Introducing Sweetbay's 2003 Titlists

Introducing Sweetbay’s 2003 Titlists

We'd like to introduce you to the Newfoundlands and their special owners who achieved titles in 2003.

WA Sweetbay’s Gusto UDT WRDX TDD OA OAJ (VCD2), OFA NF-7523
Call name: Gus
Born: 3-19-00
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247)
Dam: Sweetbay's Padgett AmCanCD, OFA NF-6539, EL-1025
Owner: Ann Dunnigan, Afton, Minnesota
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

It used to be, if you saw a Newf in obedience, you stopped to watch. Because you were sure to get a chuckle out of the lazy ambling clownish performance. But Ann Dunnigan is one of the exhibitors who has caused judges and spectators to change that perception. Her Gusto completed his companion dog degree in January, with marvelous scores in the mid-190s. He showed both precision and style in the ring, along with exuberance, animation and joy. The last two legs brought him incredible back-to-back 195.5 scores, and tons of compliments from everyone watching at ringside.

Talk to anyone showing in obedience. He'll tell you just getting a dog through the CD ring is a lot to ask. But Ann Dunnigan knows her Gus. He thrives on work, the more the better, the more varied, the better yet. The same weekend Gus was earning his CD, he was also entered in agility. In the open level, no less. And he completed his Open Agility title with a smashing performance, well under time and with a lovely run. Gus continually amazes agility handlers, who are used to thinking of Newfies as slow. Especially when his times are faster than the goldens and aussies!

Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RA TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Call name: Darby
Born: 4-30-98
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Scout CD TD WRD DD, OFA NF-5140, EL-323
Owners: Judi & Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Darby earned her first two CD legs in November, with nice scores in the 190s. She's a precision heeler, alert and quick, and always with a wagging tail. Then there was a ten week wait till the next show. But what a show it was. January's trials in Portland are insane. Four thousand dogs come to that series, most to do conformation, but close to a thousand entered in agility and obedience, and the noise level and commotion are unbelievable. Getting a dog to concentrate in that din is difficult. But Darby was up to the task. And she gave Judi a gift, a once-in-a-lifetime run, completing her CD with a first place in an enormous Novice B class and an incredible score of 198. . Judi and Darby both looked euphoric coming out of the ring. And in a nice bit of “frosting” on that cake, Darby was runner-up to the High In Trial dog, a multiple HIT winner, who had scored a 198.5 in utility B. Getting the second highest score of any dog in such a huge trial - now that was a memorable way to finish a title.

Sweetbay’s Fiona AmCanCD RA TD WRD AmCanDD, EL-1924
Call name: Fiona
Born: 3-17-01
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owners: Judi & Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Some dogs are old souls, mature long before their chronological ages would suggest it. Fiona is just the opposite. She is a puppy through and through, with energy and exuberance and that babyish way of flinging herself about, bounding into experiences with apparently no self-restraint. Judi began training her in obedience in self-defense, to teach Fiona concepts such as “trot next to me, not on top of me” and “stop messing around and come over here now, please” and that all important “stay still for a second without moving.” Fiona thought training was wonderful, and learned quickly, but her youth made coping with new situations and loud noises and intriguing distractions a real challenge. And everything was a distraction at first.

Judi entered Fiona in the January shows in Portland, Oregon – a totally inappropriate choice for a young, flighty girl. Because they are huge shows, with more than 4000 dogs in attendance, and a noise level that would put Boeing's tarmac to shame. But Fiona was a dear, and qualified all three days, with solid scores. And always, always, with that gaily wagging flag of a tail, and a big happy grin stretching from ear to ear.

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H, OFA NF-7437, EL-1624
Call Name: Lyric
Born: 12-17-99
Sire: Sweetbay's Cheechako AmCan CDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603 EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay's Talisman CD, OFA NF-6525 EL-1016
Owner: Lois Apfel, Lakeside, California
Title earned: TD (AKC Tracking Dog tracking title)

Tracking trainers shake their heads with dismay when they describe a dog as “birdy.” Because there are birds everywhere in tracking fields, and a birdy dog will have her head in the air, watching birds fly overhead. Or her nose may be on the ground, which is more hopeful ... but it will be stalking the fresh scent of a kildeer or goose that's nested there, rather than the tracklayer's scent. And heaven help the dog if she flushes a pheasant, because whatever tracking concentration she had will focus totally on that bird the second it ratchets off.

