Puget Sound Earthdog Club
May 15, 2004 was a landmark 30th Event for the Puget Sound Earthdog Club. Getting to this wonderful island getaway from Seattle can be a little trying on a Friday afternoon, but it is well worth the adventure. Because of a necessary ferry ride to the southern tip of this island, it has retained its rural charm while still being close to a big city. Plentiful rainfall and moderate year round temperature leads to lush foliage and a profusion of wildlife and flowers. The moist ground and abundance of forage hold the scent well so dogs had plenty of trails to follow on their trek to the den.
Five braces of Masters met the challenging course at Jean Dieden's amazing facility in Clinton Washington. Master dogs started in a draw, worked their way, through the brush, up the old logging road and out into a field. Then a steep hill gave handlers and dogs a workout getting to the dens. The first brace flushed a rabbit and were called off only to fail later in a less challenging exercise. The natural setting with it's tall cover and uneven ground was a true test for these gifted dogs. At times all that was visible was a head popping up or tail weaving it's way through the grass.
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Judge Sil Sanders did an excellent job during his handlers meeting explaining the changes in the regulations and how they applied to the Masters program. As the braces continued through the morning, only 3 were able to meet all of the qualifications to be called a "master" hunter today. Sil gave exhibitors and hopefuls a clear picture of each of the runs. Lia Bijsterveld and "Piper", Randy Bahls and "Rooty", and Betsy Fortman and "Elvis" were in the winners circle today.
The smallest class of the day was the seniors with 4 exhibitors of which 2 went on to get qualifying scores. It was a well-rounded class with 2 Dachshund, a Westie, and a Norfolk Terrier. Taking home the ribbons were Laura Smith with her Westie, Robbie and Nancy Field with her Dachshund, Marconi.
Judy Smith then worked her wonders with the Intro class. Always a favorite as young dogs and often new handlers enter the world of dens and rats. New timers are often amazed that their dogs will actually leave them for the adventures awaiting them in a dark hole in the ground. Mimi Crocker's dachshund, "Mini" took right off as Mimi's mom Susan and sister Alison watched from a barn window above the intro den.
A lunch break accompanied by a well-laid out feast brought handlers out of the weather into a fascinating old outbuilding. While fresh fruit, fresh brewed coffee and scrumptious pastries greeted participants in the early morning, they were replaced by barbecued salmon, roast chicken and an assortment of salads and best of all desserts.
The club took time out of their busy day to have a club meeting before going on to Juniors. Many made the trip to the island just for this.
