Thank you Judges!!!

We want to thank our judges for their hard work and dedication to this years National Amateur Retriever Club Championship!

Congratulations on a job well done!

The judges are listed in order of the picture left to right.

John Robinson                  Mountain Time Zone

Kalispell, MT

Grayson Kelley                 Eastern Time Zone

Spring Hope, NC

Chester Koeth                   Pacific Time Zone

Montrose, CA

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Field Trial committee has suspended the trial for the day due to pending storms. 

We will be back with callbacks.

Tomorrow, we will be at the Parrott's Lucy Too property.

Test Dogs at 6:15 am

First running dog at 7:00 am

Saturday, June 26, 2021

Welcome to the eighth day come competition here in Mondovi, WI for the 2021 National Amateur Retriever Club Championship! The grand event is possible from a bunch of volunteers that have put many many hours to make it happen! So when you see them, please thank them for all their hard work!

We are starting our 8th Series Water Blind here on the Spangler's property. We had 31 dogs called back to this series. We have been told that we will move to the Parrot's for the 9th Series.

We have just been updated that the re-bird will come after dog #61 not dog 72 as previously announced. 

Currently we are at 69 degrees. The are predicting rain showers this morning with numerous thunderstorms developing during the afternoon hours. High 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80% with the humidity at 93%.

We will be back with test description and test dogs shortly.

Callbacks Program Glitch

We found out that the Callbacks posted last night for the 7th Series reverted back to the 6th Series callbacks. 

After further investigation and discussing it with our IT people,we have determined it was a glitch with our server that houses the Callbacks program.

Everything is fixed and back to what it should be, and we are sorry if there was any confusion for any of you that may have saw this.

Sincerely,

RN Blog Team

Announcement

We have been told that this (6th Series) will be the only test today. 

We will be back on the same Spangler property tomorrow for Seventh Series which will be a water test. 

Callbacks will be posted later here in the Blog, Headquarters and Black Hawk Retriever Club clubhouse.

Day 6, June 24, 2021 - 6th Series

Good Morning from Mondovi! 

The crew is putting the final touches on the set-up for today's Land Quad here at Spangler's Property on the southwest side.

The air is thick with the humidity at 75%. Our current temperature is 73 degrees with a 5 mph wind coming from the south. It will be mostly cloudy with a high of 84 degrees with a 20% chance of rain.

Stay tuned and will be back with the 6th Series Land Quad test description, test dogs and our first running dog #60.  

Day 5 - Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Good Morning from Mondovi!

We will be starting today's coverage shortly. We have 80 dogs called back to the 4th Series. 

Here is the reminder from yesterday from our Chief Marshal ...

Per Chief Marshal - The location of the next series is at Jack and Larraine Unbehaun's property. Please follow and comply with traffic signs. 

Stay tuned for the test description and test dogs.

Workers’ Party Tonight!

We hope to see you all at the Workers’ Party Tonight!

When: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 6:30 PM

Location: Barn Again Lodge, S683 Lovely Rd., Mondovi, WI 

Did You Know...

Good Morning from Mondovi!

As we wait for the sun to get a bit higher in the sky, we wanted to remind you, or inform you if you didn't know how to look back at your favorite dog/handler team or just review some of the early post of the 2021 NARC Championship.

All of our post are "tagged" with labels. Which means all you need to do is look at the right side of the screen and scroll down until you see "Labels." Click on the label that you are interested in to view and you will get all the post that was tagged with that label. 

For example, if you want to view all the post that dog #142 has been tagged in, then click the 142 label and you can view the write up's on each series the dog complete this far. Or maybe you want to see the "Recaps," then click the recap label.

Restaurant Guide

Below is a listing of local places to go to for food. You can find this listing in the National Training Guide Book also! (on page 10)  View online Flipbook HERE or Download the Training Guide PDF HERE

Map to the 2021 NARC Test Grounds

This map was provided by Blackhawk Retriever Club Secretary Ann Heise to help you find your way to  other test properties that will be used in future series of the 2021 National Amateur. Thank you, Ann!

End of the Day Annoucement

 The Field Trial committee and the Chief Marshal have just announced to us that there will be a rebird after dog #29. The last running dog for this evening will be dog #44.