Lois Apfel's Lyric takes “birdy” to a new level. It extends to all living critters. Lois has worked valiantly to teach Lyric to ignore those temptations when tracking, but it's impossible to wholly extinguish such a compulsion, and Lois knows it. That's why it was such a thrill when Lyric passed a TD test on her first attempt. The test was in southern California on January 19. And there were critters everywhere: coyotes, huge jackrabbits, gophers and other tempting attractions abounded. And birds, birds, everywhere.

Lyric ran her track briskly, covering the 440 yards at a good clip. She hesitated only once, when she flushed a covy of birds, but got right back to work. Then it was smooth (fast!) sailing to the glove. The judges were impressed. As one commented to the applauding gallery, “That is the way a track and tracking dog should look."

Sweetbay’s Aurora CD MX AXJ WD, OFA NF-7502, EL-1660
Call name: Rory
Born: 3-19-00
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Padgett AmCanCD, OFA NF-6539, EL-1025
Owner: Anna Lewandowski, Houston, Texas
Title earned: CD (AKC companion dog obedience title)

Anna Lewandowski and Rory earned their three CD legs in three straight shows, finishing up on March 15th. As this was Anna's first try at novice obedience, they went in the Novice A class. Their scores were lovely, with Rory earning placements (including first place at her first trial). Because she and Anna have done so much agility together, their obedience work came together very smoothly. They earned compliments every time they went in the ring; people were amazed to see such a smooth, fast heeling Newfoundland.

Sweetbay’s Fiona AmCanCD RA TD WRD AmCanDD, EL-1924
Call name: Fiona
Born: 3-17-01
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owner: Judi and Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: CanCD (CKC companion dog obedience title)

There's a lovely two day/four trial show circuit in Cloverdale, B.C. every year. It's always in the middle of March, and since Fiona would turn two on that show weekend, it seemed like a great birthday omen. And it certainly was. Fiona qualified in the first three shows with solid scores in the mid-190s, including a 196 and third place in a sizeable Novice B class. I'm sure she earned bonus points for her animation and flair. It's hard to resist a Newfoundland who heels with pizzazz and who grins widely with each prancing step. The golden retriever folks who put on the series offer all sorts of extra prizes, and Fiona happily went home with bounteous loot, including a special trophy for Highest Scoring Newfoundland in Trial .

Sweetbay's Lenox AmCanTD, OFA EL-1866
Call name: Lenox
Born: 1-21-01
Sire: Sweetbay's Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay's Talisman CD, OFA NF-6525 EL-1016
Owners: Judi & Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: CanTD (CKC tracking dog title)

From the first moment Lenox donned a harness and raced out onto a grassy field, tracking was her passion. Judi started her out at ten weeks old, and it was as though she knew what to do and how wonderful it would be to do it. She progressed amazingly quickly, and Judi had her tracking buddies laying harder and harder tracks for the mite. Lenox crossed roads, went through forests, crossed ravines and streams, worked through brambles and mud flats and swamps. If something particularly difficult stumped her, she had it all figured out by the time she encountered it again. And she was fast – Lord, was she fast. It was all Judi could do to hold onto the lead and try to stay on her feet. On March 23rd, Judi and Lenox made a whirlwind trip to Canada to enter the Surrey Dog Obedience Club's 50th tracking test. Judi drew track #2, and Lenox ran it in record time. The most memorable moment came on the third leg. Lenox's field was right next to 176th Avenue in Cloverdale, the huge highway which leads to the border crossing and customs for the commercial truck traffic. And that third leg ran parallel to the highway, only feet away. Lenox concentrates totally when she tracks. She headed down that third leg, and was almost blasted off it by an enormous 18-wheeler roaring past. Whoa! Lenox jammed on her brakes and looked up in panic. Several more trucks whipped on past, throwing up massive watersprays and making a roaring whoosh. Then she squared her shoulders, ducked her chin, and deliberately went back on track. She maintained that concentration all the way to the glove.

Sweetbay's Annapolis CDX OA OAJ WRD DD, OFA EL-761
Call name: Higgins
Born: 4-29-96
Sire: Sweetbay's Rio AmCanCDX AmCanTD AmCanWRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-3065, EL-93
Dam: Appl'Valli Sally, OFA NF-3773, EL-51
Owners: Kathy Robbins, Mt. Airy, Maryland
Title earned: DD (NCA Draft Dog carting title)

Everyone gets busy, and Kathy Robbins had found her work taking up more time than she liked. So Higgins had been taking an involuntary break from training. He didn't like that one bit, and made it clear he wanted to get back to work. Well, the local club had a draft test coming up soon, and Higgins was a good carting dog. So Kathy decided to brush up his skills and see if they could get ready. And on April 1, they entered Colonial's draft test. Higgins and Kathy have a deep rapport, and Kathy was able to direct him through the difficult maneuvering course and rough mile freight haul with quiet words and gentle signals. Both judges complimented Kathy on the teamwork she and Higgins exhibited. Higgins, four weeks shy of his seventh birthday, showed not one bit of his age as he finished the test with plenty of energy to spare.

