2013 WCA National Specialty

5-pt Major winner Bliss with owner Jen Boyd

The 2013 Weimaraner Club of America National Specialty was held last week in Perry, Georgia, with the related agility and obedience trials on site and the WCA Ratings tests close by. It was disappointing that I was unable to attend due to work commitments but the three Grayhart dogs that did attend, made us super proud.  It was a week of exciting competition in various venues and all of our girls came home with ribbons and even a few titles!

The pups from our Trixie, CH GraytSky's I'm Not Really a Waitress, CD, RN, AX, OAJ, V BROM, Pet Partner Therapy Dog, had an awesome WCA Nationals week:

Bliss, Grayhart's Launch My Line, (Clay x Trixie) owned/handled by Jen Boyd, was 1st place Open bitch at the WCA National Specialty, was Winner's Bitch and Best of Winners for a 5-pt major at the Chattahoochie Weim Club Supported Entry on Thursday, and Open class winner/reserve winners bitch (RWB) to a 5-pt major at Friday's show!

Sky with her new AXJ title medallion & 2nd place ribbon

Sky, CH Grayhart Lightfoot Early Morning Rain,RN,TD, JH,OA, AXJ, CA, NSD, NRD,CGC, VX, (Parker x Trixie) owned/handled by Debbie Moody, earned her AXJ with a 2nd place at the Chattahoochie Weim Club Agility trial. On Thursday, Sky earned her 1st MXJ leg with 5 MACH points, then Double q'd on Saturday to earn an AX leg with 2nd place & an MXJ leg! Sky also earned her CAT (coursing ability) lure coursing title in 2 days!

Mia-belle, CH Grayhart's Special Request, CDX,RA,JH,NA,NAJ,NSD, RD, VX, (Zeke x Trixie), owned/handled by Jessica Scharff, showed in 3 different venues! In agility, they double Q'd with 2 - 1st places on Saturday in Open Standard and Open JWW, and then at the WCA National's Agility trial, Q'd in Open Standard with a 1st place! Mia-belle also made her Utility obedience debut with a nice performance and compliments from the judge even though she didn't qualify. Mia-belle also ran in the WCA RDX (Retrieving Dog Excellent) test but didn't want to share the bird.

Bravo, BIF, GCH Grayhart Crescent's Bravo, CGC, owned by Jay Logan, was invited to compete in the Top 20, and although he was not in attendance, Jay celebrated his ranking and was thrilled to receive the gorgeous ribbon & sash for the invitees. 

Bravo's loot!

Bravo looked handsome on his owner's banner!

Huge thanks to the owners for making their dogs shine!!! Sorry we couldn't be there to celebrate but we were there in spirit.

4th Annual TSWR Hair of the Dog 5K & Pet Expo - Part 2 - Lure Coursing

Savi looking spiffy in the hot pink coursing coat.

One of the fun activities they offered at the event was Lure Coursing  practice runs.  Traditionally, lure coursing has been a performance event for sighthounds but recently, the AKC has made it a titling event called Coursing Ability Test for all-breeds. The AKC offers this program that the dogs and owners love so well, to test the dogs basic coursing instinct or hunting by sight ability.  The dogs chase an artificial lure, in an open field and are judged by two judges, on the dogs overall ability, speed, endurance, agility, and how well they follow the lure. The upside of this event is the dogs are kept in such good healthy shape, by doing something that comes naturally and that they really like to do.

Savi is totally fixated on the other dogs chasing the lure aka the plastic bags!

The lure coursing was run by PawPals PCA who offer weekly training and practice sessions in our area.  It is a great way to cross train your dogs for other dog sports such as agility. 

Showing me how to get Savi ready at the start line...waiting for the signal...

Release the dog on the "T" of Tallyho!!!  and Savi was off like a bullet chasing the lure!

Savi was quite impressive in her run and Mike Stoble from PCA said she was a natural and great PR as the crowd cheered her on during her awesome run.  He encouraged us to come to his practices.

Jam took a turn but wasn't quite as enthusiastic as her sister.  I think she thought there would be birds out in the field and was disappointed not to find any.  She had a good run but will stick to hunting birds.

Our friends Kellyann and her 9-yr old June at the start line.  June was amazing!

4th Annual TSWR Hair of the Dog 5K & Pet Expo - Part 1

On Sunday, we attended the 4th Annual TriState Weimaraner Rescue Hair of the Dog 5K & Pet Expo.  This event is held at the beautiful Silver Decoy Winery and a major fundraiser for TSWR.  The day was cloudy and very chilly, but the rain held off and the temps made for comfortable race conditions.  We opted to walk the 5k with our group of dogs and really enjoyed it.

The 5k took us through the local area and ended back at the winery where they offered wine tasting, live music and other fun activities.  All the runners received nice gift bags, etched wine glasses and event t-shirts.

Refreshing drinks along the route for everyone including the dogs.  Note how my girls didn't even have to ask the man to hold the cup for them to drink...they are princesses of course!

Yay - we made it to the finish line.  From l-r: Kellyann, Haze, June, me, Jam and Savi

Haze getting kisses from his momma.

Savi getting a quick cuddle as she watches the lure coursing....a new and exciting activity for her!  More on that in Part 2...