Earthdog
Earthdog
Arizona Earthdog Club
April 5-6, 2008 - Cottonwood, Ariz.
Cris Baldwin’s Suzy Q heads for the junior den.
Be prepared to be very busy when you attend an Arizona Earthdog Club event! They have three full days of Earthdog fun for terriers and Dachshunds in the beautiful setting of Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Ariz. The views are breathtaking, and the people are friendly. They started off the weekend with a Friday clinic conducted by Jo Ann Frier-Murza. That was followed by a terrific "Ratting for Ratings" session. The winner was a senior novice miniature wirehaired Dachshund named Eeka with her junior handler Nicole Quinn.
Camden Parker handled Russell Terrier Rufus’ in the junior class.
Saturday's Earthdog test had an entry of 15 in the master class. The eight braces were treated to a well-laid-out and picturesque walk up. There was plenty for the dogs to investigate on the way to the den. This is definitely Border Terrier country as more than half the master entry was made up of Borders. Judge Dennis Broderick did the honors for the Introduction to Quarry class as master was running. The senior and junior classes share a den and were run in the afternoon. There were numerous spectators and applause for all entrants, even the ones who didn't quite qualify. This is a supportive group of Earthdoggers! When the Earthdog test itself was complete, the day was far from over. There was an elaborate barn hunt during which there were about 50 runs. And, still not done, there was a pot luck dinner get-together at Lee Olson's place in Cottonwood.
Border Terrier Grace, owned by Wanda Brown, at the master den entrance.
The second test on Sunday went just as smoothly as the first. Credit has to be given to Chair Billie Rosen and Secretary Judy Locke for keeping everything on pace, well-manned and very organized. This was Judy's first stint as the event secretary, and she was well-prepared. Many club members pitched in wherever needed to get the job done. This club doesn't have the luxury of permanent dens and has to remove the dens and fill the trenches at the end of the day. This job was accomplished for the last den of the day with everything loaded up in Lee's truck, trenches filled in and ready to go about 30 minutes after the last dog ran. These club members exemplify teamwork.
Border Terrier Boogie, who earned his Junior title with back-to-back legs, is held by owner Debbie Mason.