Sweetbay’s Fiona AmCanCD RA TD WRD AmCanDD, EL-1924
Call name: Fiona
Born: 3-17-01
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owner: Judi and Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: TD (AKC tracking dog title)

Fiona entered the April 13th tracking test put on by the venerable Emerald Dog Obedience Club in Eugene, Oregon. Judi had been to Eugene's tests in the past, and had always loved the glorious vast green fields. This year was no exception. The field that held Fiona's track was set a ways back from the road, and the grass was thigh-high on Judi. It had rained profusely for the entire week before, and the field's surface under all that grass was either thick viscous mud or foot-deep standing water. Fiona had certified only a few weeks before. She had just turned two and was fairly new to tracking, but more than made up for her lack of years with wild enthusiasm. The track was set back a ways from the road, so there was a five minute hike to get to the start flag, and Fiona dragged Judi every inch of the way. She continued that pace on the track, covering six legs, making five corners, all at a run. The first leg was hell, because Judi almost lost her boots at every step (that sucky mud is fierce), but Fiona, with four-wheel drive, wasn't slowed up a bit. The final leg was a very, very, very long one, and Judi had begun to wonder if Fiona had simply run past the glove. That would be failing. And just about the time it began to seem a real possibility, Fiona wheeled around, pounced like a cat, and came up with the glove.

You expect rain in Oregon. But there had been nothing but rain for a full week, downpour after downpour, and the fields at Eugene's April 13 tracking test were flooded. Lenox's field was the worst of all. Seen from above, it would have looked like a map of the Great Lakes times twenty: bits of grass and dirt here and there, connected with major bodies of water everywhere. Lenox is a very, very fast tracker, except through deep water. It takes a while to be sure where the scent is in those conditions, and Lenox is a very smart tracker. She maintained a very steady trot down the first leg, second, third. Then she stopped! She indicated something on the track and waited for me to come up and verify her find. It couldn't be a glove; TD tracks have to have four to six legs, and we had at least one leg to go. But Lenox was clear; she had found the tracklayer's article. No, it wasn't the glove. It was the tracklayer's notebook containing the map of the track. Of course, it was so wet and mud-spattered Judi couldn't see any details, but that was fine. She knew it was always safer to go where Lenox said, than to rely on any external flags or maps. Lenox, pleased as punch at this find, got back to tracking when Judi told her to, and nailed leg four and five. A long way down leg #6, she encountered the worst of the lakes, several knee deep bodies of water strung like pearls on a string, with only the occasional blade of grass poking through. Not a problem, she said, sniffing audibly, and she worked her way across. Ten seconds later, she indicated another find – and this time it was the glove.

When you train a very bright, instinctive, motivated dog like Darby for tracking, you soon realize that the most difficult part of earning the title might be getting into the actual test. There are always more entries than spots open, and Darby wound up on the alternate list at the first four tests we tried to get into. She made it to alternate #1 on each – but that was the classic “always the bridesmaid, never the bride” situation, and she did not get into a single one. But finally, luck was with her. The tracking test sponsored by the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America at their national specialty didn't fill with corgi entries, and the spots left over went to other breeds – and Darby, who again had been on the alternate list, found herself moving up as dogs withdrew. And Judi eventually got the good news. Darby was in.

The test was April 24th at a wildlife area near Vancouver Lake, Washington. Judi drew the first track of the day. Fog was everywhere, and Judi could barely see Darby at the end of the lead, but it didn't matter. Darby was keen to track, and navigated every inch of that track with dedication and drive. Her TD took a while to achieve – if you can't get into a test, you can't earn a title – but when she finally got the chance, she positively shone.

VN Ch Sweetbay’s Benson CDX RE WRDX TDD, OFA NF-7511, EL-1666
Call name: Benson
Born: 3-19-00
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Padgett AmCanCD, OFA NF-6539, EL-1025
Owners: Patti Pigeon, Golden, Colorado
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Patti Pigeon started Benson's obedience career in a big way. She entered him in High Country Newfoundland Club's regional specialty on Valentine's Weekend. It was his first time in any obedience ring. Benson is enormously people-oriented. Sociable doesn't begin to describe his gregariousness, and Patti had her work cut out for her if she was going to keep his attention on her when they were in the ring. But Benson was wonderful, heeling brightly, doing a lovely recall, and finishing up with rock-solid stays. His 190.5 score was a lovely Valentine's present to Patti. It also earned them the special award of High Scoring Newfoundland in Trial. Then, in May, Patti put him in two more shows, and he qualified in both, finishing up his CD.

