AKC National Tracking Invitational
September 20th and 21st, 2003 - Asheville, NC
Donna Kircher and Bonnie Kircher - CT Antares Michelob Lite CD (German Shepherd Dog)

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

"Dog picked up start well and went down 1st leg and 2nd over crosstracks on 2nd without any problem. 3rd leg found 2nd article and proceeded 120 yds to open woods. At woods dog was distracted perhaps by animal in woods and lost focus. At this point handler decided to quit." Video Clips: Click on image for caption and larger view.
     

More information on Donna and Bonnie Kircher

Donna Kircher has been involved in the sport of tracking since she was very young. She will be participating in the 2003 Invitational with her German Shepherd Dog, CT Antares Michelob Lite, CD, "Mikey" co-owned by her mother Bonnie Kircher.

Bonnie Kircher was highly influential in getting her daughter involved in the sport. In 1977 Donna's mother obtained their first German Shepherd Dog and began participating in tracking with her daughter following along. Their first German Shepherd Dog was the first ever to pass a sanctioned Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) test. From then on Donna was hooked on tracking and the German Shepherd breed.

Donna and her mother have owned several German Shepherds, all having TDX titles and three currently hold a Champion Tracker (CT) title, which is the highest AKC tracking title you can attain. Mikey, at age seven, is one of these CT dogs. Donna enjoys watching Mikey work, noting that he really does enjoy tracking and uses his natural abilities with scent to shine in the sport.

Donna is an accomplished tracking trainer of many breeds from English Setters and Labradors to Cocker Spaniels. Donna prides herself in her ability to train these dogs and handlers in the sport of tracking. She has put on over 55 titles either by her own handling or through her careful instruction given to others. Donna has now been an AKC Tracking judge for the last nine years.

"I enjoy watching every breed track and demonstrate their natural ability to differentiate between scents," says Donna. "My enthusiasm toward the sport is heightened after every tracking event I attend. I look forward to the National Tracking Invitational and watching every talented dog take to the tracks." Donna is from McHenry, Illinois.