Team Two Participant - Joe and Mary Ann Hamzy
Joe and his wife Mary Ann have been involved with Flat-Coated Retrievers for 23 years. Their first dog Scotty was to be a pet for their son. Scotty was a wonderful family pet and when he died they wanted another pet that was from a similar breeding.The Hamzy's knew nothing about the world of dog events when Kelsey arrived in 1989. It took a year before they learned about field training. She loved it. They tried some conformation shows, but she was not fond of it. At her first conformation show the Hamzy's found out about tracking through their local obedience club. Since then, competing and training in field work, tracking, obedience, conformation and eventually agility has continued over the years.
As other dogs were added to the family, they were introduced to tracking and field work as puppies. It was a natural combination for Joe and Mary Ann � laying the tracks first and doing field work while the tracks aged. Their Flat-Coated Retrievers Rory, Sam, Rick, Kid and Ilsa all have enjoyed this weekend ritual, even during the hot Florida summers. Rick, though, has been the star of the bunch.
CH CT MACH Wingmaster Forever Paris SH (Rick) was tracking certified at four months, earned his TD title at six months, his TDX when he was two, by three he earned the VST title making him a Champion Tracker. When he earned his MACH last fall he retired, but with his boundless energy, he never stopped working. He still trains with the other dogs. Although his skills have diminished at age nine, he comes to Ashville to celebrate his amazing career.
