AKC National Tracking Invitational
September 20th and 21st, 2003 - Asheville, NC
Anne and William Hershey - CT Hershey's Blazing Supernova NA (Australian Shepherd)

Comments from the Judges
Mr. John F. Barnard of Lombard, IL and Ms. Joyce Klamut of Dover, OH

"This dog casted briefly at the start and then determined the correct direction of the track. He successfully completed the first 3 turns and found the second article. After that, the dog encountered some difficulty at the next turn and obstacle (bridge) and proceeded in the wrong direction. After some assistance, the dog then successfully negotiated the obstacle and crosstrack to complete the track." Video Clips: Click on image for caption and larger view.
       

More information on Anne Hershey

Anne has been involved in American Kennel Club tracking events for over ten years. Anne's canine companion for the 2003 AKC National Tracking Invitational is her Australian Shepherd, CT Hershey's Blazing Supernova NA , "Blaze."

Blaze is the first dog that Anne ever trained for competition in the sport of tracking. With much hard work, Anne and Blaze have become one of the top tracking teams in the country. "At age 12, she works slowly but loves to track and maintains her tight and deliberate style when following a scent," says Anne.

Blaze, began her tracking career in October of 1993. Anne enrolled in tracking classes and a year later she was on her way to her first title. In February 1994 she attained her Tracking Dog (TD) title in California. A few years later in 1997, a Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) test was being offered, where Blaze proved her talent and earned her TDX. She also passed two additional TDX tests offered by other clubs. In April 1999 Blaze passed her AKC Variable Surface Tracker (VST) test, in White City, OR becoming a Champion Tracker.

Anne's fascination with tracking began when she picked up a book at her local library on the sport. She has attained TDX titles on all three of her Australian Shepherds. Anne also adds variety to their activities by handling them in obedience and agility. Anne claims tracking is her favorite and enjoys working with her companions in "real world" environments, exploring the mysteries of scent work, and encouraging her dogs to become "team leaders." Anne now teaches tracking classes in the San Francisco Bay area, and is a provisional AKC TD judge.

Anne is active in the Palo Alto Foothills Tracking Association (PAFTA), has edited their quarterly newsletter "Gone Trackin'" for nearly six years and is currently the club President. Anne is the chairperson for the Australian Shepherd Club of America's Tracking committee and writes a bimonthly column in their newsletter "The Aussie Times." A retired pediatrician, Anne, enjoys being a grandmother and amateur cellist when not tracking or training with her dogs. She resides with her husband Dr. William Hershey in Hillsborough, California.