Team Two - Vincent T. Ramirez
I am fortunate to have my canine drawn into the AKC Tracking Invitational. I thank the AKC and staff that have taken part in planning, scheduling, organizing, implementing, and financing this incredible tracking event. I am grateful to the tracklayers, judges, and committee members.To me this event is in recognition of the hard work, trust, effort, and ability of the tracking canine. CH CT Corsair�s Vogue De Zerimar OA, OAJ aka CoCo Puff has done everything asked of her to achieve Champion Tracker status amongst my wife Jeanne�s and my pack of eight Belgians. CT dogs receive special treatment that our TD and TDX dogs long for. In all fairness all of our pack is well cared for but nether less CT dogs get special treatment. The incentive to work hard for status is ever present.
To have watched CoCo benefit from tracking has brought great pleasure. Her overall demeanor has changed with the demands of the three levels of this discipline. Along the path to the CT she has gained the type of confidence that one attains when one achieves despite of adversity. CoCo Puff has gained my respect as she willingly worked multiple surfaces in cold, windy, stormy, and hot conditions. We look forward to tracking the grounds of the Biltmore Estate.
I need to recognize Turbo UD/TDX for introducing me to tracking and the good people who support it and CT Twister HIC for teaching me that the tracking canine is far more capable than I ever imagined and for introducing me to USAR, Urban Disaster scent work. I would like to recognize the tracklayers, test secretaries/chairman, judges and support volunteers who allow AKC tracking to continue on weekends around the country. They give up time with their own dogs and family in support of allowing others to share this wonderful experience.
