Martha introduces the committee chairmen.

Co-Chairs Martha Russell and Alvin Hatcher

Vermont Fish & Game Commissioner Louis Porter - gave a thanks for us coming to the state of VT. They have been very supportive. 1st Constitutional Right To Hunt & Fish. Un-posted land may be used for public hunting and fishing. 2nd largest per capa involvement in outdoor activities. Vermont does have a moose population. If you drive route 105 to Brighton you will get a glimpse of  a moose.

Commissioner Louis Porter

Labrador Retriever Club - offering confirmation certificates for competitors.

Dr. Cindy Prat - 24 hour vet service.

Disposal of birds. Page 33 Training Manual - put them in a garbage bag in the trash containers.

Martha Russell was presented a bronze statue by Randy Whittaker.



Introduction of the land owners.

Introduction on Test Dogs

FC Hardscrabble's Seaside Sutter "Bug" LF Owner - Margaret and Mitchel Brown, Handler - Margo Brown

AFC Colonial's Hubba Bubba "Bo" LM Owners - Micheal and Johanna Coutu, Handler Micheal Coutu

Judges for 2016 NARC:
Mitch Patterson
Anna Calvert
Chris Hatch

Judy Rasmuson, Chief Marshal

Series 1 & 2: Double and a Blind

Starting #16. Mac's Sweet Eleanor Rose "Rosie" Handler - Micheal McDaniel

Michel McDaniel

Test Dogs start at 7:15 am
Running Dog at 8:00 am

Caravan at the Shaw Grocery parking lot
5:30 am 1st -15 Handlers need to caravan at 6:00 am

Handlers must have both feet on the mat for all sends. Handlers - Honoring must have both feet on the mat.

Contestants will be able to view the line during gun changes & must have their number! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

1st No-Bird team will go back six dogs, 2nd No-Bird go back six and run seventh, 3rd you will run at the end.

Rotation - 16, 43, 71, 99,
Gun Change after 35, after 57, after 79, after 101

Retriever Advisory Board Meeting

"I learned to whisper in a saw mill." --- John Goettl

The meeting began at 2:13 pm

Board Members

John Russell

Doug Ljungren - AKC 

Loren Morehouse

John Goettl

Julie Cole

Doug Ljungren, AKC and Loren Morehouse

John Goettl and Julie Cole

Jeff Schuett and Lydia Fekula

Charlie and Yvonne Hays

Tera Lanczak and Gwen Jones

Our Judges: Mich Patterson, Anna Calvert and Chris Hatch.

John Stracka and Alvin Hatcher

John Russell and Fred Kampo

Agenda

If a derby rotation is going to be used, it must be listed in the premium.

There board felt there has been enough discussion about frozen birds. It is up to the club to self police this is. If the issue continues, it was cautioned that we may have a rule evoked to use on fresh shot birds as did the AKC Hunt Test have now done.

Honoring - Judges not using an honor in a qualifying that is important, it was again cautioned that we must be proactive about making sure a honor is used so we don't have a rule evoked.

New Proposal - discuss & contemplate. 

A. if a pro declares amateur status can not run any dog that formerly were paid to train.

     1. this person will not be eligible to run any amateur stake with a dog co-owned with a former 

         client.

B. could we make a rule to mandate a Four Series Derby.

      1. We need to go back to the clubs and stress the need for equal land and water for 4 series. Proper & adequate resources are needed. Clubs need to ensure Judges that they have adequate resources.

C. Streamers on birds.

   

     1. When to use & when to go on & when to take off. 

     2. What does the dog actually see?

          a. sexing birds, drakes or hens

Happy Birthday To Charlie Hays who turned 80 years old yesterday!

Research on how far a dog can see. Kate Simmonds commented the research finding it was estimated the dog could see about 300 yrds.

The rule book talks about visibility of the birds in the air not an artificial aid to increase visibility.

Wingers on long birds,The lack of arm motion and the speed the birds comes out of the winger disables the dog from seeing the bird.