When Benson began carting, Patti realized she had a natural on her hands. But Benson not only loved carting, he loved to go fast. And a speed demon between shafts does not pass draft tests. Patti put in the time necessary to convince Benson it was just as fun to go a little more slowly and to listen to her instructions, and it began to come together beautifully. The test, on May 17, was sponsored by the High Country Newfoundland Club. As Patti walked the test route before the judging began, she recognized how fortunate it was that they had trained so well. It was a difficult test, with major hills and dozens and dozens of distractions. But Benson was under beautiful control and worked like a champion, navigating through the difficult obstacles with ease, and covering the mile freight haul like it was a cake walk.

The Versatile Newfoundland (VN) title is awarded to Newfoundlands who achieve specific titles. To earn a VN, the dog must have his championship, his companion dog (CD) obedience title, both his water titles (WD and WRD), and a draft title. A dog who is both beautiful and smart is worthy of high honor, and the NCA recognizes this with its VN. Benson earned his championship easily, including a group placement from the classes. His CD went on in three straight shows, including a High In Trial at the regional specialty. His draft work was superb, skilled and enthusiastic, and the DD came at his first test. Everyone who knows Benson agrees he's great in breed, obedience and draft, but they all agree he is extraordinary at the water, and no one will forget his incredible power and speed as he earned his WD and WRD. Benson is a natural, gifted with drive and stamina and instinct. His VN was well deserved, and Patti Pigeon will tell you she enjoyed every minute of the training and teamwork that went into it.

Sweetbay’s Fiona AmCanCD RA TD WRD AmCanDD, EL-1924
Call name: Fiona
Born: 3-17-01
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owner: Judi and Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: DD (NCA Draft Dog carting title)

When Fiona was five months old, Judi lowered a draft harness over her shoulders and then slipped Fiona between the shafts of a lightweight training rig. She suggested Fiona pull – and Fiona did. She was aware there was a cart there, but didn't mind one bit, and pranced about like she was the Queen of the May. She was such a natural, you had to laugh. She just thought it was all wonderful, turning sharp corners, squeezing through tight spots, blasting up steep hills, braking as she went down the other side. There was no doubt she was going to be a fine carting dog – once a little control was added. One year later, they resumed the training in earnest. Judi and Fiona spent several weeks carting at dozens of new locations, and they knew they were ready. PNNC's test, on May 18, was held in Welches at the base of Mount Hood. Fiona never put a foot wrong the entire day. Her basic control was elegantly solid, joyous and clean. The maneuvering course was difficult, but Fiona navigated it like it was child's play. But it was the freight haul that was the real challenge. It was much longer than the mile required in the rules, and 98% of the route went on trails through the woods. The trails were narrow, and heavy brush crowded the edges. Hidden under the brush were logs, stumps, and rocks, and if your dog went just a bit wide, your cart would flip, and that was the end of your title hopes. Judi was grateful she and Fiona had done so much proofing, for it was an arduous course – yet Judi and Fiona had a great time and cruised it easily. The setting was spectacular, most notably the rustic rain-slick wooden bridge with openwork sides that formed an arc over a rushing river in a ravine hundreds of feet below. It was an awesome vista, and because Fiona was so competent and trustworthy a carting dog, Judi could relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Sweetbay's Esme AmCanCD TD WRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-7215, EL-1456
Call name: Esme
Born: 6-3-99
Sire: Sweetbay's Bounder CanCD, OFA NF-5924, EL-685
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owners: Judi & Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Esme earned her CD in her first three shows, qualifying every time with a solid performance and placing in the ribbons twice (taking a second and a fourth in her novice B classes). She earned her first two legs the first weekend in June, and finished on June 14th at an outdoor show in a heat wave. Summer is not the best time to be competing with a black-coated Newfoundland. But Esme is a trooper, and she heeled like a champ despite the weather and an unfortunate 11:30 showtime. “I'm amazed to see a Newfie who will work so happily and with such animation in the sun,” said the judge, smiling her congratulations after Esme's recall. And though several dogs in her group went down on the stays, Esme sat (and then downed) solidly, clearly understanding the exercise and knowing it was important to Judi that she do well. Two hours later, Esme got called back into the ring for a run-off. It was 1:30 pm, the sun was blazing, and she would have to do a lengthy off-lead heel pattern. Judi had faith, and Esme came through, winning the run-off (against a hotshot border collie who plainly didn't feel like working a second time). That earned Esme a place in the ribbons and a pretty nifty fuzzy tug-ball for her efforts. Had Esme known there was such a great squeak toy in the offing, she might have worked even better! After scores were awarded, she carried the fleecy ball all the way back to the car, then – once home – showed it off to all her friends but clearly retained ownership. She definitely understood it was her great efforts that had won this special toy, and she was proud as punch.