2021 NARC Annual Meeting

The buzz of excitement was in the air as everybody gathered at Holiday Inn South in Eau Claire, WI (this year’s headquarters) waiting for the 2021 NARC General Meeting. 
 

NARC President Randy Spangler

 

President Randy Spangler called the meeting to order at 3:17 pm. He spoke regarding the cancellation of the event in Cheboygan, MI and thanked Alvin Hatcher and his team for their tremendous efforts and the decision to carry all 2020 Qualifiers to the 2021 events which required a Special Meeting and By-Law change. Randy envoked moment of silence in remembrance of the people and dogs we have lost.
 
Randy welcomed everybody to Mondovi, WI … he then turned over the podium to Mark Medford who did the roll call and mentioned that it was the biggest National event to date with the largest number of first time handlers. He gave the financial report and the Special meeting minutes which were both approved.

Introduction of Club Officers…
     President: Randy Spangler
     1st Vice President: Andy Kahn
     2nd Vice President: Cindy Howard
     3rd Vice President: Michael Coutu
     4th Vice President: Jim Rickoff
     Secretary/Treasurer: Mark Medford
 

NARC Sec'y/Treasurer Mark Medford

Mark Medford announced the Retriever Hall of Fame Inductions from the ceremony on June 12 at the Bird Dog Hall of Fame.…
Martha Russell
Gary Algren
Mitch Patterson
Bobby Lane's dog FC-AFC Lanes Lets Get Ready To Rumble, LM “Ali” 

Chris Hatch's Tealcreek's Patton Saber "Saber"
 
The Bird Dog Foundation welcomes all visitors and Mark encouraged visitation and donations..
 
Randy spoke regarding the AKC Canine Heath Foundation – The retriever community has donated more than $66,000 from donations through Entry Express Checkout donation. Randy Spangler encouraged everybody to click the $1.00 donation button when entering.
 
It was announced the Cocktail Party will be held tonight, Friday, June 18 and begin 6:00 pm at our headquarters hotel, Holiday Inn - Eau Claire South. Cocktail attire for the ladies, jackets for the gentlemen.
 
Monday, June 21, 2021
 6:00 pm Double Header Club Dinner
 Location: Barn Again Lodge, S683 Lovely Road, Mondovi, WI
 
 Tuesday, June 22, 2021
 6:30 pm Worker’s Party
 Location: Barn Again Lodge, S683 Lovely Road, Mondovi, WI
 
Randy then recognized Jim Rickoff, Chairman for his hard work.
 

2021 NARC Chairman Jim Rickoff

 Jim Rickoff then introduced the committees and this year’s judges and presented them with gifts of a pencil drawing done by Hunter Johnson of each judge’s favorite dog.
 

2021 NARC Judges (L to R) Chester Koeth, Grayson Kelley and John Robinson

 

The judges are…
Eastern Time Zone – Grayson Kelley
Mountain Time Zone – John Robinson
Pacific Time Zone – Chester Koeth
 
Then the Test Dogs were introduced and they are…
Pedretti’s Zeus, “Zeus,” LM
Owner/Handler: Bobby Raasch, LaCrosse, WI
Lock Five’s Polk Salad Annie, “Annie,” LF
Owners: Randy and Mary Spangler, Mondovi, WI
Handler: Mary Spangler
 
Alvin Hatcher then listed the Officers Nomination Committee for 2022. They are...
      President: Andy Kahn
      1st Vice President: Cindy Howard
      2nd Vice President: Michael Coutu
      3rd Vice President: Jim Rickoff
      4th Vice President: Sonya Herregfeld Jackson
      Secretary/Treasurer: Mark Medford
 
 

Ex Officio NARC President Alvin Hatcher

 Andy Kahn & Ray Voigt introduced Casey Adams in recognition of 2019 National Amateur Retriever Club Champion “NAFC-FC Kirkwood’s Ace Of Lone Star.” Casey previously received his painting. Ross Young is the artist who created the painting which is sponsored by Purina. The painting is on the cover of June 2021 issue of Retriever News.
 
