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!

End Of Pre-National Training Day 4

Alex Abraham wrote:

 Our last day of Pre National training at David and Jenny Grasse's Secret Ponds in Little Falls NY. We ended with a great evening of fun playing corn hole and a fabulous meal. Thanks everyone and good luck!!

#24. FC AFC Valtor's Hayseed "Kid"

#42. Julie Cole & #69. James McBee

TODAY IS JAMES McBEE'S 77th BIRTHDAY!!! Be sure to wish Jim "Happy Birthday"!

Training Site - Vista Meadows

"Wut -A-Dog!"

 

A Collage Of Friends

Coach - John Henninger 

Competitor - #93 Andrew Kahn

#1. Jim Dorobek, #97. Micheal Robicheaux #101. Bobby Lane

#98. Sonya Harrigfeld & #42. Julie Cole

#109 Pat Martin & Coach - Al Arthur

What Does It Mean To Be A Dog Owner?

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!

*** Event Info ***

Some useful info

 

 

2016 NARC Grounds

There are 110 competitors for this years #2016narc. This means that during the event their are going to be many teams in need of keeping their skills sharp. Several property owners have graciously donated the use of their grounds for this purpose. These grounds are referred to as "Training Sites" in the training manual posted in the blog. Here is a glimpse of Shangri-La ......

Stickpond 

Training Property #3

#101. FC AFC Lane's Lets Get Ready To Rumble "Ali"

#101. Bobby Lane & Ali

Discover Hwy 100

While driving to the resort I made a few discoveries....

Pete's is an Organic food market with a big selection.

Cabot Cheese Store. A 100% Farmer owned company. Located in a plaza with a distillery & outlet chocolate store. Wow, they sure make a nice pairing!

Ben & Jerry's Factory. They give tours & SAMPLES!!!!

Scoop history.

Vermont

Breathtaking views

Mountainous Terrain

Nicknamed, "The Green Mountains"

In Stowe

A Quaint Town

More Training Pics!

More from Lisa Weinhold...

Training at the Russell's - The Gallery looks on...

Jim Mcbee and "JJ"

Andy Kahn running canoe water blind ...

Pre-National Training

Coaches - Dave Smith, Paul Sletten -Pine Edge Retrievers  Competitor - Robby Bickley 

Dave Smith - Shooting Star Retrievers

Competitors- John Russell & Kate Simmonds Coach - Ryan Brasseaux- Native Sun Retrievers 

Photos by John Stracka - Retriever News President & Editor-in-Chief . John is also among the 110 #2016narc competitors! Good Luck.

Thank You To All Our Generous Blog Sponsors!!

To All of Our Generous Blog Sponsors!!