clip 1  |  clip 2  |  clip 3  |  clip 4  |  clip 5  |  clip 6 
clip 7  |  clip 8  |  clip 9  |  clip 10  |  clip 11

The first Parson Russell Terrier Association of America earthdog trail in North Carolina was held this past weekend in Stokesdale. The weather was unseasonably warm, but the dogs and owners didn't seem to mind. The trial was being held at the Wilson farm, owned by Karen and Bob Gunter. Karen owns several dogs and even has a building devoted to obedience on her 135 acre property. She was excited about the earthdog trial, and showed us where they hoped to set up a Master Earthdog Test next year. Richard Hunter welcomed everyone to the event and Sally Yancey presented Karen Gunter with some gifts.

Judge Charles Vance started the day off with Introduction to Quarry. He went over the AKC rules and regulations regarding this test to the 31 participants. Some of these individuals also had their dogs compete in the Junior Earthdog Test. Of the 31 entered, 9 passed the Introduction to Quarry test.

After several dogs ran the Intro test, judge Lisa Connelly covered the rules for the Junior Earthdog Test. The test had the most dogs entered (35). This was the first time a lot of the dogs participated in Earthdog. Some went to ground naturally, and others tried repeatedly to enter the den. Of the 35 dogs entered, 11 passed. Some of those dogs earned their JE title, since this was their second qualifying performance.

The Senior Earthdog Test was being run at the same time as the Junior Earthdog Test. Judge Mary Oppermann watched over the dogs in this test. Of the 15 dogs entered, 8 passed! Five of those dogs earned their SE title. The Senior Earthdog qualifers on Saturday were:

Making Trouble Museley UD JE West Highland White Terrier Owner: Lynn Reagan-Hull Torpedo AX MXJ JE Parson Russell Terrier Owner: Diane Holleman Eastlace Crosby of Foxbrush JE Parson Russell Terrier Owner: Erin Trimmier Three Oaks Fred JE Parson Russell Terrier Owner: Sally Yancey

Fox Run Sandstone JE Border Terrier Owner: Mary Francis Davis Ketka's Carefree Highway OA OAJ JE Border Terrier Owner: Larry Johnson Ch High Ledge Toby's Bad Habit W JE Wirehaired Dachshund Owners: Donna B. Schafer and Harold Schafer Ch Hollybridge Paint Your Wagn JE Lakeland Terrier Owner: Glenis T. Shaffer and Sandra G. Beatson

Click on image for caption and larger view.

After the tests were over, ribbons were passed out and everyone reflected on the events of the day. It was a successful event and each person (and dog) looked forward to another test next year.

You can visit the club's website for more information.

Learn more about Earthdog.