Closing the discussion

2016 NARC STATS

Here are some stats of the dogs enter #2016narc

2016 NARC STATS

Oldest Dog – FC-AFC Maple Creek's Mattie Mae  “Mattie”  2/25/2005

Youngest Dog – Gunstock's Harbor Houligan  “PJ”   8/6/2012

Hubby & Wife Combo – John & Martha Russell, Jr. / Chester & Charlene Koeth / Jeff Schuett & Lydia Ferula

Breeds & Sex – 1 Chessy Male / 2 Golden Males / 50 Lab Females / 57 Lab Males

Lab’s broken down by Color – 45 BLF / 49 BLM / 1 CLF / 2 CLM / 4 YLF / 6 YLM

Sires w/ most Progeny - NFC-AFC Clubmead's Road Warrior – 10 / NAFC-FC Cody Cut A Lean Grade – 10

Dam w/ most Progeny - NFC-AFC Candlewood's Something Royal – 6

Owner w/ most dogs - Ken & Brenda Neil – 5

Handler w/ most dogs – Ken Neil – 5

Handler brake down by sex – 30 – Females / 63 - Males

Sire ex Dam with most Litter Mates or Full Siblings 

FC-AFC Weezer Retreezer ex NFC-AFC Candlewoods Something Royal – 4 (breeder Ken & Brenda Neil)

FC AFC Good Idea's Outta Sight

FC AFC Good Idea's Texas Scratch

FC AFC Good Idea's Second Wind

NAFC-FC Texas Troubadour

Parent and Get Entered

Parent​​​​​​​             Get

#72 - FC-AFC Fresh Squeezed Juice​​ ​#33 - Dottie McFizz

#101 - FC-AFC Lanes Lets Get Ready To Rumble      #97 - AFC Lane's Thrilla N Manilla

#35 - FC-AFC Lil Chin Music​​​​  #29 - Smoke'N High Heat

No Superstitions Here.

By -#63 Jamie Woodson 

Last night at dinner, Retriever News editor, Tina Styan, asked me if I'm superstitious (as she noticed the blue string tied around my left wrist). I quickly said, "No, I'm not superstitious. I just have a handful of things that absolutely must occur before, during and after a field trial to ensure good luck. That's all."  So, maybe I am a little superstitious. I can't help it. I try not to be. But, I guess I am.   What are some of the weird/superstitious things I do? Well, here goes:  

1. I literally NEVER wear anything new. Socks, shirt, pants, hat, lead, NOTHING can be brand new during a competition. If washed and worn once... no problem. But, I could NEVER pull the tags off of something and just wear it to the line. As my very southern mother would say, "It's just not done."  Now, I know we receive a handler's jacket and a hat for the national. You can bet money on the fact that I will be wearing and washing mine prior to game time on Saturday!   Oh, there's more...

2. I set my security passwords to send myself good/hopeful vibes. Four years ago one was FCAFCKeeper. Last Fall, one was Stowe2016. You get it! Something like those or equally goofy. But, and this is key - HOPEFUL! *Disclaimer: none of these passwords are now active.  Yes, there's more.

3. For All-Age stakes, I wear one hat during the marks (brown Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission), and I wear another hat during the blinds (navy blue Masters). If, for some insane reason I can't find one of my hats, I am... how do you say? ... not a happy camper. *see photo  

4. During a test, I Always, Always, ALWAYS put my lead in my left pocket. I mean, the world might not be properly balanced if I didn't.  

5. If Keeper isn't on the perfect line during a test, I tilt my head in the proper direction because I am convinced that we are cosmically linked and she can sense what I'm thinking and appreciates my help. You might think that marking ability is the key, but I'm convinced the "head tilt" is critical to success! 😉  

6. A few weeks ago, my husband tied a blue nylon cord into this very simple but cool bracelet. I wear it all the time. Yep, all the time. I rub it right before I go to line. Yes, it's weird! But, it somehow makes me calm and I'm convinced it brings me luck. Ok, calm-ish. Anyone who knows me knows I'm wound pretty tight, but touching the bracelet reminds me of a bigger picture. It reminds me of dogs we have loved who never saw an All-Age placement, much less a national championship; of our First dog - Elvis - who crossed the rainbow bridge the day before nationals just last year; and of all the great dogs who didn't qualify this year. I reflect on the dogs and handlers who left this earth too soon. You know - perspective. Perspective is a lovely thing to have during any field trial, particularly a national.  So, these are but a few of the odd, weird and superstitious things that I do. Now, my question for you: What are you superstitious about? What do you obsessively do to keep the earth spinning and the good luck coming your way?  Please reply with YOUR list of superstitions here at #2016NARC!

Let's Go Shopping!!!

The Hostesses with a smile here to meet & greet our competitors!

L to R Kathy Armstrong, Ann Marshall, Josie Ottman, Sue Metka, Katie Gutermuth, Missy Goettl

Head on down stairs at the Stoweflake to purchase your mementos from this years #2016narc!