Sweetbay's Kate CD WRD, OFA NF-7226, EL-1461
Call name: Kate
Born: 6-3-99
Sire: Sweetbay's Bounder CanCD, OFA NF-5924, EL-685
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owners: Nancy Nevin, Mundelein, Illinois
Title earned: CD (AKC Companion Dog obedience title)

Nancy Nevin has a long history of spectacular successes in the obedience ring, and it looks like Kate will add luster to Nancy's reputation as a superb trainer. Her first time in the ring was on March 1 at North Central's regional specialty in Wisconsin. Kate qualified with a 195.5, taking first in her class and High In Trial. Her second try, March 9, Kate again took a first place (in a class of 46!) with a 197.5. And she finished her CD in June (on Friday the 13th, a very lucky day indeed) with a 196. Kate heels with a lovely combination of precision and animation, and performs all her exercises with enthusiasm. Nancy can't help but grin when they work together, and Kate's fine work brings out the smiles in the audiences as well.

The Richmond, B.C. dog obedience club sponsors a two-day obedience circuit every June, and the opportunity to get a title in a weekend caught Judi Adler in its lure. But Richmond had changed its venue, and its 2003 trials were held at a hockey rink. No, the flooring wasn't ice, but it might as well have been. Though the rings were matted, the rest of the flooring was shiny and slick, and it was hard to keep one's footing. When Judi and Esme entered the building, Esme promptly did an about turn, announcing in no uncertain terms that she had no intention of competing under these circumstances. But Judi's a pro, and allows for such things. She had been careful to arrive plenty early. Half an hour later, Esme had gone from slinking, six inches high, to walking tolerably well – if gingerly – and Judi knew they had a shot at it. And in three straight trials, they had their Canadian CD, with solid scores.

SpCH Sweetbay’s Lyric CD TDX RE WRD OAP OJP OFP (VCD1) OAC EGC OJC TNE TGO WVO UAG1 CSL3-F CSL3-R CSL3-S CSL3-H, OFA NF-7437, EL-1624
Call name: Lyric
Born: 12-17-99
Sire: Sweetbay's Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam:: Sweetbay's Talisman CD, OFA NF-6525, EL- 1016
Owners: Lois Apfel, Lakeside, California
Title earned: NA-P (AKC novice agility preferred title)

Often it's the little things that keep you from being successful. For Lois Apfel, even the big things don't stand in her way for long when it comes to agility with her Newfoundland. Lois has asthma, and that compromised her speed, which meant Lyric left Lois in the dust. Wise handling and exceptional training were a big help, but they only go so far. Then Lois broke her hip, and surgery and a lengthy recuperation followed. Many would have given up hopes of ever competing in agility. It spurred Lois on even more. This spring, Lois and Lyric earned the three legs necessary for their AKC novice agility (preferred) title, finishing up on July 13. Lyric was always way under time and earned placements, often surpassing the border collies and aussies, and always delighting the crowds.

Sweetbay’s Fiona AmCanCD RA TD WRD AmCanDD, EL-1924
Call name: Fiona
Born: 3-17-01
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owner: Judi and Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: WD (NCA Water Dog junior water rescue title)

It just couldn't have been better. Fiona got up the morning of Test Day (August 17) raring to go, in typical exuberant spirits, and when she arrived at Silver Lake for Seattle's annual water test, she kicked it up yet another notch. Her water work was spectacular, crisp and solid and with never a bobble, yet it was the speed and power she added to the exercises that earned her oohs and aahs from the crowd. Her water entries were done at top speed, whether she was off on a retrieve or bringing aid to a drowner. Yet she graciously toned it down in order to execute a flawless swim with handler, wrapping up a perfect performance.