Field Trial Dedication:

The following couples who support and share their properties were recognized and is also who the 2021 NARC is dedicated to.
John & Laura Parrott -  properties in Louisiana, Texas & Wisconsin
Randy & Mary Spangler – property in Wisconsin
Jack & Laraine Unbehaun – properties in Georgia and Wisconsin
 

L to R: John & Laura Parrott, Jim Rickoff, Jack & Laraine Unbehaun and Mary & Randy Spangler

President Randy Spangler acknowledged and thanked the Sponsors of the 2021 NARC and they are…
Nestle Purina – present Ray Voigt, Bob West and Mike Botts.
Avery Sporting Dog – David Carrington
Dogtra
Garmin
Kent Cartridge
Oseo Automotive provided the judge's vehicles.

 

Bob West, Mike Botts and Ray Voigt of Purina

David Carrington from Avery Sporting Dog

Thanks also went out to the following landowners for the generous use of their training grounds…
Lee Christenson
Deb and Bruce Curtis
Dr. Joel Enochs, DVM
Ashley and Bob Lee
Jerry Petraitis
Watopa Retriever Club
 
Thanks to the following for the use of their property for our test sites…
Laura and John Parrott
Mary and Randy Spangler
Laraine and Jack Unbehaun
Wayne and Terri Curtis
 
Other NARC Trial Acknowledgements made by Randy Spangler ...
AKC representatives - Russ Reavis, Doug Ljungren, Caroline Murphy
Photographer - UpClose Photo, Mark Atwater
Special thanks to Deb Curtis & Terri Curtis for their repeat handling of the Hostess efforts.
Artist Cary Hunkel that did the drawings…Fabulous Job!
Announcer Louie Churack and Alex Washburn.
Official Veterinarian – Dr. Jeff Schuett , DVM
  

Andy Kahn announcement of the 2022 NARC
Location: Roseburg, OR
Two landowners have agreed to add their grounds to the trial.
Judges: John Stracka, Karen Young and Charlie Hayden.
 
Chris Brandl – COVID Coordinator, stated the guidelines that were presented and approved by the board.
 
Trial Procedure from Chief Marshal Paul Hanson
 

Chief Marshal Paul Hanson

The 2021 NARC will start with two test dogs. The First Series will be an Interrupted Double with a Blind. The retired gun is a hen pheasant and the flyer is a rooster pheasant. The blind is a mallard hen. This is about a 4.5 minute test. You will be called to the line when the running dog is coming back to the line.
 
4:45 am Caravan leaves Headquarters
6:05 am National Anthem
6:10 am Prayer
6:15 am Test Dogs
6:45 am Load Blinds – there will be five of them
6:55 am 1^st running dog will be called to the line.
 
Handlers will drop birds in a tote.
 
No-Bird Policy – 1^st & 2^nd go back 6 spots and run in the 7^th. 3^rd no-bird you go to the end.
 
Handlers must stay on mat for all send and all blinds.
 
Callbacks will be at the end of the test at the test site, on the Retriever News Blog, the Education Center and at the HQ. Line Marshal Judy Despenas will be on Motorola channel two and there will be a white board in the parking lot.

The gun changes would be 5-7 minutes every 25 dogs.
 
Sam Daley – Service Dog
Believe It Canine Service Dog “Echo” and his handler, Quinn, a retired Marine. Sam trains dogs for veterans free of charge. These dogs become a non-pharmaceutical option to manage PTSD.  

 

The starting number was picked by “Echo” and it is #89 FC-AFC ABBY'S PHYSICIAN OF ANTIOCH, 

"Luke" BLM, Dan Hurst.

 

The Hostesses with the "Mostesses"  <3

Scratches: 3, 50, 105 & 129
 
Rotation: 89 – 120 – 151 – 29 – 60
Gun Change every 25 dogs and the Test Dogs will be counted in the gun change calculation.

 

Good Luck to All! See you at the party!

Retriever Advisory Committee - Friday, June 18, 2021

The Retriever Advisory meeting began at 2:12 pm. 

It was called to order Chairman John Russell. Present were Bill Goldstein, Doug Ljungren and Larry Morgan.

He said that no one has petitioned a rule change in two years.  

 

Some points that reviewed:

Birds should arrive at field trials in good condition and not frozen (room temperature)

Event Committee should be experienced, knowledgeable and familiar with their duties. 

 

There has been no new topics to come to the committee. 

A question was asked - Can you stop a test to call AKC to see if the test was legal?

Responses...

The Field Trial Chairperson is responsible for adherence to the rules and the execution of a successful and safe trial for competitors and dogs. 

