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Friday was well on its way when the group from San Diego showed up early in the afternoon. We were happy to make use of the extra hands when they offered their help. Field setup was made much easier and with the heat approaching sweltering it was appreciated by all the club members. |
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This year Mother Nature was not as kind as other years with holding back the heat. It was almost 80 degrees as the activities got started in the morning peaking at about 106 that afternoon.
There was a scare early on when Dave Dembouski’s dog decided to try to get sick. After a trip to the emergency vet and an overnight stay just to be safe we were happy to hear on Sunday Gus was doing well and it was not bloat as some had feared. Even with all of that Dave still came back and worked dogs with focus and skill.
Keeping the helpers hydrated and the dogs cooled down was a priority. Many a dog landed in the kiddie pool as soon as they came off the field, many a handler looked like they wanted to join their dog in there!
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There was a wide range of handlers and dogs including an Australian Shepherd who came tie-dyed in the same spirit of Dogstock. It was great to see some juniors show up to work their dogs. From the quality of their skills learned so far I expect we will see them on the podiums not too far in the future.
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While the handlers were able to take a break from the heat the helpers showed no signs of slowing down as the day went on. Even when they were not catching the dogs they were right there helping with advice and suggestions or working the lines. Jim Lempner did a marathon of working lines and making sure everything went smooth on the field.
There was no slowing down for these commited handlers and helpers, not through a lunch, not through record breaking heat. Standing in the shade at the hottest point of the day I heard the comment “look at them…they just keep coming…” They were unstoppable. |
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As dinner moved on, Kolby outdid himself this year on the barbeque, the last of the dogs were worked and people started to relax before the evening’s protection tournament Diane Vegsund raffled off all items. We had some happy winners going home with donated items of dog food, cookies, pottery, an EZ-up, bite tugs and other items. The Belgian arm & bite pants donated by Hallmark K9 garnered the largest portion of raffle tickets. |
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| Just as dusk was starting to settle they asked us to clear the field and suddenly a large cargo van made its way through the crowd followed by two Deputy sheriff K9 units. The first to be taken into custody by Matt Hardcastle and his partner Guadge was John Riboni. Glen McNama with his partner Bero solicited a cheer as he took Greg to the ground after being “shot at” as he exited the cargo van.
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As evening pushed on more guests showed up for the highlight of Dogstock, the protection tournament.
The fastest courage test was clocked at 36 mph and went to Lise’ Strum's Malinois Mona. Protection results:
SchH 1:
1st place LB Gunn with Artos 92 points & 23mph
2nd place Kathy Corcoran with Hatchet 90 points &25mph
3rd place Tiffany Dennis with Scout 85 points & 34mph
SchH 3:
1st place Victor Armendariz with Hagin 97 points & 34mph
2nd place David Green with Luigi 97 points & 32mph
3rd place Nancy Wright with Damon 94 points & 34mph
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Sunday morning started off slow and easy. Pulling up to the field early everyone was just starting to get moving. The field was dotted with tents where everyone decided to just stay the night. The heat was not anything like it had been the day before so it promised to be another good day of training.
After coffee and breakfast burritos the training sessions got started up again with those who need to leave early today getting started right away. Everyone was a little subdued today after a 315am finish to the protection tournament but that all changed as they took to the field one more time before finishing up for the day.
Placer County Club members worked hard to make sure everyone had everything they might need. We appreciated everyone and hope we made that appreciation clear.
To Dave Deleissegues, Rob Dunn, Shane Garrehy, Jose Lopez, Tom Riche,
Bryan Dewe, Chris Fodera, Dave Dembouski & John Riboni.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
Without you Dogstock could not happen.
