AKC National Tracking Invitational
September 20th and 21st, 2003 - Asheville, NC
Vincent T. Ramirez - CT Phenix's Radical Air Twister (Belgian Tervuren)

Comments from the Judges
Ms. Jill Jones of Brownsville, OR and Mr. Robert Brown of Broken Arrow, OK

"This track was a tough break; there were geese on the track to the right of the start point. The dog started and shortly after put the geese into a low flying flock. Dog returned to track at a slightly different angle and missed 1st corner. Handler restarted dog, took her to the first article and decided to terminate the track." Video Clips: Click on image for caption and larger view.
     

More information on Vincent T. Ramirez

Vince Ramirez has been involved in purebred dogs since 1982. Vince has always been accompanied by a Belgian dog, his first being a Belgian Sheepdog and now his Belgian Tervuren.

Vince's canine companion for the 2003 AKC National Tracking Invitational is CT Phenix's Radical Air Twister, "Twister." Twister has worked hard and has achieved all her titles required of a Champion Tracker.

With a Belgian by his side, Vince started to get involved in AKC Companion events. His first dog, a Belgian Sheepdog, participated in activities such as obedience, agility, and at the tender age of 12, tracking. Vince spent quality time in the field with this veteran and made many cherished memories.

Twister has opened new doors for Vince. Thirty days after achieving the coveted AKC CT (Champion Tracker) title, Twister and Vince joined a FEMA Urban Disaster Search and Rescue (SAR) Task Force. Twister was able to prove her amazing talent for following scent during the tracking test, but now she is able to work in practical situations. Twister's Variable Surface Tracking skills are constantly in use being the Urban Tracking Dog for the SAR group.

Vince is now a FEMA Canine Search Specialist. He enjoys spending time with Twister and working with her. Her relentless effort and hard work brings Vince great joy. Her involvement and advances in tracking has enabled them to go explore many opportunities, meet interesting people, and encounter fantastic canines. Vince feels privileged to be able to harness Twister up for tracking again at the National Tracking Invitational.