Bill Goldstein suggested that tests be reviewed during set-up and be proactive.

If the Field Trial Committee convenes for any issue, this meeting must be included in their trial report and submitted to the AKC. If the AKC feels it is necessary, they will follow-up accordingly.

2nd Question - Any AKC changes to bird handling? 

Response...

At the end of this year, will be the end of COVID influence on judges handling of birds. 

Hunting Test - COVID expectation is in effect till the end of year. Hunting test may regulate to continue that the judges don't receive birds.

3rd Question - Rotation in the Derby/Minor Stake ... There has not been overwhelming support for rotation by clubs.

Response...

Starts with DOW and a minor stake run with a rotation must be posted on the premium. 

 

There should be a Chief Marshal to have the final say regarding running order.

Final Question - Spacing of Dogs - Page 39-40 of Procedure booklet.

Response...

Entry Express has algorithms but the field trial secretaries need to double check spacing of the handlers to insure proper flow. Lively discussion followed on this topic.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 pm.

Dr. Jeff Schuett, DVM – Presentation on Field First Aid & Blastomycosis

 

Dr. Jeff Schuett DVM, ABVP started his seminar on Blastomycosis at 1:00 pm.

Dr. Schuett started off by saying dogs and people can get this disease, but people cannot get it from a dog. Endemic across the Great Lakes, California, the South, Tennessee Valley and North. It is not seen much in the southeast or far west. 

Takes specific soil (acidic and sandy), river beds, old farmsteads, chicken coops.
The disease can frequently be misdiagnosed.

Enters the body through respiratory tract. Cannot transfer from dog to person. The incubation period is two weeks to three months. 

Symptoms are...
Fever - 40% of cases   

Ocular involvement

Central Nervous System is affected 5% of the time.

Organs Affected:

Respiratory

Ocular 

Lymphatic 

Skin 

Bones 

Non-healing skin lesion

Diagnosis...

A physical exam may not point to signs of this disease, but diagnosis is accurate with an antigen urine test through MiraVista Labs. Radiographs might not show it.

Blastomycosis is a thick-walled budding yeast.

Treatment...

Treatment is never less than 60 days, preferred treatment is Itraconazole (2 - 6 months)

Key Points...

Can be misdiagnosed

Fever of unknown origin

Accurate test by MiraVista

Treat early if you suspect the disease

Can experience reinfection.

 

For more complete details, Dr. Jeff will post this presentation on his website:

www.PewaukeeVeterinaryServices.com 

Then Dr. Jeff went on to describe the Field First Aid Kit.

2021 NARC is Dedicated To...

The 2021 National Amateur Retriever Championship Stake Dedicated To... 

John and Laura Parrott 

Randy and Mary Spangler 

& 

Jack and Laraine Unbehaun

WE DEDICATE THIS NATIONAL EVENT to honor three very special couples who have a long-dedicated history of helping Field Trial Clubs, Amateur Trainers and National Events. Their vision to develop, maintain and share their beautiful properties has supported hundreds of people who share the same passion. Buying, developing, and maintaining field trial property is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. These three couples have done so, two in multiple states, asking nothing in return. Their generosity is greatly appreciated and recognized! 

JOHN AND LAURA PARROTT met over 30 years ago at a field trial in Alamosa, Colorado. A year later they were married and began a life devoted to training and trialing Labrador retrievers. Having attended his first field trial in 1975, prior to meeting Laura, John had already owned five Field Champions. In 1984, John won the National Open Championship with his beloved “Lucy” (Lucyana’s Wanapum Girl) in Lufkin, Texas. 

    Together, since marriage, John and Laura have trained and owned 4 additional Field Champions. One of those was Willie. They acquired Lucyana’s Fast Willie from Linda Harger in 1990. It did not take long for them to realize that Willie was an incredibly special dog. He was the High Point Derby Dog in 1992 with 72 Derby points. He was an FC-AFC by 3 years of age. Laura and Willie won the 1997 National Open Championship, in Cheraw, South Carolina. In 1998, Willie was The High Point Amateur Dog, brought home two Double Headers, one handled by Laura and one with John. In 2001, Willie was inducted into the Retriever Hall of Fame with 227 AA points. 