Sweetbay’s Sonnet CDX U-CDX RE TD DD WRD CanWRDX, OFA NF-8250, EL-2224
Call name: Sonnet
Born: 3-28-02
Sire: CanCh Sweetbay’s Kyak CD CanCDX WRD CanWRDX DD CanDDX W-FD FDN, OFA NF-7189
Dam: Sweetbay’s Darby AmCanCD RA TD WD AmCanDD, OFA NF-6811, EL-1205
Owner: Michael and Sharon Marcus, Portland, Oregon
Title earned: WD (NCA Water Dog junior water rescue title)

Sonnet is still very much a puppy, yet she can put together some spectacular work. On August 23, Michael Marcus and Sonnet competed in PNNC's annual water test at Horseshoe Lake, and their teamwork was exemplary. Michael got Sonnet through basic control through alert handling – for Sonnet, like all true water dogs, would rather be in the water than heeling politely nearby – and then they zoomed through the five junior water exercises, one after the other, with joy. Michael loves Sonnet's exuberance and has no intention of squashing it – and the audience was delighted, watching this mutually devoted pair earn their WD.

Sometimes the hardest part of earning an advanced title is getting into enough tests to have a good shot at it. Lois Apfel drove over a thousand miles (from San Diego) to compete in the PNNC water test in Woodland, Washington on August 23. But oh, was it worth it. Lyric was pumped, keen to work and determined to do it at top speed. Lois wanted more control. So Lyric did every exercise at her chosen speed, and barked at Lois if Lois couldn't keep up. At times, it seemed Lyric was directing the performance, yipping out commands and voicing criticisms if Lois was a split second slow with her portion of the work. All six exercises were performed with flair and with considerable humor, and they earned their WRD with more than the usual drama. No one there will ever forget this pair!

On Labor Day weekend, Ann Dunnigan entered Gus in his first-ever water test. Northstar Newfoundland Club sponsored the test, at a private water site owned by club members. Gus passed with a stellar performance. In fact, he was so good he almost got his WRD as well. Gus loves the water, and works with intense enthusiasm, and the spectators were delighted to see this eager dog perform the tasks. For qualifying, Ann received some nice treats, including a handsome life-ring trophy. Gus was much more excited about the jar of really good biscuits!

On September 7, Gus joined the crowds at the thirtieth annual Great Lakes water test, a big whoop-de-doo attended by legions of water-loving folks and their Newfs. It was a 600 mile drive from their home in Minnesota, but it was worth it. As if responding to the special nature of the event, Ann and Gus performed every task at a heightened level. Gus did spectacular leaps off the boat, and did his retrieves and rescues well under the alloted time. Had this been timed (like, say, agility trials), Gus would have been the winner by a mile. He was the only senior dog to qualify, and he did so spectacularly.

Sweetbay’s Quin RA WRD DD, OFA NF-8101, EL-2105
Call name: Quin
Born: 11-15-01
Sire: Sweetbay's Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay's Esme AmCanCD TD WRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-7215, EL-1456
Owner: Sue and Mark Raney, Arvada, Colorado
Title earned: WD (NCA Water Dog junior water rescue title)

In 2002, when Quin was but ten months old, he competed in Denver's annual water test, and passed every exercise except for the heeling portion of basic control. He had instinct and enthusiasm aplenty, but heeling politely requires maturity, and he wasn't quite there yet. But this year, in 2003, Quin was ready. Sue had spent the intervening months strengthening his grasp of heeling, recalls, and stays, and it showed. And once he'd passed basic control, the rest was a cakewalk. Only Quin, being Quin, made it memorable, charging the water at top speed, saving the victims and bringing in those adrift articles in well under half the time allotted for each exercise. He earned hearty applause from the crowd, and sincere congratulations from the judges – and huge hugs from Sue.

VN Ch Sweetbay’s Liam CD RN WRD TDD, OFA NF-7984, EL-2023
Call name: Liam
Born: 3-17-01
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owner: Patti Pigeon, Golden, Colorado
Title earned: WD (NCA Water Dog junior water rescue title)

September 13 found Patti Pigeon and Liam at the High Country Newfoundland Club annual water test at Chatfield Reservoir outside Denver. Patti had procrastinated sending Liam's entry in, and thus, he was the last entrant in a very large junior division. In Denver, one never knows what the weather will bring, but water test weekends had always been relatively balmy and warm. No one had expected freezing rain and horrendous wind and bitter cold. Waiting for their turn, still hours away, Patti was wearing every article of clothing she had brought and she was still miserable, and Liam quickly picked up on her mood. Finally – finally – their turn came. As if to make it up to her, Liam promptly aced every water exercise, one-two-three-four-five. His swim with handler was particularly nice, as that had been a bit of a bugaboo and only recently had it approached qualifying. But it was beautiful on test day, and Liam and Patti were delighted to be awarded that WD.

