September 20th and 21st, 2003 - Asheville, NC
Betsy Fortman - FC CT Owl Farms Rising Star ML VCD3 MX MXJ NJP ME (Dachshund)
Comments from the Judges
Ms. Jill Jones of Brownsville, OR and Mr. Robert Brown of Broken Arrow, OK
"At plotting the judges felt that this was the most physically challenging track, however no one told this to the dog! Dog started nice went down 1st leg and made nice corner into small creek. Dog proceeded on 2nd leg through heavy brush and up steep hill. On 2nd leg tracked across horse path used for endurance race on Saturday, dog ignored horse path and official cross tracks and made 2nd corner. Turned corner and found 2nd article 30 yds down leg. Continued down 3rd leg and made 3rd corner. The 4th leg was very long in tall rough grass. Dog and handler stopped for drink several times on this leg. 4th leg also had rough brush going down hill and back to creek, it took the dog a while to get out of creek. Dog emerged from woods on to mowed grass on shoulder of busy road, dog made corner at road and 40 yds later found 3rd article, The dog then ran the final 120 yds final article with cheers from spectators."
- Map of Track 3 (PDF)
- Clip 1 - Betsy Fortman and FC CT Owl Farms Rising Star ML VCD3 MX MXJ NJP ME
- Clip 2 - Betsy Fortman and FC CT Owl Farms Rising Star ML VCD3 MX MXJ NJP ME
- Clip 3 - Betsy Fortman and FC CT Owl Farms Rising Star ML VCD3 MX MXJ NJP ME
- Clip 4 - Betsy Fortman and FC CT Owl Farms Rising Star ML VCD3 MX MXJ NJP ME
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More information on Betsy Fortman
"Move
over big dogs and let the little dog through." You could say this is Besty
Fortman's motto. Betsy is the proud handler of one of the smallest participants attending the event, a longhaired Dachshund, FC CT Owl Farms Rising Star ML, VCD3, MX, MXJ, NJP, ME, "Elvis."
Betsy is no stranger to AKC Companion and Performance events. She has been involved in dogs since 1989 and has been involved in tracking for over six years. She has versatile dogs that compete in obedience, tracking, earthdog, and agility events. She began training dogs in 1989 when she acquired her first Dachshund. In 1994 Elvis joined the family and two years later he earned his Master Earthdog (ME) title, being the third dog of eligible breeds to earn this distinction. One year later, Betsy began tracking with Elvis.
Elvis took to tracking naturally, as Dachshunds are keen at following scent. Elvis earned his TD (Tracking Dog) title in November 1997. On top of competing in tracking, Betsy was also competing with Elvis in obedience, agility and field events. Their teamwork and bond earned Elvis his UD (Utility Dog), MX (Master Agility Excellent), FC (Field Champion), and his TDX (Tracking Dog Excellent) all in 2000. The following year Elvis became the third Dachshund ever to earn the MXJ (Master Excellent Jumpers With Weaves) agility title. Elvis also began Variable Surface Tracking tests in this same year.
In the summer of 2003 Elvis earned his Variable Surface Tracker (VST) and Champion Tracker (CT) titles. All of the titles and distinctions that he has earned demonstrate Betsy's amazing talent for training and handling her dogs. She has dedicated knowledge, embraced learning, and has persisted in the sport of tracking.
Betsy is particularly impressed to watch Elvis work on surfaces like concrete and asphalt. She describes Elvis as a "detail man" wanting to know every step of the tracklayer. She looks forward to showcasing Elvis at the Tracking Invitational. Betsy currently resides in Duvall, Washington.