    John and Laura have served on numerous committees and in a number of other capacities throughout the years with both the National Amateur and National Open Championships. John has served as a Gunner for approximately 50 consecutive Nationals. Between the two of them, John and Laura have judged four National Championships. Over the last thirty years, John and Laura have purchased, developed, and maintained properties specifically for training retrievers in Louisiana, Texas, and Wisconsin. Their grounds have always been made available for both training and field trials. 

RANDY AND MARY SPANGLER picked up their first competitive dog in 1998, a yellow female named White Lightning Shiloh’s Run, “Shiloh.” Mary had the empty nest syndrome and wanted to train. Finding the Blackhawk Retriever Club, she met some training partners and started running some NAHRA Hunting tests. 

    Shortly thereafter Randy started with a black male and their journey began. They got serious and trained three FC-AFC titled dogs and one NAFC “Mully” who has finished his career with 102 All Age points, qualified for 11 National Events, 7-time National Finalist going 96 out of a possible 100 series in his National Career! In 2008, they purchased their property on Swiggum Road. Randy being the handy man he is began developing the property for retriever training. And each year he adds to this wonderful property by clearing more land and developing more water. In 2012, they purchased 15 acres of land that hosts the 2 Unbehaun Education Center/Blackhawk Clubhouse with a long-term agreement with the club for their use rights. 

    Randy and Mary have been members of Blackhawk Retriever Club since 1999. They have served in several board positions over the years. Randy has been president of the club for the last several years. 

    Mary has served on the board in different capacities for many years and is instrumental in organizing club events such as the dinners and social functions. She has also served as Hunting test Event chairperson and Stake Chair for field trials and hunting tests, along with being an active AKC hunting test and field trial judge. 

JACK UNBEHAUN got started like many, he wanted a duck dog. So, back in 1968 he asked Laraine if he could buy one and the journey began. This journey has taken them all over the country with multiple titled dogs and numerous judging assignments. The Unbehauns have donated generously to the sport by providing training grounds in Americus, Georgia and Mondovi, Wisconsin. Additionally, they have funded the Unbehaun Education Center which is home to the Blackhawk Retriever Club. Both Jack and Laraine have served in various Board positions for the Blackhawk Retriever Club and Southwest Georgia Retriever Club, worked countless hours helping the three National Amateur events held here in Wisconsin. Need something done for a club, just ask Jack and Laraine they are always willing to help! 

Without question, these three couples exemplify the true meaning of sportsmanship. They have given much more than they have taken and asked nothing in return. These past three National Amateur Events would not have been possible without their property and help. It is with great pleasure we dedicate the 2021 National Amateur Retriever Championship to these couples. Thank You from the Field Trial Community, with gratitude!

Dr. Jeff Schuett, DVM – First Aid Check List

 

2021 NARC Schedule

 SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS and SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

(Holiday Inn South I-94, 4751 Owen Ayre Ct., Eau Claire, WI)

Friday, June 18th, 2021 - HOLIDAY INN - EAU CLAIRE SOUTH

   8:00 am  NARC Officers 

9:00 am Merchandise will be available throughout the day

   11:00 am  Field Trial Committee Meeting, Judges & Hostess will give out Contestant's Packets

  1:00 pm  Dr. Jeff Schuett, DVM – Presentation on Field First Aid & Blastomycosis

  2:00 pm  Retriever Advisory Committee

  3:00 pm  NARC Annual Meeting

• The starting number for the first series will be drawn at the conclusion of the NARC Annual meeting.
• Labrador Retriever Club Conformation Certificate – At conclusion of Annual Meeting
• Bitch Check: Following the Annual Meeting

  4:00 pm  All Other Committee Meetings

  6:30 pm  Cocktail Party – Holiday Inn - Eau Claire South

• Cocktail attire for the ladies, jackets for the gentlemen

Saturday, June 19th, 2021

   6:00 am  Introductions (Trial Grounds) and Opening Ceremony

   6:30 am  Test Dogs

   7:00 am  2021 National Amateur Retriever Championship Begins

Monday, June 21, 2021

6:00 pm Double Header Club Dinner

Location: Barn Again Lodge, S683 Lovely Road, Mondovi, WI

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

   6:30 pm  Worker's Party 

Location: Barn Again Lodge, S683 Lovely Road, Mondovi, WI

Winner's Party: At the conclusion of the National Amateur. Location TBD.