Sweetbay's Kate CD WRD , OFA NF-7226, EL-1461
Call name: Kate
Born: 6-3-99
Sire: Sweetbay's Bounder CanCD, OFA NF-5924, EL-685
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owners: Nancy Nevin, Mundelein, Illinois
Title earned: WRD (NCA Water Dog senior water rescue title)

Sometimes you drive hundreds of miles to get into a water test. And sometimes there's one right in your back yard. Nancy Nevin and Kate participated in the North Central Newfoundland Club water test on September 14. It was a day of good omens for Nancy, for the test was only minutes from home, and the weather was spectacularly cold – a temperature both Kate and Nancy prefer. It's also fortunate that Nancy knows to train at different sites, because this test was a challenge. For one thing, it went from standing to swimming depth only four feet from shore, a distinct and dramatic change from most beaches with their gradual entry.

Kate loves water work. She loves each exercise, especially the retrieves, and is not keen on letting go of any prize she fetches. Often Nancy has to say, “Leave that, Kate, we're going to do this now.” Fortunately, Kate loves everything about water work, and is always keen to do more, more, more. When she brought Nancy in on the rescue, the sixth (final) exercise, Kate wasn't the least bit interested in learning that she had just earned her WRD. She was scanning the water and the shoreline, looking to spot her next job. She just wanted to get busy on the next task!

Sweetbay’s Nova RN TD WRD CanWRDX TDD CanDD, OFA NF-8113, EL-2111
Call name: Nova
Born: 11-15-01
Sire: Sweetbay's Cheechako AmCanCDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603, EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay's Esme AmCanCD TD WRD AmCanDD, OFA NF-7215, EL-1456
Owner: Jean & Mark Ochsner, Portland, Oregon
Title earned: TD (AKC Tracking Dog tracking title)

If you're an avid tracker, you know that anything can happen at a tracking test. There are so many factors that influence a performance. The weather is always a biggie. Light rain is good; downpours wash away scent. Cool weather is perfect; a hot day and your Newfoundland is vulnerable to heatstroke (not to mention the scent dissipating rapidly). The condition of the fields plays a big role; bare dirt or corn-stubble are an entirely different proposition from green grass. Even the judges factor in; they can send your chance of passing to zero with a badly plotted track.

Jean Ochsner and Nova got nothing but four leaf clovers at their first tracking test. It was put on by the national beagle club on September 25 (as part of their specialty), at Frenchman's Bar near Vancouver, Washington, a spectacular park along the Columbia River with lush green fields everywhere you looked. Jean drew track #2, and had to wait only moments before her turn. Nova started out strongly, and just got better, rounding every corner with assurance. The fourth one, though, was a puzzler. There was a thick stand of willow and birch trees to the left, and Jean was pretty sure the track couldn't go there. Nova, too, liked the broad open field to the right, and searched there with care. When she couldn't find the scent, she investigated near the trees, then pulled Jean behind as she committed in that direction, tracking along the edge of the woods. Fifty yards later, she popped up with a glove. It was a lovely qualifying performance, made all the better because Jean trusted her dog.

Rory had competed in water tests previously, but had never quite put it all together. Anna had had such a good time with Rory at the water that her husband Pete thought it looked like fun. When he broached his offer, Anna graciously relinquished the person-in-charge designation and agreed to assume the assistant's role.

On September 27, Pete and Rory aced the junior division. There was never a question about any of the exercises; she just knocked them off, one after the other. Since they had also trained for the senior exercises, Pete post-entered her, and she darned near passed senior, too. This was despite miserable weather, and so much wind that there were whitecaps on the normally placid water, a novel situation for Rory. It also made staying on the boat difficult as it pitched and rolled on its way out. Rory compensated by using her mountain goat genes and gripping with her toenails. Despite the weather, it was quite a performance from the team – and everyone was thrilled.

Sweetbay's Ricochet CD WRD, OFA NF-7439, EL-1625
Call Name: Shay
Born: 12-17-99
Sire: Sweetbay's Cheechako AmCan CDX TD WD TDD, OFA NF-4603 EL-173
Dam: Sweetbay's Talisman CD, OFA NF-6525 EL-1016
Owner: Kathy Robbins, Mt. Airy, Maryland
Title earned: WRD (NCA Water Dog senior water rescue title)

Shay had earned her junior water title last summer, and had come within inches of earning her WRD as well. So this year, Kathy just played at the water, brushing up on the exercises and reminding Shay that there needs to be just a bit of control coupled with all that exuberance.

