Event Coverage

Friday, March 20, 2009 – Danville, Virginia

Second Series, Retrieving Stake

A clear and cool morning greeted us as we prepared to break away the second series. Temperatures were in the mid 30’s with virtually no wind. The forecast was for a high in the 55 to 60 degree range with a 10 to 15 MPH south east wind. A nicer weather day would be hard to find. There was a buzz of anticipation and also possibly nervousness in the group. Everyone seemed to have their favorite and was hoping for their success. Everyone knew that we were going to witness some excellent dogs that had been quite impressive in their first series. Anyone of these dogs could have been named the winner after the first series. The calling back and running the dogs a second time ups the ante. The time on the ground is longer, the amount of birds available is rising and of course the competition is top shelf. A truly memorial event was about to unfold.

1A) NFC/FC Frank N Stein “Franky” Steve Bailey
1B) Northlakes Dixie “Dixie” Justin Wiseman
The first brace broke away promptly at 8:30 AM. With the cool air and damp grass, both dogs seemed to take a couple minutes to stretch their legs and get loosened up. By the end of the break away field they were getting loosened up. At the nine minute mark both dogs were found on the left edge. Dixie was pointing with Franky backing. The bird was flushed and the retrieve was completed. Shortly after this Dixie’s handler informed us that she did not appear to be feeling well and he was going to pick her up. Franky had been allowed to continue after his back and was to the front hunting. He hunted the likely cover and left little doubt that he was hunting for his handler. He would record 4 finds. His style is consistently good with his head and tail high. He demonstrated his ability to take a line to the end and also a tender and prompt retrieve.

2A) FC/AFC Palm Glades Shameless Sally “Sally” Dave Walker
2B) DC/AFC Up N’ Adam’s Super Sioux CDX SH, “Sioux” Matthew Basilone
The action started early in this brace as point was called for Sally at the end of the break field. This was at 4 minutes. Sally would go on to have two more nice finds. She displayed good manners and excellent style on all her finds. Sioux ran a powerful gun dog race. She went to the cover and really dug in. She was always forward although at times she was not seen she would appear to the front. She carded four finds. Her demeanor on game was first rate.

3A) FC/AFC Palm Glades White Litnin “Litnin” Dave Walker
3B) Lady Easy Braveheart “Easy” Mike Mullineaux
Both dogs were fast and forward in their race. Litnin carded a natural back and a good find. After his find, he disappeared into the heavy cover and was not returned to judgment. Easy had a nonproductive early and a good find. At this point Easy was unable to complete a most difficult retrieve and was taken up.

4A) FC Harley’s Dream Saddle “Harley” Mike Mullineaux
4B) FC/AFC Palm Glades Lee’s Madeline “Maddie” Dave Walker
This pair of dogs displayed their athletic ability with their forward and powerful race. Harley had a good find and a very nice back before missing an opportunity to honor his brace mate near time. Maddie would have two finds, a natural back, and a nonproductive late in her brace.

5A) DC/AFC Bitteroot Semper Fi Cutter “Cutter” Clint Sails
5B) FC Scattergun’s Maggie “Maggie” Ray Douse
This was a fun brace to watch. Both dogs were fast on the ground and displayed a natural ability to run to the front. Cutter had two finds and a nonproductive late in the brace. Maggie also would be credited with two finds and a nonproductive. Both finished their time with plenty of gas in their tanks.

6A) Eshod’s Revolution “Mason” Ray Douse
6B) Vogelmeister’s Out On Bail JH “Bailey” Dave Walker
This was a fast paced brace. Both dogs showed well on the ground, running a powerful gundog race. Mason would have five finds, well spaced throughout the brace. Bailey would have a find and back his brace mate three times. Both finished using more course than any previous brace. They were still going hard at time.

Winners:

1st Place: DC/AFC Up N’ Adam’s Super Sioux CDX SH, “Sioux (GSP)
Matthew Basilone, Handler
Katin and Tom Tazza, Owners

2nd Place: Eshod’s Revolution “Mason” (GSP)
Ray Douse, Handler
William Reynolds, Owner

3rd Place: FC Scattergun’s Maggie “Maggie” (GSP)
Ray Douse, Handler
Ed and Trudy Moody, Owners

4th Place: DC/AFC Bitteroot Semper Fi Cutter “Cutter” (Viz)
Clint Sails, Handler
Clinton and Valerie Sails, Owners

Best of Breed Dogs (not including dogs that placed)

Pointer – NFC/FC Frank N Stein
Steve Bailey, Handler
Steve & Bridget Bailey, Owners

Weimaraner – Axel’s Bleu Bayou of Reiteralm
Mike Mullineaux, Handler
S. Tsautes & F. Parkowski, Owners