11/05/2024
The Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing held our Fall TDX on November 3rd in fields near Mason, Michigan. Our judges were Mike Roehrs and Betsy Baird. The weather was beautiful, cool and partly sunny, although the wind picked up as soon as the dogs began tracking. (Of course.) Six tracks were offered, six teams tracked, and two made it all the way to the glove. Our entries included an All-American, a Lagotto Romano, a German Shepherd, and three Labrador Retrievers--one of each color.
Our first pass was a black Labrador Retriever on Track #3. She started well, but had to do some searching in a few spots (the wind had picked up, and the field was very open, which made the track more challenging). She kept on working while her handler kept calm and patiently gave her the time and space to figure it out--which she did, and led her handler to the glove. Congratulations to Cheryl Shea and new TDX Annie Oakley Sharpshooter TD FCAT.
Our second and final pass of the day was another Lab, this one a chocolate. He drew track #4. This fellow breezed through his track, clearly indicating articles and otherwise slowed only to work out a driveway crossing, which didn’t take him long. He motored along at a steady pace and found his glove with alacrity. Congratulations to Jane Shelton and Deep Run Oakley Dokey VCD1 JH FTI CGC, now TDX.
The other four teams worked well when put back on their tracks, so I'm certain they'll be celebrating new TDXes soon.
The Test Secretary/Chair was Deb Huff. Our tracklayers were Pete Ostlund, Doug Heym, Kim Kearfott, Jane Knapp, Marilyn Johnson, and Peggy Cushard. Cross-trackers were Ioana Sonea, Karen Angell, Sharon Atkins, and Rachel Schuler. Jeanette Eastham assisted with carrying flags on plotting day. Our post-test luncheon was coordinated by Dick Hemmer. The driver for the judges was Linda Alkema. Big thanks to Warren Miller for working with the landowners to obtain permission to use their beautiful fields. And thanks to all who attended for their enthusiasm and camaraderie.