Shay was #7 in senior, and no one had qualified up to that point. Yet during Shay's turn, every exercise was memorable, either due to the weather or to other factors, and she earned her WRD in exemplary style. A good example is the retrieve-the-paddle exercise. There was so much wind gusting about, the boat was rocking wildly and the oarsman could not keep it in place. Shay leaped nicely and got the paddle, but as she turned to return it to me, the boat was already far, far away, and rocking back and forth. And the shore was oh so close in comparison. That would have spelled doom for many water dogs, but Shay knew the job was to return to Kathy, and she swam with purpose and delivered to hand.

Sweetbay’s Fiona AmCanCD RA TD WRD AmCanDD, EL-1924
Call name: Fiona
Born: 3-17-01
Sire: Ch Ralee's Winddancer, OFA NF-4890, EL-247
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owner: Judi and Ellis Adler, Sherwood, Oregon
Title earned: CanDD (CKC Draft Dog carting title)

There are days when Judi's especially grateful that she believes in training far beyond what is normally necessary to pass tests. At the Bernese Mountain Dog draft test in White Rock, B.C., on October 11, all that extra work paid off in spades. The gale force winds and driving rain made communicating difficult – frozen fingers give stiff signals, and bitter cold plays tricks with your brain. And the exercises themselves were structured with an eye to difficulty; the routes were taxing and tricky, the terrain treacherous, the maneuvering room nonexistent. Yet Fiona was utterly competent and joyous, earning that CanDD with her trademark flashy performance.

Many dog sporting events have graduated levels. You start out in novice, and if you do well, you can move up to open. If you succeed in open, then it's on to excellent. Usually there are different exercises at each level, and there are new tasks to learn. However, in agility, the basic elements are there in novice. All that changes – as you progress into open – is that there are more elements on the course – and you're given less time to complete them. It's a double whammy. And when you're working a Newfoundland, a breed not known for speed, few people expect you to even succeed in novice, let alone move up.

Yet move up was exactly what Anna Lewandowski and Rory did – and then they went one better and earned that Open title. And they earned it with spectacular performances. Their third leg came on October 18th, with a blazing run that was sixteen seconds under the course

CanCh Sweetbay's Ramsey CanCD CanTD WD, OFA NF-7253, EL-1479
Call name: Ramsey
Born: 6-3-99
Sire: Sweetbay's Bounder Can CD, OFA NF-5924, EL-685
Dam: Sweetbay's Parmalee AmCanCD AmCanTD AmCanWRD TDD CanDD, OFA NF-5341
Owner: Ronna Webb, Richmond, British Columbia
Title earned: CanTD (CKC Tracking Dog tracking title)

Ramsey and Ronna entered their first tracking test on November 2, in British Columbia. It was sponsored by the area's Great Dane club, and judged by Derek Nicholls. Ronna drew track #1, a bit of a disappointment since this was the first tracking test she'd ever entered, and she was rather hoping to watch a few of the other entrants before her turn. Then, as if that weren't enough to worry about, a coyote ran into the field, apparently right through where Ramsey's track was laid. But Ramsey was game, and off he went, finding the tracklayer's scent easily in the wet grass, and only briefly investigating the coyote's track where it intersected with a corner of the “real” track. The rest of the track went like clockwork, and in only a few moments, Ramsey had achieved his Canadian Tracking Dog title – a first for Ramsey, and for Ronna.

Like most dogs who do agility, Lyric loves tunnels. So when NADAC created a new competitive sport called Tunnelers, it was right up her alley. In this event, the dogs run a full course that consists of multiple tunnels. Each tunnel must be entered and exited properly, and run in the proper order, in the time allowed to receive a qualifying leg.

In tunnelers, the dogs run flat-out. There's no slowing down for contacts; it's just a mad race in which speed and energy are crucial. One dog runs immediately after another, and spectating dogs bark wildly, cheering on the competing dog – or, more likely, screeching for their turn.

On Novenber 16th, Lyric earned her third leg to complete her Novice Tunnelers title. The course was approximately 150 yards and she ran it in 34 seconds. Owner Lois Apfel wasn't nearly as fast, and had to depend on careful body language and enthusiastic “go!” commands to get Lyric throughout the course without errors. Lyric has always preferred speed over finesse, and with no bars to knock down and no pesky tables or weave poles to slow her up, she had a ball.